The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1919-11-13

ing people,. When Jesus Salu, Inc
truth shall make you free" he referred
to truth which centers in his own per-
sonality. In Johns gospel he says. II
am the Way, the Truth and the Life:
no man cOmeth to the Father but by
me-" Again he said: eff the Son shall
make you free We shall be free indeed"
The truth which Is the source of free
dom, is thus not principle, but q
person. The so-called Christian llv-
ing of all ages has been marred by
substituting things for Christ himself:
creed for Christ, system for a
Savior, plan Of redemption for
Redeemer, or even the church for
Christ himself. Thus thousands have
Joined the churches with no more spir-
itual experience of union with Christ
than If they had joined the Changers
or Elks.
Freedom From the Guilt Of Sin.
knowledge of the incarnate, sin
bearing Christ and the personal ac-
ceptance of him as Savior brings free
dom from the guilt of sin. We shall
never in this life measure the full
meaning Of Christ's death. but Beth
lehem, Gethsemane, Calvary and Olivet
bear the footprints of our Father
God seeking lost humanity through
his only begotten son, Jesus Christ.
Freedom from guilt is secured by
accepting the finished work of Christ.
knowledge of the sinless and tri-
umphant Christ and surrender of ones
life to his control, through the Spirit,
is the source Of freedom from the
power of sin. No truth is more plain
ly taught In the gospel than that Jesus
saved his people from their sins by
the indwelling of his very life in them. -
The union of believers to Christ is
as vital and real as the union of the
branch with the vine. Believers are
to live as indwelt and energized by
Christ's life and to be fruit-bearers
through his life. "Walk in the Spirit
and We shall not fulfill the lusts Of
the flesh" is the divine injunction.
Christ within brings victory over sin.
His holy fire will blaze and burn and
cleanse, and even turn our tempta-
tons into sources Of power.
Freedom From the Fear Of Death.
knowledge Of Christ as victor over
death and as our risen and assembled
Lord gives freedom from bondage to
the fear of death. Death is a fearful
thing apart from fellowship with
Christ. But knowing Of Christ's tri-
umph over death, and trusting his
fathfulness and power we have no
need to fear. On night, of darkness
and storm a Christian physician was
called upon to visit dying friend.
He made the journey through rain and
sleet and entered the lighted room
where the friend was dying. The man,
though processing Christian, was not
firm in faith and was not without
fear. Frankly he said: II feel that
I am going out into unknown realms,
and dread it," Just then the physi-
clans little dog whined and scratched
at the door for admission. The physi-
clan said: my little dog has never
been at this door before, and knows
nothing of what is TO be found within
this room, but he knows that I, his
master and human friend, am here,
so he is not afraid, but yearns to en-
ter" The dying man caught the
meaning and rested his hope on the
waiting Christ.
Because of what Christ is and be-
cause of where he is, we can be free
from the bondage of fear as we face
the future. He Is the assembled Sa-
vior and is preparing a place for. us.
He is the interceding Savior and
knows the help we need In time Of
trial. He Is the glorified Savior and
will share his glory with u.s. Heavens
light will be the gladness of his coun-
tenance. Is IL not enough that he
has said: "Whoso serveth me, him will
my Father honor; and where I am
there shall also my servant bel"