| Perhaps no subject of Scriptural study has baffled Bible students
more than that of the relation of sin and evil to the great purpose of God. Certainly in
the Divine Plan of the Ages an effort was made to reconcile the "permission
of evil" with the character and power of God; but no real solution is given. No words, I believe, can better present the joy and peace coming from a proper explanation of this great problem than the words of introduction to THE PROBLEM OF EVIL: INTRODUCTION Words cannot express my thankfulness for the consolation and peace, the confidence and exultation which this truth has brought to my heart. It is just what is needed in these terrible times when men's hearts are failing them with fear of what is coming upon the earth. Make it known far and wide! Tell the people who so sorely need it why God seems to have forsaken His creatures. Explain to them His object in their trials. And show them the glorious future which He has in store for all the creatures of His heart and hand. What joy it will bring to many a weary and discouraged heart. How solid a foundation it puts beneath our feet. And how simple and sensible it is. All is of God, the bad as well as the good. He rides the storm. The future is assured. Oh, that our eyes were opened to see it. Such are the words which come to us from those who have read this study. Christendom, alas, fulfills what is foretold of it in the Bible, and no longer believes or teaches what God has revealed. It does not worship God as God, but gives part of His deity to the devil and man. This must needs be. But in this way God is only painting the background of His great picture, and it must be dark, oh, so dark so that the highlights will be more brilliant when the work is done. He will use your trials, your discouragements, in order to enhance you happiness in the future and to enable you to appreciate His power and grace and love in saving, justifying and vivifying you when the consummation comes. And if you believe Him, and accept His salvation in Christ Jesus, you may anticipate much of this future bliss, and escape the judgment which lies before all God's creatures before He can be All in all. You are probably like the miserable beggar who was an heir to untold wealth, yet never knew it. Only in your case your inheritance is sure. All we wish to do is tell you of it so you may have all the joy and satisfaction which comes from knowing that the future is safe and glorious. But better far than this, you will have the unselfish exultation which comes from the knowledge that all your fellow men, in spite of their present misery and degradation, are also creatures created in the Son of God's love, and objects of His affection, sure of future bliss. God will richly bless you through His Anointed. May He do it now, through the knowledge of Himself! |
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