Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-10-01

Ephesians il, 8.
The speaker conceded that the sub
iect of faith ana its relation to saliva
ton had been considerably confused in
the minds Of many for centuries. He
held. however, that clearer views are
now permeating Christian minds and
hearts and that the conflict between
salvation by faith and salvation by
works Is mt an end. Both are now seen
to be necessary.
AGE of Faith-Age of Works.
Pastor Russell declared the present
Age the Age of faith and the on-com-
Ing period of AIcssiah's Kingdom the
Age Of works. He cautioned his hear
ers, nevertheless, that. in harmony
with what he had already shown in
the Scriptures, this does not mean
that no works are now required
nor that n the future Ago no faith
will be required. The standard or
test now is faith and not works. The
standard or test Of the next Age Will
be works, not faith. The reason OF
this difference, he said, was manifest:
because OF the fallen condition or the
entire race none could do perfect works
now. and, If judged By works, al would
be condemned afresh. Hence God nov
In dealing with the Church requires
them to walk by faith and not by sight.
In the naxt Age. during Messiah's
reign, he claimed that all the clouds
and darkness, all the ignorance and sn-
perstitiOn, will pass away before the
rising Sun of Righteousness. AS re-
suit faith in the next Age Will be Il
very simple matter knowledge will
be so great that faith will take second
place. Then good works Will gradual
II become the test and mankind Will
gradually rise out of !mpcrfcction OF
mind and body. All the willing and
obedient will be allie to do better and
better until finally, by the time of the
close Of Messiah's reign, all the willing
and obedient will be perfected and able
to DO perfect works. And their judg-
ment will he according to works.
The Present Grace Age.
Everything that God has arranged
for human salvation IS properly said
TO he of His grace. God IS not bound
by Justice to do anything ut all for hui
manity; therefore whatever Is done Is
of Grace or unmeritcd favor. The next
Age also will indirectly be an Age OF
Grace in that all the blessings that
will 20 to mankind In the way Of
earthly Restitution will be unmcrlted,
so far as they are concerned. But the
Grace Of that time will more partc-
ularly I've the Grace of the Lord Jesus
Christ. because all those blessings will
come from His having met the do
mands of Justice on mans behalf.
But the present Age IS peculiarly one
OF Divine Grace because the call or
the Church and the great blessing she
Is TO receive as the Bride Of Christ Is
something moro than was purchased
by the death Of Jesus. Jesus merely
purchased human rights and human
nature for mankind by the sacrifice of
His own human rights and human ma
ture Gods grace IS manifest now In
that the Church Is called to q glory.
honor. Immortality, Divine nature.
which she never had and never lost
and which was never redeemed by
Jesus sacrifice or otherwise.
The merit of Jesus applied to the
Church now in response to faith and
obedience tustifies us In Gods sight to
the extent of permitting US to present
our bodies living sacrifices. But Grace
provides thut this sacrificing on our
mart shall be counted In rs though it
were a part Of Jesus sacrifice.
"That Not of Yourselves"
How shall we understand this state
ment? Surely God does not exercise
fnith for us and then consider 1t some
thing on our part which He Is willing
tn reward. The explanation IS this:
Faith Is possible only where 1t has
basis Of knowledge. In proportion rs
Divine providence grants us knowledge
of Divine things 1t is possible for US to
exercise faith proportonatcly. And
our works IN harmony with such falth
demonstrate the sincerity OF our fa'th
The same principle continues through
out this Christian Age. Grace opens
the way for knowledge. knowledge
paves the way for faith and begett1ng
of the Holy Spirit Then works to the
extent of opportunity should demon
strate the degree and quantity and
sincerity and loyalty Of the faith. The
present Age is the test time FOR the
Church. Perfect faith is possible to
be attained and must be attained. il
we would have the highest blessing
God is now offering. And if we have
that highest faith. God will see it in
our works and endeavors. however i'm
| perfect they may appear to others.