1912 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

people!But the work that Jesus was doing was merely theproclamation of these things, with a few illustrations orexamples of healing, etc. The real time for Him to accomplishthe deliverance of the captives, the liberating ofthe sin-bruised, and the giving of sight to the blind, thatall might sing the praises of God and appreciate HisR5068 : page 233favor--these actual blessings belonged to the MessianicKingdom time. What Jesus was doing was merely a foreshadowingof the great things to be accomplished future--"In the Times of Restitution of all things which Godhath spoken by the mouth of all His Holy Prophets."--Acts 3:19-21.PROCLAIMING "THE ACCEPTABLE YEAR"This brief expression, so little understood, pointed outthe special work of Jesus, far more important than themiracles. The term, "acceptable year," or acceptable time,refers to this entire Gospel Age of more than eighteencenturies. It is "the acceptable time" in the sense thatduring this period God is willing, through the merit ofChrist's sacrifice, to accept from amongst the sinners aLittle Flock of joint-sacrificers to share with their Redeemerin His Kingdom.No opportunity had been granted in the past to becomedead with Jesus, to present their bodies living sacrifices,to walk in His footsteps, to fill up the afflictions of Christ,to suffer with Him. The proclamation of this opportunitywaited until Jesus had made His own consecration, andall who accepted His Message and became His followersdid so under this invitation or proclamation. It was theprivilege of becoming the sons of God by a begetting ofthe Holy Spirit. (John 1:13.) The acceptance of thesesacrifices began at Pentecost and still continues. Who cansay how soon the door of privilege to offer acceptablesacrifices may close? Then the door to the High Calling,to the Bride class, will be shut--forever. Other blessingsGod has, but not other privileges than those of this Agefor suffering with Christ and for participating with Himin His reign of glory.====================R5068 : page 233FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH--SEPTEMBER 1.--MARK 6:14-29.--Text: "Be thou faithful unto death, and Iwill give thee a crown of life."--Rev. 2:10.