1st Coming - Understanding Prophecy
by
D. Yamartino
Page 152 of  57

By His divine love, His noble sacrifice, and His heavenly teachings, He scattered across the ages, and into the hearts of all peoples, the seeds of faith and salvation (152:3)

The life-giving spirit He released into the world and the influence that His holy doctrine was destined to exert over time are also described in a parable: (152:4)

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. Matthew 13:33 (152:5)

Along with His symbolic references to the establishment by degrees of the kingdom in this world, Christ revealed the relationship of the individual to the kingdom. Although time itself is required for the world as a whole to establish the Kingdom of God on earth according to the divine plan, Christ stated clearly that individuals are free to enter the kingdom at any time. He declared that individuals merely have to do the will of the Father, and then they will enter under the sovereignty of God: (152:6)

And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: (152:7)

And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices (152:8)

And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. Mark 12:32-34 (152:9)

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 7:21 (152:10)

Indeed, it is within each one of us to enter the kingdom: (152:11)

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:21 (152:12)

I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. John 16:28 (152:13)

His Holiness Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, the Holy One of Israel, had opened the gates, had scattered the seeds, had promulgated a pure and holy life, had upraised the law, had proclaimed an eternal realm, and had by His precious blood made atonement for the sins of the world (152:14)

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