Differences.
It is needful, for the right understanding of the word of God, to be careful about the meaning of the different words used. For instance, the word disciples of Christ cannot be interchanged with the word children of God without making confusion. As learners, we are disciples. As born of God, we are children. As being brought into the liberty of Christianity, we are sons, not servants, as in the dispensation of law.
As indwelt by the Spirit, we are members of the Church-the body of Christ.
All these names may apply to the same person, but they are quite distinct from each other.
"Even Christ pleased not Himself.’ (Rom. 15:3.)
It is needful, for the right understanding of the word of God, to be careful about the meaning of the different words used. For instance, the word disciples of Christ cannot be interchanged with the word children of God without making confusion. As learners, we are disciples. As born of God, we are children. As being brought into the liberty of Christianity, we are sons, not servants, as in the dispensation of law.
As indwelt by the Spirit, we are members of the Church-the body of christ.
All these names may apply to the same person, but they are quite distinct from each other.
"Even Christ pleased not Himself." (Rom.15:3.)whatever cost to Himself, He would seek and pursue that will only. All that opposed that will, opposed Him; all that resisted it, resisted Him, and caused Him suffering. Even His most advanced disciples caused Him suffering in that way often. A Peter could not bear the thought of His going into death:he would have the glory of the kingdom, without the righteousness of the Cross. A John would vindicate the Master by destroying men's lives, thus spoiling the day of grace by making it a day of judgment. What great and high moral elevation is this, that He could say, "The reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell upon Me"!
Fellow-Christian, do we so know God, so know and enjoy what He has in Christ displayed Himself to be, that, to please Him, and not ourselves, is henceforth the purpose and the care of life ? This will associate us thoroughly with Christ. It will necessitate our suffering with Him. It will require our taking up the cross daily-the denial of our own likes or dislikes, that we may truly take up with His likes and dislikes.
Is it not worth while? "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him." We suffer but for a day, we reign for ever and ever. Who else rewards like that ? But all largely hangs on how deeply we drink into His grace-how we read the unfathomable evil of our hearts, and the unfathomable love and grace of His heart.
Law and Grace.
The Law was "written and engraven in stones" thus telling its true character. Stones have no heart, no compassion, no mercy. So Law is mere Justice-an awful thing, when alone.
Grace was not given on stones. '' Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." There we find heart, compassion and mercy to overflowing. It cost Him no less than the fearful death of the cross. It could enable Him to endure anything, so that we might be saved and God's character manifested.
Law justly claimed righteousness from man. Grace brings righteousness to man. Law justly condemns to death the offender. Grace gives eternal life to the believer. Law shall stand in all its greatness and dignity forever among its slain. Grace has already put a song in the innumerable hosts of its redeemed, who will fill heaven and earth to all eternity. What frightful pride must there be in the heart of man which hides from him the riches of the grace which Christ has brought into the world!