CHAPTER TWO
THE HOLINESS OF GOD

We are therefore told in many places of the decision to which the Trinity came before the creation was begun (John 1:1-13; 17:5 and 24; Romans 16:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 1:4; 3:5, 9-11; 2 Timothy 1:9, 10; Titus 1:2; 1 Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8 & 17:8). The whole plan of the Ages was discussed, the cost of the enterprise understood, the dangers and difficulties foreseen, the steps to be taken to counter them laid down, and the final victory assured. The possibility of sin was recognised and its costly overcoming provided for: the sorrows and griefs of God, angels, men and creatures were not forgotten, but it was recognised that the joys of Eternity were well worth the sufferings of a few years, if this was the price that must be paid (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18; Romans 8:18).

At this point it may be helpful to consider the crisis that arrives in the life of all Sons of God, when after their salvation they realise for the first time that they are "saved to serve". It may come as a call to the Mission Field, to the Ministry, to the Open Air Service, the Sunday School class, the life of prayer, the unwelcome yoke: but however it comes it revolutionises the whole outlook. Here is a call, to be accepted or rejected, to lose one's life, one's career, one's aims for the sake of others; here is the first realisation that we are saved not to please ourselves but to take our place in the Family Business! Here is the danger-point in the Christian life, and very often the challenge is quietly evaded.