Bible Study Hour - PREPARATION FOR SERVICE

R. A. UNDERWOOD

May 21, 8:30 A. M.

The general theme of Elder Underwood’s discourse in the main pavilion Wednesday morning, was the preparation of heart needed for the reception of the Holy Spirit. God is waiting, waiting, to bless abundantly; and as we do our part, fulfilling his will, we shall enjoy his presence and help in all our endeavors.GCB May 23, 1913, page 107.12

In the typical services of the earthly sanctuary, there were ceremonies that brought every worshiper near to his God. As the smoke of the incense ascended daily during the time of morning and evening prayer, the minds of the people were turned heavenward, and none who exercised faith in the atoning grace of the promised Deliverer went away empty.GCB May 23, 1913, page 107.13

Elder Underwood read the following from “Mount of Blessing,” pages 164, 165 (old edition):—GCB May 23, 1913, page 107.14

“The angels who offer the smoke of the fragrant incense are ministering for the praying saints. Then let the evening prayers in every family rise steadily to heaven in the sunset hour, while these divine ministers are speaking before God, in our behalf, of the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour. The blood alone is efficacious. It alone can make propitiation for our sins. It is the blood of the only-begotten Son of God that is of value for us, enabling us to draw nigh unto God; his blood alone that ‘taketh away the sin of the world.’ Morning and evening the heavenly universe beholds every household that prays; and the angel with the incense, representing the blood of the atonement, finds access to God..GCB May 23, 1913, page 107.15

The speaker read several passages of Scripture illustrative of the blessing and power that come today to all who pray in faith, believing that He who has promised is well able to bestow upon his children that which will enable them to finish his work in this generation.GCB May 23, 1913, page 108.1

Close, daily communion between man and his God leads to rejoicing. The inner experiences of the individual are revealed to all about. The exhortation of the psalmist, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy,” finds fulfillment. And, thank God, those who are even now rejoicing in forgiveness granted, are confined to no one land or people. They are being gathered out of all lands, “from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.” Psalm 107:2, 3.GCB May 23, 1913, page 108.2

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: ... that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13, 14.GCB May 23, 1913, page 108.3