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We Shall See Him

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International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 17, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 36.

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We Shall See Him.

THERE are thousands on thousands of men who walk the earth, and many thousands more who sleep within its bosom, in whose hearts have burned a desire to see their Saviour's face. For centuries Christians have loved an unseen Saviour, followed an unseen Leader, trusted in an unseen Deliverer, and worshiped an unseen Lord. “Whom having not seen ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” They have not believed because they have seen, but they have that blessing which is pronounced on those who have not seen and yet have believed.
They have scanned with strange curiosity the records of their Saviour's life and death, but among all the particulars there laid down they have not been able to find one hint or token that would inform them concerning the personal appearance of him who is dearest to their hearts. Thus they know him not after the flesh, but he images to them the glory of the invisible God.
It is not a vain curiosity that leads Christians to desire to see their Lord. Their loving gratitude causes them to long to behold the face that was marred and spit upon, the brow that was wreathed with thorns, the form that was pierced and torn and mangled for their sins. And they have a strong assurance that at last their desire shall be granted. “They shall see his face, and his name shall be in their foreheads.” They shall be like him, for they “shall see him as he is.” Their “eyes shall see the king in his beauty;” they shall behold him whom their souls have loved with unuttered and unutterable desire.
And when that beatific vision shall salute our eyes, we shall have looked our last look on sorrows, and afflictions, and foes; we shall have witnessed the last parting, and shall have beheld the last death-bed scene; we shall have gazed on the last grave, and have read the last monumental inscription. Henceforth our eyes shall be turned to brighter scenes. In gazing on Jesus in his glory we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is, and shall be satisfied when we awake in his likeness.
There we shall see his face, And never, never sin; There from the rivers of his grace Drink endless pleasures in.
—Sel.