Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1922-09-09

DTHceS the world, his very demand
brings Christianity abreast of the
times: indeed. II reveals the fact that
as always. II is ahead of the times
and in this particular instance, not
less than 1900 years. For In the d.
minutive land of Palestine, just out
side of the city Of Jerusalem. Jesus
Christ. the Son of God, died on hill
called Calvary, rs the Savior of all
the world. After His resurrection. He
commissioned His disciples beginning
AT Jerusalem and reaching out in
every direction to the uttermost parts
of the world) To preach the Gospel TO
every creature. Surely If bigness Is
demanded. Christianity has first claim
for attention. To what corner of this
earth has IL not extended? What
island of the sea has II not touched?
To what people of the earth has II not
come with its sweet message of peace
and hope, its witness of power in
transformed lives, civlizing nations,
SCATTERING systems of superstitions
and emnncipating souls?
OF it's many marks of greatness, a
few only can be selected.
II is great in respect TO its person
mel. We are in the habit of judging
the value and Importance of an enter
prise by the character and reputation
of those who indorse II. Usually when
n movement Is launched, II gains ac-
ceptance and favor in just the pro-
portion that the personnel back of II
inspires confidence and respect. The
Gospel has back of 1t personnel be-
side which all others sink into insig-
niiicance. For God the lnther planned
il; God the Son executed the plan:
and God the Holy Spirit applies 1t to
the hearts of men
II is great in respect TO its plan.
Here neither time nor extent Is fig
ured in. Jesus Is the Lamb slain be-
fore The foundation of the world. This
takes us beyond the beginning of time.
In the ages To come, God is TO show
unto us the exceeding riches of His
grace in Ills kindness toward us
through Jesus Christ. This leaps the
boundary Of time again and extends
beyond the end. The plan, therefore.
takes hold of the eternity past and
the eternity future, and spanning the
whole reach of time, binds them to-
gether in one grand purpose of grace.
Every other project has beginning
and end in time, but not SO the Cos
pei of the grace of God-it vaults
both.
II Is great in respect TO its prOvi-
slons. Again all boundaries vanish, no
limitations can be described God is
able to make all grace abound. supply
all needs. bless with all spiritual
blessings. do exceeding abundantly
above all we can ask or think.
II Is great in respect TO its purpose.
The greatest piece of property in the
world is the human soul This great
salvation proposes to save that soul
from the penalty of sin, the power of
sin. and eventually the presence OF
sin forever. II embraces perfect
plan Of reconciliation to, and full re-
instatement In the favor and family of
God
II is great In aspect TO It's program.
This embraces Ill nations. II takes in
every CLINE and country. all condi-
tions and classes. Other religions are
rooted to the soil where they had
their beginning. To transplant them
is 10 destroy them. Not so Chris.
tianity. II Is no exotic plant. II has
tho claimants nf .tnivnrcuII,r. 4. .t,,t,,a.
wherever planted.
II Is great in respect TO its price.
The late war cost the entente nations
S210.0OO,OO0.O00. II is hard for the
mind to grasp the immensely of these
figures. Yet. they are understandable.
We can add TO them. subtract from
them. multiply and divide them, and
get an ineligible answer. But the
price of redemption is infinite. "The
blood Is the life" and the blood of
Gods Son. the slnless One, purchased
mans redemption. one drop of which
is of more value than all the blood OF
bulls ard goats since the beginning OF
time until now.
II Is great in respect 10 the plain
ness of It's terms. The simplicity of
Gospel terms is stumbling block to
many. II seems unbelievable that so
much can be obtained for so little. II
looks cheap. Can't something be done
TO earn II or given in return for IL?
No. II is free, absolutely free-a free
gift.
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ
and thou shalt be saved. and thy
house"