River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1922-11-16


s G days unless lis
program en-
braces the world. This very demand
brings Christianity abreast of the
times; indeed, it reveals the fact that,
as always, it is ahead of the times,
and in this particular instance, not
less than 1900 years. For in the di-
minutiye land of Palestine, just out
side of the city of Jerusalem, Jesus
Christ. the Son of God, died on hui
called Calvary, as the Savior or all
the world. After His resurrection, lie
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 mas it not extended? what
island of the sea has it not touched?
To what people of the earth has it not
come with its sweet message of peace
and hope, it's witness of power in
transformed lives, civilizing nations,
shattering systems of superstltlons
and emancipating souls?
OF its many marks of greatness,
few only can be selected.
1t 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 it. Usually when
a movement is launched, it gains ac-
ceptance and favor in just the pro-
portion that the personnel back of 1t
inspires confidence and respect. The
Gospel has back of it personnel be-
side which all others sink into insig-
nificance. For God the Father planned
it; God the Son executed the plan;
and God the Holy Spirit applies it to
the hearts of men.
1t 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 His 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 a beginning
and end in time, but not so the Cos
pei of the grace of God-it vaults
both.
1t Is great in respect to its provi-
sions. 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.
1t 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. 1t embraces a perfect
plan of reconciliation to, and full re-
instatement In the favor and family of
God
1t Is great In respect to its program.
This embraces all nations. 1t takes In
every cline and country, all condi-
lions and classes. Other religions are
rooted to the soil where they had
their beginning. To transplant them
is to destroy them. Not so Chris
tianity. 1t is no exotic plant. 1t has
the elements of universally; it thrives
wherever planted.
IT is great IN respect to its price.
The late war cost the entente nations
S219,00O,OO0,000. 1t 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 sinless One, purchased
mans redemption, one drop of which
is of more value than all the blood of
bulls and goats since the beginning of
time until now.
1t is great in respect to the plain
ness of its terms. The simplicity, of
Gospel terms is a stumbling block TO
many. 1t seems unbelievable that so
much can be obtained for so little. II
looks cheap. Can't something be done
to earn 1t or given in return for 1t?
No. It is free, absolutely free-a free
gift.
believe on the Lord Jesus Christ
and thou shalt be saved, and thy
house."