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Man More Precious Than Gold, February 2
I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than
the golden wedge of Ophir.
Isaiah 13:12
.
Few appreciate the value of man, and the glory that would redound
to God were he to cultivate and preserve purity, nobility, and integrity of
character.... The short space of time allotted to men here is exceedingly
valuable. Now, while probation lingers, God proposes to unite His strength
with the weakness of finite man.... Those who truly love God will desire so
to improve the talents that He has given them, that they may be a blessing
to others. And by and by the gates of heaven will be thrown wide open to
admit them, and from the lips of the King of glory the benediction will
fall upon their ears like richest music, “Come, ye blessed of my Father,
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Matthew 25:34
.
Thus the redeemed will be welcomed to the mansions that Jesus is
preparing for them. There their companions will not be the vile of earth—
liars, idolaters, the impure, or the unbelieving; but they will associate with
those who have overcome Satan and his devices, and through divine aid
have formed perfect characters. Every sinful tendency, every imperfection
that afflicts them here, has been removed by the blood of Christ; and
the excellence and brightness of His glory, far exceeding the brightness
of the sun in its meridian splendor, is imparted to them. And the moral
beauty, the perfection of His character, shines through them, in worth far
exceeding this outward splendor. They are without fault around the great
white throne, sharing the dignity and privileges of the angels.
“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart
of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
1
Corinthians 2:9
. In view of the glorious inheritance which may be his,
“what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” He may be poor; yet
he possesses in himself a wealth and dignity that the world could never
bestow. The soul redeemed and cleansed from sin, with all its noble
powers dedicated to the service of God, is of surpassing worth.
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