ETERNAL THINGS by M. C. Guild

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 14, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 15.

ETERNAL THINGS.

By M. C. Guild

Nothing of this world is lasting. Earth's pleasures are transient, its joys are fleeting, and the choicest treasures of men are soon gone. Kingdoms rise but to fall again; mighty cities crumble into ruins, and even the sturdy trees grow old and decay.

It is said of Xerxes that, after marshaling his immense army of over 5,000,000 men, he wept at the thought that in 100 years not one of that mighty host would be alive.

“Few of the things we value here Wake on the morn of their hundredth year.”

It is a cheering thought that some things will endure, even after the earth in its present form ceases to be. “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” 1 John 2:17.

The child of God is more concerned in laying up treasures above than in seeking the fleeting things of earth, knowing that he has in heaven a better and an enduring substance. There we shall have a life that measures with the life of God, and of Him it is written, “But Thou, O Lord, shalt endure forever.” Ps. 102:12. His mercy and love will never change, and surely this should cause us to rejoice.

His kingdom shall never be destroyed, but it will stand forever. Dan. 2:44. The pleasures of those who serve Him will never become wearisome, and their joy will never end.

“In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” Ps. 16:11.

“The works of His hands are verity and judgment; all His commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.” Ps. 111:7, 8.

Truth will last. “The truth of the Lord endureth forever.” Ps. 117:2.

Those who, through love to God, lay hold of these things here, are linking themselves with principles that will carry them safely through eternity. All these things are eternal in their nature. Were God to change or abolish them, His character would be compromised, and His government would be imperiled. Take His law, for example. If God should change the first two commandments, and He should give permission to worship other gods, or bow down to idols, it would be recognizing the right of another to govern, hence His own kingdom could not stand. Satan was cast out of heaven for seeking to take the place of God. Isa. 14:12–14. The first two commandments must always remain, “while right is right and God is God.”

Then if He should change the third commandment, and give permission to take His name in vain, the harmony of heaven would be broken, love and loyalty would disappear. The third commandment, then, will always exist while the honor of God endures.

The Sabbath day can never be changed or abolished, for the authority of God, and that which continually reminds us of Him, would then be destroyed. Hence the Lord has made it a sign between Him and His people forever (see Ex. 31:17), and it will continue, even in the earth made new (Isa. 66:22, 23).

Neither can any of the last six of the commandments be changed. It is simply absurd to think of permission being given to steal, and it would be preposterous to imagine that one could lie or kill with impunity.

The time is soon coming when sin and the perishable things of earth will cease. 2 Peter 3:10; Isa. 51:6–8.

Then the whole universe will be in harmony with God and His eternal truth. See Rev. 4:13.

May each who reads this come into harmony with Him here, laying hold on the hope set before us, and so be among those who receive “a kingdom which can not be moved.”

M. C. GUILD.