Gospel News — May-Aug 2013

24

The Bible teaches that God is unchangeable in His purpose (Malachi 3:6). He is all-knowing (omniscient) (Ps 139:1-6): everywhere present (omnipresent) (vv 7-12): all powerful (omnipotent) (vv 13-18). The fact that God knows all (Heb 4:13; Jer 23:24), and can enforce His will shows how circumspect we should be in our conduct before Him. Nevertheless, He would rule by love and not fear. The purpose of His revelation is to change our characters that they may conform to His, so fitting us mentally and morally for the bestowal of eternal life (a physical change) at Christ's coming (Phil 3:20-21).

The Father's purpose

The divine purpose is expressed in its simplest form in Num 14:21: "As truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of Yahweh". What does this entail? Certainly the whole earth will display the majesty of God, but God's glory involves more than this: it also involves His character. When Moses asked God to show him His glory, God in reply revealed His character: "Merciful, gracious, longsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth" (Exodus 33:18; 34:6-7).

God's glory will be revealed in all the earth when it is peopled by men and women who reflect in their lives His character. In his life, Jesus revealed "the glory of the Father" in that He was "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Jesus was resurrected and is the firstborn of many brethren. We can be among those who will be redeemed if we follow his example (1Peter 2:21; Rom 8:29-30).

God is calling men and women now for this purpose. If we understand the divine purpose and show God's character in our lives now, when Christ returns we will be given divine nature (1Peter 1:4) and will display the divine character in the perfection of immortality. Let us apply ourselves, therefore, to our studies of the Bible so that we might be made "wise unto salvation" and be accounted worthy of an abundant entry into the kingdom when the Lord comes.

Lessons for us

— Only by reading the Bible can we know the ultimate destiny of the earth and mankind — God requires us to know the truth concerning Him — A study of the Bible can and should affect our lives: "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to thy word" (Ps 119:9), "See that ye refuse not him that speaketh" (Heb 12:25),

— "Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good" (1Thes 5:21)

Live Down False Accusations

(1Peter 2:12; 3:16)

Bro Henderson Sosola
(Mtenthela, Malawi)

Scripture encourages us to "Let not your good be evil spoken of " (Rom 14:16), yet we may be unjustly accused at times, whether such accusations are the result of misunderstandings or direct attempt to slander us. The believer's reaction should be non-resisting good works. There are times when we may speak a word of clarification to correct simple misunderstandings and false reports.

Let us notice Christ's example. No- one's life was more misrepresented and misinterpreted than Christ's. But he simply led such an upright and consistent life that there was no doubt about what was true or false about him. As he performed his ministry, he showed no signs of being overly disturbed by the slanders against him.

If someone twists your words, or by falsehood dishonours your name, take it patiently. Do not try to fight it down by fist or tongue. The best way to disprove an evil report will be to live a right life. When there are evildoers against you, they may by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation (1Peter 2:12).