When He Is Come - Media Sabda Org

WHEN HE IS COME
by
Joshua Stauffer
Chapter 26
THE ASCENDING SCALE OF THE SPIRIT'S OPERATIONS
The operations of Deity forever and ever roll forward and upward. Deity is without increase or
diminution. However, the operations and revelations of God in relation to man are ever progressive.
In the Bible, time is not only measured by hours, days, weeks, months, and years, but also by ages.
An age is an indefinite period of time in which God deals with the human race along certain lines
for certain purposes, then when those purposes are fulfilled, He will bring it to a close and usher in
another age. In each age, God gives a certain revelation of Himself and His purposes to men. In
studying the history of the human race and the prophecies given in the Bible, we learn that every
succeeding age since the fall of Adam, an added revelation of God has been given with an advanced
development of His purposes. These purposes are the development of a new creation, a race of sons
of God, a new heaven, and a new earth wherein righteousness shall dwell forever. There is an
ascending scale, a divine crescendo in the development of the purposes of God. As we trace the work
of the Holy Spirit through the ages, we learn that it also is on an ascending scale. In each succeeding
age the progress of His operations are revealed to be superior to the preceding age.
I. The Spirit's Ministry Before the Flood
Little is recorded concerning the agency, exertion of power, and influence of the Holy Spirit in
the period from the fall of Adam to the flood. All that we read concerning His works in this age is
included in these words: "And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man" (Gen. 6:3).
From these words we learn that the Lord was faithful to men before the flood, and that the Holy
Spirit did strive with them. The antediluvians had sufficient light which was a warning to them and
should have led them to repentance. God did not leave them without light, warning, and conviction.
The Spirit honors the preaching and testimonies of the saints, and through them brings conviction
to sinners. The people before the flood evidently were privileged to go to the gate of the garden of
Eden where they could sacrifice to the Lord. After the expulsion from Eden, it was the duty of Adam
to communicate to his descendants the promise of a coming Redeemer and that through sacrificing
they could be redeemed. His testimony was a living witness to all his descendants through the entire
period of his life. He lived nine hundred thirty years then died. Then God called a prophet and
preacher, Enoch, who was faithful in warning the people of coming judgment. God revealed to
Enoch when Methuselah was born that the life of that child would be the length of life for all men
and that when he died, judgment would come. The English for Methuselah is "when he is dead it
shall be sent." The longsuffering of God was revealed in that He allowed Methuselah to live nine
hundred sixty-nine years. His presence among the people even without any message was a warning
to all. Then God called Noah to become a preacher of righteousness, and to build the ark for the
saving of his own household. All of these things were light to that generation. The Spirit made use
of these ministries so that all were without excuse.