Graham guardian., 1916-04-14

! u - = I u u lltlOl
many witnesses"
Timothy G:l2.
The Pastor introduced his theme by
showing that the sins of those who
now leave the world to follow Jesus
are covered by the imputatiOn of His
SacriiiCiaI merit that they may join
with Him III sacrifice and thus be &C
counted worthy to reign with Him dur
ing the Millennium. They are to be
distinctly Il New Creation. This coy
ering of their sins continues from the
time when they become Christians un
til they complete their course In death
During this period each one must bat.
tie against the downward tendencies
Of his flesh. Each will thus have
severe conflict. and by the close OF his
life in the Gesh will have demonstrate.
ed to the Lord to what extent he has
been loyal in striving against sin.
The soldiers Of the Cross must not
merely fight against error. but must
strive against sin 1t Is important to
have recognized that we have been
under n cloud of error in times past
and to have come out into the light Of
Gods Truth. But correct doctrine Is
only a means to an end. The most i'm
portant thing Is to get rid Of SIN.
While God wishes His people to be
free from doctrinnI errors, yet He es-
peCially desires them to be free from
any sympathy with sin. unrighteous.
ness. injustice. lniquity.
In other words. God wishes His PEG
pie to be very loyal to the Golden Rule.
To learn this lesson sometimes re-
quires years of experience. Very many
have not practiSed JUSTICE In their
dealings with others. But from the
the Lord Jesus. and sees that Justice
is the very foundation Of Gods Throne.
lie begins to realize that God expects
him to observe the Golden Rule. Each
should begin at home, with his parents,
his companion in life, his children. The
Golden Rule should affect all our af-
fairS-everything that we do or say.
II we could get this thought thor.
Oughly worked into our hearts and
lives. 1t would bring a great blessing
not only to ourselves. but to others.
Gods people are not TO measure them
selves by the world; for the world
does not heed this rule. Neither should
they measure themselves by other
Christians; for many are called Chris
tiHns who are merely mOrally-incllneI
people, fine characters. but not begot-
ten Of the Holy Spirit, not learners In
the School Of Christ. We should meas
are ourselves only by Gods Word.
Natural Traits Require Attention.
Our Lord Jesus not only kept the
Golden Rule inviolate In every In.
stance, but did much more. He gave
life itself for the sake Of others. His
followers engage to do likewise They
are to follow the Golden Rule, and to
lay down their lives for the brethren,
as well us to do for the world as they
have opportunity. This Is the Bible
Ihmnght for all Of ChriSt's followers.
There Is tendency amongst the
Lords people, however, to violate I'm.
these fundamental prin.
,ipIeS Of Justice and Love. But the
Lord will judge His people," not &C.
cOrdlng to their estimate OF themselves,
but according to His knowledge Of their
ability. Mercy will be granted for eV-
cry unintcntlOnal defect, but not for
what could have been avoided God
holds us responsible for the best Of
which we are capable.
Those who are living up to their oP-
portunitics and privileges should press
on with courage. doing the very best
that they can. exercising full aSsur-
un"p Of faith. and having absolute con-
hdrnce in the Lord: for He has prom
iScd SutiCiCnCy of grace TO cover
every imperfcCti0n. Thus they Will re-
rcivr rich blessing But no excuse
AN be offered for careIcssness, for
failure to make the most Of oue's du.
Ties and responsibilities. As the Apos.
tie enjOinS, BE not deceived; God Is
llbl ul'Nhth, l'l " I'lNScGN tI lllull
|oweth, that shall he also reap"
We are all imperfect In the flesh;
but God holds the spirit-Degotten New
Feature Responsible for not doing his
best for carPlcssmess respecting his
conduct, for Indifference to the re-
Iuircmcnts of the Golden Rule, for
failure to exercise the spirit Of Love
And 1t is the New Creature who will
fail to hear the well done, good and
faithful servant" unless he exercise
great care respecting these important
matters God will have none in the
glorifCd Church of Christ who WITH
not measure up fully to the standard
required "conformcd to the image Of
His Son" - Romans 500