1912 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

of the Millennial Age. The Ancient Worthies, approvedof God, had this testimony, that they "pleased God," inthat they came up to the standard--perfection of heart-intentionand obedience to the extent of ability. WhileHe approved them, nevertheless they did not have eternallife given them nor was any right to eternal liferecognized.God has, however, made provision whereby all of Adam'srace will be redeemed and have the opportunity ofgaining eternal life. This provision will, of course, includenot only the Ancient Worthies, but also the remainderof mankind.LIFE THROUGH THE MEDIATORThis arrangement made by God is not, however, outsideof the Mediator, for through the Mediator alone willmankind, including the Ancient Worthies, obtain eternallife. (The only exception to this provision of the Mediatoris the Church Class, who come to the Fatherthrough Christ's acting as their Advocate.) Hence theAncient Worthies cannot come by any different route.They must be recognized of the Father through the Mediator;for since they are not joint-heirs with Christ, theymust come in under the other class, during the period inwhich the Mediator will deal with the world as a whole.The process of dealing with the world as a whole will goon, and not until the end of the Millennium will TheChrist deliver any of them over to the Father.The Lord Jehovah has made a plan by which he can,through His Son, deal with mankind. That plan is that"The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgmentunto the Son." (John 522.) Hence the Father,aside from His Son, did not judge the Ancient Worthies.But they may expect a blessing in God's own time andseason--in "due time"--when Messiah will have takenHis power and begun His reign; and particularly at theend of that reign, when the Son shall have delivered upthe Kingdom to the Father.--I Cor. 1524.The Father is not taking any cognizance of this arrangementfor the blessing of the world, but is leavingit all for the great Messiah, who will be their Mediator,their great High Priest, making reconciliation, mediation.When the mediation, arranged for from before the foundationof the world, shall have been accomplished, it willbe satisfactory to the Ancient Worthies, who will havebeen "rulers in all the earth," and to mankind as a whole.ANCIENT WORTHIES UNDER THE MEDIATORThe question as to whether the Ancient Worthies willhave life-rights when they come forth, may be viewedfrom different standpoints. According to the teaching ofthe Scriptures, whoever is perfect is worthy of eternallife. We understand the Scriptures to teach that the AncientWorthies will come forth from the tomb perfect,