I would conclude this part of our subject by citing some passages of Scripture. The references in some cases may have a more limited and restricted meaning; but they all tend in the same direction. There are certain stars which, seen by the naked eye, are single, but when observed through a telescope are seen to be double stars. Being of the same appearance, and lying in the same direction, they are fused into one, though there may a vast space between.
It is so in many passages in the Word of God. They have a double meaning; one nearer, and one more remote. Events are foretold which are realized in part in this life, and fully in the life to come. The fact is, that in many cases we have to take in the future life in order to understand the reference at all. It has been too much our habit not to look for definiteness and accuracy, because we imagined the events must find their fulfillment in the present life. But When our outlook goes beyond this life, we see a reasonableness and harmony that we did not see before.
This will be apparent in some of these passages. And it will help our interpretation very much if we only remember that the whole span Of time is but a passing epoch in the divine administration.
Here then are some passages; and there are many more of similar tenor, which we would do well to ponder.
"In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed."
I would just enquire: How can such a promise as that be fulfilled within the span of time? Not for about two thousand years was the divine seed of Abraham born, when the promise was given. Meantime thousands and thousands of the families of the earth went out of this life in sin and darkness, without having so much as heard the Saviour's name. It is now nearly two thousand years more, and the human race has much increased; millions and millions more of the families of the earth have come and gone; and in their case the promise has not been fulfilled. And be the ardor of missions what it may, uncounted millions more of the families of the earth will never in this life so much as hear of the blessing through Abraham's seed. Is it not inevitable that we must take into our view the possibilities of life to come? The promise will be fulfilled then. "All Israel shall be saved."
I will not stay to make any further comments on the passages I would submit. Let them speak for themselves.
"He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away all tears from off all faces."
"And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
"Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation."