Chapter 43—A Higher Experience

We need constantly a fresh revelation of Christ, a daily experience that harmonizes with His teachings. High and holy attainments are within our reach. Continual progress in knowledge and virtue is God’s purpose for us. His law is the echo of His own voice, giving to all the invitation, “Come up higher. Be holy, holier still.” Every day we may advance in the perfection of Christian character.MHH 296.1

Those who are engaged in service for the Master need an experience much higher, deeper, broader, than many have yet thought of having. Many who are already members of God’s great family know little of what it means to behold His glory and to be changed from glory to glory. Many have a twilight perception of Christ’s excellence, and their hearts thrill with joy. They long for a fuller, deeper sense of the Savior’s love. Let these cherish every desire of the soul after God. The Holy Spirit works with those who will be worked, molds those who will be molded, fashions those who will be fashioned. Give yourselves the culture of spiritual thoughts and holy communings. You have seen merely the first rays of the early dawn of His glory. As you follow on to know the Lord, you will know that “the path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Proverbs 4:18, RV, margin.MHH 296.2

“‘These things I have spoken to you,’” said Christ, “‘that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.’” John 15:11.MHH 296.3

Ever before Him, Christ saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the thought that He would not suffer all this travail for nothing. By giving His life for the life of sinners, He would restore in humanity the image of God. He would lift us up from the dust, reshape the character after the pattern of His own character, and make it beautiful with His own glory.MHH 296.4

Christ saw of the travail of His soul and was satisfied. He viewed the expanse of eternity and saw the happiness of those who through His humiliation would receive pardon and everlasting life. He was wounded for their transgressions, bruised for their iniquities. The chastisement of their peace was upon Him, and with His stripes they were healed. See Isaiah 53:11, 5. He heard the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Although He must first receive the baptism of blood, although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul, although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was upon Him, yet for the joy that was set before Him He chose to endure the cross; He despised the shame.MHH 297.1

This joy all His followers are to share. However great and glorious the hereafter will be, not all our reward is to be reserved for the time of final deliverance. Even here we are by faith to enter into the Savior’s joy. Like Moses, we are to endure as seeing the Invisible.MHH 297.2

Now the church is militant. Now we are confronted with a world in darkness, almost wholly given over to idolatry.MHH 297.3