1912 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

fleshly imperfections, we will need no more, because wewill no longer have the fleshly imperfections.The new robe is said to be embroidered. And thisfigure carries with it our endeavors at the present timeto develop the character-likeness of Jesus--to perfection,in the spirit. As we read, "It (the New Creature, thesoul) is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it issown in dishonor, raised in glory; it is sown an animalbody (needing the imputation of Jesus' merit); it is raiseda spirit body" (in full possession of a merit of its own).----------Question.--Will any of those found worthy of a placein the Bride company wear Christ's robe of righteousness?Answer.--We understand that all who make the consecrationdo so and are accepted, in one hope of theircalling, and that that one hope is the hope of being amember of the Bride class and joint-heir with Christ.The fact that there will be a "great company" is a specialfavor ordained of the Lord in the interest of those who donot prove sufficiently zealous to be counted in with Jesusas "more than conquerors."The "great company" of Revelation 7:9 is composed ofsuch as fail to come up to the highest standard of sacrificerequired of the Lord, but who, nevertheless, willprove not unfaithful in their final test. These are saidto have not kept their garments unspotted from the world;hence the requirement that they shall wash them in theblood of the Lamb--prove their loyalty under disciplineand stress, having failed to prove it by voluntary obedienceunto sacrifice. Thus both the Bride and her virgins whofollow her all wear the Bridegroom's robe (justification)in the present life. And all in the future life will attainperfection on their own account.This imputed robe will not be needed by the "greatcompany" after they shall have experienced their "change"to the spirit condition; for they, too, will be changed, ina moment and thereafter possess an individual perfectionof their own.----------Question.--Will not the Church when she shall havepassed under the veil have all the merit of Christ in herhand to put on the mercy-seat?Answer.--No; the Church has nothing whatever to dowith atoning for sin, even as the under-priests had nothingwhatever to do with the presentations of the Day ofAtonement blood on the propitiatory.A correct view of the matter, we believe, is this: TheHigh Priest, Jesus, ascended on high and made imputationof His merit to the Church. Those who waited inthe "upper room" for the Pentecostal blessing had presentedthemselves before God, desiring to be accepted ofHim as sacrifices. They did not sacrifice themselves,