Open the Windows of the Soul Heavenward

[Release requested for article in the Review and Herald.]

John calls our attention to the love God has bestowed on us. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:2). Can we comprehend this love? Even if we expanded the mind to its utmost limit, could we take in its measurement or give the gift of love the appreciation it deserves?1MR 388.2

Although for ages sin has been accumulating, although through falsehood and artifice Satan has cast the black shadow of his interpretation upon the Word of God, yet the Father's mercy and love have not ceased to flow earthward in rich currents. If human beings would open the windows of the soul heavenward, in appreciation of the divine gifts, a flood of healing virtues would pour in, leading men to exclaim, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and gave His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10).1MR 388.3

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).... For us He gave His only begotten Son up to suffer a life of abuse, insult, mockery, and rejection. We can never endure what Christ endured, never suffer what He suffered....1MR 388.4

In his dying charge to Timothy, Paul said, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; that thou keep this commandment without spot and unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in His times He shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of Lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting” (1 Timothy 6:12-16). Letter 79, 1900, pp. 10-13. (To William Kerr, May 10, 1900.)1MR 389.1

White Estate

Washington, D. C.,

April 24, 1957.