The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1945-03-15

first and great cor2mandment. And the sec
ond is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy
neighbor as thyself.-Matthew % .37-39
Our lesson presents a great judg-
ment scene-majestic, solemn, stir
ring. Many confuse it with the iudg-
ment Of the Great White Throne in
Revelation 20. But Matthew Is is
obviously the judgment of nations
". 32) for their treatment of Christ's
brethren ", 40), a word referring
primarily to Jews, but also spoken
of in Matthew l2:48-5O.
The lesson needs broader applica-
ton, however, so we suggest that
we allow the more general princi-
pies of judgment occupy our at
tention. We note that
l. Judgment Divides wv. 1889.
The nations, coming before Christ
when He shall have appeared in all
His glory, shall find themselves sep
arated into two groups on the basis
of their treatment of the brethren
of Christ.
The fact that God has drawn a
line of division down through all
humanity and that each one of us is
on one side or the other is not
doctrine which finds ready accept
ance with modern thinking, but it is
nonetheless a fact.
No man established that division
God Himself did it, and did it in
love. To some it may seem to be
a hard saying, but it is not, for it
comes from the lips of the gentle,
loving Jesus.
1t is because He loved us enough
to give Himself for us that any of
us find ourselves on the side of that
dividing line which assures US of
eternal joy and blcssedness.
They who stand on the other side
of the line do so because they have
not accepted Gods prolfered saliva
ton in Christ. Reader, where do
you stand?
III. Judgment Declares wv. 34-45).
Our attitude toward God expresses
itself in our attitude toward our fell
low man. That which we do toward
those about us is not a matter of
Indifference, but is the basis for
Gods judgment of our lives. Each
Of us must answer for the deeds done
in the flesh whether they be good or
evil. That is true even of the be-
lever QI Cor. 500, whose saliva
ton has already been determined by
his faith in Christ
Here in our lesson, however, the
failure to do that which shows forth
Gods law of love is made the
ground Of eternal Judgment This is
not because an act of kindness
itself can be regarded as the ground
of division, but because the failure
to give it or do it reflects an attitude
of heart toward our God and His
Christ, which is in reality a rejec-
ton Of His way of salvation.
Judgment is thus revelation of
the attitude of the heart, which
marks man or woman as being
either saved or lost. 1t may be pos
sible to so becloud the thinking of our
friends and neighbors that we may
go through life looking something
like a Christian, but when Christ
judges, it will all be revealed to us.
Notice the Importance of q proper
attitude toward those who need our
kindness and help. All too often the
only concern of men and women is
to look out for number one" and let
the rest of the world shift for itself.
Observe also that the Lord iden-
titles Himself with His brethren
what is done to and for them is
counted as done to and for Him.
Compare the experience of Samuel
q Sam. SD and of Paul (Acts $50.
Touch Gods people and you touch
Him. Fail them and you fail Him.
Serve them and you serve Him.
Ill. Judgment Determines ". 46).
Yes, Gods judgment determines
eternal destiny. Life eternal, or
everlasting punishment, which shall
it be? That is determined by God S
final word of judgment, but remem-
Der that He judges in accordance
with the attitude of heart and action
of life on this side of the grave.
Now, for that matter, is a part
of eternity, and it is consequently
of great importance that we are right
with both God and man now if we
expect to be right throughout eter-
nifty.
We need to face this truth of judg-
ment with complete candor and hon
est Misunderstanding. We agree with
DR.. Douglass that Eve must stand
with awful concern before this sol
emn truth. Do not hesitate to teach
this because it is contrary to the
current of modern thinking or shock
ing to confront. 1t needs to be faced
in a brave spirit of realism. (As
teacher) you will do your pupils a
great disservice if you try to shield
them from the grim implications of
this truth.
Yes, and also if you keep from
them the glorious prospect of eternal
Joy in the presence Of God. The law
of life is the law of Iove-love for
God, and for Jesus Christ whom He
hath sent to be our Pedeemer, and
love for His brethren. That law OF
love rules even in the day of judg-
ment.