Just a closing word! Our subject would lack a proper finish if we did not explain scripturally why God has delayed the world’s blessing, the resurrection, nearly two thousand years since the death of Jesus. The reason is such a glorious one! It must appeal to every true Christian heart and make it glad. It is this:

God purposed the selection of the Church before the blessing of resurrection should go to the world. This Church is called sometimes “the body of Christ” (1 Cor. 12:27), which is the church of which Jesus is the head (Eph. 5:23). Again it is styled “The Bride — the Lamb’s Wife” (Rev. 21:9). Ever since Pentecost the heavenly Father has been drawing believers to Jesus’ side. After having been justified through faith in the precious blood, they have been invited to become Jesus’ disciples, his followers, to walk in his steps, to lay down their lives in the Father’s service, as Jesus did, and to develop in their hearts the fruits and graces of the holy Spirit to such a degree that they might be called copies of God’s dear Son.

The promise to these is not the resurrection of restitution promised to the world during the Millennium. On the contrary, these have a “heavenly calling” (Heb. 3:1). After their consecration they are begotten of the holy Spirit and then instructed in the school of Christ and submitted to trials and disciplines in various ways, for the purpose of chiseling ad polishing their characters as New Creatures. These are a “little flock” (Luke 12:32), gathered one here and one there; “saints” (Rom. 1:7) from all denominations and from outside of all denominations, for “the Lord knoweth them that are his” (2 Tim. 2:19). When the predestined number of the “elect” (Titus 1:1) shall have been selected and polished, the present age will end. Our Lord will come in second advent glory and power. His elect Bride will constitute the First Resurrection class, from earthly to heavenly nature, “changed in a moment,” for “flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.” — 1 Cor. 15:50-52.

Then will come the holy, invisible Millennial Kingdom and the binding of Satan and the destruction of his unholy, invisible kingdom, and the setting loose of agencies for the enlightening and uplifting of the whole race.

Those of you who are already the Lord’s consecrated saints, lift up your heads and realize more fully than ever before the glorious fullness of the heavenly calling, of which you have been made partakers. To others who have the hearing ear and appreciate this high calling we way, Permit the love of God and of Christ to constrain you (2 Cor. 5:14) and become disciples indeed of Jesus, laying aside every weight and every besetting sin, and entering the race and pressing with vigor to its end and crown of glory! (Heb. 12:1)