The Washington times., 1922-07-15
SEEKING TRUE
FOUNDATIONS
BUILD BELIEF
Natural Mind Recognizes Con-
ception of Superior Be-
ing World Over.
BY WALTER r. SMITH,

ny "hLIEn r. bMIIn,
Minister OF Park View Christian Church.
Elements of Salvation" John
SIG.
In this age Of scientific research,
men are striving to learn the com.
ponent parts Of that with which they
have to do, laboratories are found
everywhere, from the steel-mill to the
bakery, to such an extent does this
spirit prevail that our Government
has in operation one Of the finest
equipped institutions of it's kind in
America. perhaps in the world; this
spirit of knowledge, seeking true
foudations on which to build the
superstructure Of belief, is satisfying
to the mind.
This program followed in spiritual
things would tend to strengthen our
grip on matters which have to 90
with the soul. 1t is true that We
are finite and cannot grasp the ful-
ness of Gods wisdom, which, in the
rather restricted sphere of our
human experience and environment,
is beyond our powers, but within
the limits of our understanding. he
has revealeS to us those truths
which will help US come to a knowl-
edge of him and his plan.
Salvation, which in the early days
was something Of a mystery. beyond
the comprehension OF the human
mind. yields to, study Of his word
and can he clearly apprehended. the
light has come, and the mists Of
ignorance and doubt are being dis
sipated.
Analysing salvation, we find that
II is made up of God, Love, Man.
kind, Goldman. Obedience, and Re-
ward.
The natural mind recognizes the
fact of God, from the jungles Of
Africa to the highest form u CIV
ilized life, you find a conception OF
the Supreme Being, oftShtimes of
an elementary character, it is true,
but recognizable; IL Is only in the
apotheosized mind that the question
is ever raised.
1t was only. however,>by direct
revelation of God, that there came
to US the scope of his love, that,
there was a bond binding heav en-
and earth, so strong that man could
be lifted out of the pit Of evil and
wrong, and made to stand upon the
high plane of spiritual perfection.
Before this can be accomplished
there must be an acceptance Of the
plan on the part OF man, for man Is.
of necessity, party to salvation; he
must be in agreement with God, II
he is to realize the bounty Of Divine
Grace, and share in the blessings Of
eternal life.
With all the intent and purpose
Of God, and desire Of humanity, the
plan could not have been consumma-
ted without the God-ma' Ne differ
ences betweeR heaveL eartn
were too great. the chas,. wide
to be bridged by either in MS own
character, II required the coales-
cence Of the two, and this is found
in Jesus Christ, the son Of God and
the son of man. Incorporating the
character and desire Of both God
and man. forming the bridge over
which we cross the broken path to
come into our inheritance. as child.
rem Of God, "and IL children, then
heirs; heirs Of God, and joint-heirs
with Christ"
Our willingness and desire for
this fellowship Is indicated by our
obedience to the divine will, for he
became the author of eternal saliva
ton unto all them that obey him."
And what shall we say about the
reward7 There Is deep within the
heart of every man a desire to enjoy
the best things. to have and to hold
that which will satisfy the cravings
Of the soul. earth bound It may be,
but reaching" out with unconscious
yearning for possession Of those
things for which IL was created;
divine revelation and human expe.-
ience have demonstrated that this
can come about only through union
with our Lord Jesus Christ. the civ
ing Of ourselves to his leadership,
that through the ministrations of
his spirit and love, we may come
into the fulness of manhood and
womanhood in Christ Jesus the Son
of God, our Savior. our brother.