The Expositor's Bible: The Book of NumbersWatson, Robert A. (Robert Alexander)
Religion
The Expositor's Bible: The Book of Numbers
Watson, Robert A. (Robert Alexander)
Bible. Numbers -- Commentaries
It is a question which every body of Christians has need to ask
itself--Can we honestly say to those without, Come with us, and we
will do you good? In order that there may be certainty on this point,
should not every member of the Church be able to testify that the
faith he has gives joy and peace, that his fellowship with God is
making life pure and strong and free? Should there not be a clear
movement of the whole body, year by year, towards finer spirituality,
broader and more generous love? The gates of membership are in some
cases opened to such only as make very clear and ample profession.
It does not, however, appear that those already within have always
the Christian spirit corresponding to that high profession. And
yet as Moses could invite Hobab and his company without misgiving
because Jehovah was the Friend and Guide of Israel and had spoken
good concerning her, so because Christ is the Head of the Church,
and Captain of her salvation, those outside may well be urged to
join her fellowship. If all depended on the earnestness of our faith
and the steadfastness of our virtue we should not dare to invite
others to join the march. But it is with Christ we ask them to unite.
Imperfect in many ways, the Church is His, exists to show His death,
to proclaim His Gospel and extend His power. In the whole range of
human knowledge and experience there is but one life that is free,
pure, hopeful, energetic in every noble sense, and at the same time
calm. In the whole range of human existence there is but one region
in which the mind and the soul find satisfaction and enlargement, in
which men of all sorts and conditions find true harmony. That life
and that region of existence are revealed by Christ; into them He
only is the Way. The Church, maintaining this, demonstrating this, is
to invite all who stand aloof. They who join Christ and follow Him
will come to a good land, a heavenly heritage.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account