3. Holiness screens the soul from Divine censure at the second advent of Christ.—“Unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints” (ver. 13). Christ will come in glorious pomp attended by His holy ones—saints and angels. He who remains steadfast in holiness shall be held blameless then. Our outer life may be censured by men; but if God, even our Father, who stablishes our hearts in holiness, absolves and approves, it will be enough. That holiness alone is genuine which will bear the searching scrutiny of Omniscience.
Lessons.—1. Recognise God in every event of life. 2. To attain the highest degree of personal purity pray for an increase of love. 3. Act in all things so as to secure the Divine approval.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES.
Vers. 12, 13. A Prayer for Growth in Personal Piety—
- Acknowledges and invokes the Divine source of all spiritual good.—“The Lord make you.”
- Growth in piety is growth in Christian love.—“Increase and abound in love.”
- Growth in piety is the establishment of the soul in unblameable holiness.—“To the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness.”
- Growth in piety is essential to gain the approval of God at the second advent of Christ.—“Before God, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.”
Ver. 13. The Coming of Christ—
- Will be an imposing spectacle.
- Should be ardently longed for.
- Demands on our part diligent moral preparedness.
CHAPTER IV.
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.