The work of the Holy Spirit - pagina 584

LOVE

544

and with all his evil powers of selfishness opposed Love. Then Love had to fight, not because it was in its nature, but in self-defense. Indeed, it may not cease to fight until all selfishness is under perAnd when Love's rule is safe, Love does not recline fect control. in everlasting slumber, but with strong impulse and holy animation continues the unfolding of its holy and restful life. This fight is not fought in every heart separately. The fact that is the author and inspirer of all selfishness proves the mutual

Satan

To some extent even selHence victory over individual selfishness does not avail so long as selfishness continues in others. The selfishness of one will necessarily affect the other, and Love can not

relation of selfishness in every heart. fishness is organized.

celebrate its triumph. It is true,

far as

we

in death

God

cuts off all sin from our hearts; and so

are concerned selfishness

is

cast out.

He who awakes in way to hell. But

eternity with selfishness in his heart is on the

God in death graciously draws the last threads of selfishness from the hearts of His elect, yet their warfare against selfishness is not ended. For even from heaven Christ wages war, until the hour when, as the true Michael, with all His angels He shall deliver the last blow upon Satan and his unholy demons. And if immediately altho

after death the elect will enjoy with

Immanuel the communion

Him in the Him day and night. No saint

of

Love, then of course they will engage with

conflict

against Satan and fight with

can see

and remain neutral. Nay, the Love of God is so and captivating that he can not but enter the con-

his Savior fight

deep, stirring, flict.

How in heaven the redeemed partake of the conflict we do not know. When in times of war husbands, fathers, and sons go out to meet the foe, wives, mothers, and daughters stay at home and never see the battle-field, but nevertheless they are partakers of the conflict: in their hearts and prayers; by their letters of love inspiring the men in the field with their own hands providing for their necessities; by nursing the wounded and dying; by honoring Even on earth one the returning heroes and those fallen in battle. can be engaged in the fight without moving a foot, wielding no weapon other than Love. This answers in some measure the question how in heaven the redeemed partake of the warfare with Michael against Satan through the great Loi^e in their hearts ; and by ;

:

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