Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament… I. THE PERSONS TO WHOM THESE GLORIOUS PROMISES ARE MADE. Teachers or preachers of God's word. The primary duty of a minister of the church is to teach and to instruct the people. But the mere circumstance of being a teacher cannot ensure the promised reward. There may be false teachers. The reward is only for those who "turn many to righteousness." II. THE DESIGN OF THEIR OFFICE. In the word of God we are constantly and emphatically told of man's utter ruin by sin. Having become by the fall not only inclined to sin, but actual transgressors, there must necessarily be a change wrought in us thorough reformation of the inner man — or we cannot be saved. He that has no conviction of sin cannot understand or appreciate the atonement of Christ. This is the turning-point in the life of every child of God, When he comes to himself, bewails his folly, flies to his Father, and seeks forgiveness. How can sinners be turned to righteousness? The shed blood of Christ has procured pardon for any sinner who will accept its benefits. The sinner is not justified because of his faith, but because Christ died. But as faith is the procuring cause, it is important to ascertain where it is to be found, and how it is to be obtained. III. THE REWARD ATTACHED. The souls of faithful ministers shall be raised in the state of glory to an elevated position among the "spirits of the just made perfect:." An eternity of uninterrupted joy at God's right hand awaits them, when they shall be crowned with an immortal diadem. (Isaac D. Winslow.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. |
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