Editorial by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 21, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 41.

Editorial.

By Editor

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable."—2 Tim. 3:16.

THE one absolute condition of salvation is "faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." And faith is distinct from nominal belief. We may believe theoretically that Christ is the Saviour of the race, but the requisite is living, abiding faith in Christ as a personal Saviour,—a faith that enthrones him within the heart, and that makes him the living, actuating principle of the life. Then it is that Christ will come in unto us and make his abode with us. The counsel of peace will be between the two, and with power and might shall the works be wrought in him.

IN Christ Jesus is shown the perfection of beauty, the fullness of every quality and virtue. He is the fullness of all in all. While in his people will dwell perfect righteousness and purity, even the righteousness of Him, there will not be in anyone the fullness of perfection that exists in the great Head. One saint will prominently manifest one virtue; another, another, and taken together all will show the fullness manifest in Jesus. That is, Christ's perfect image, the fullness of all his attributes, will be reflected in his people as a whole, not in any one alone. As God's people are thus to reflect different phases of Christ's character, may not this explain why each is given a little different experience than any other? In the spiritual temple of the Lord each is to fill a particular place. And each by an individual experience in God's great workshop is polished and refined for God's great building.

"FOR our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." Phil. 3:20. The word "conversation" as here used has a much broader meaning than common usage gives to it. Literally it means "commonwealth," or "citizenship," and is so translated in many versions. This earth is not the home of God's people. They are counted as "pilgrims and strangers" here. They are ambassadors of the heavenly court to the kingdom of darkness; and as ambassadors of earthly powers are supposed to represent in their lives and deportment the government for which they act, so God's people are to represent in this world the character of the righteous kingdom or commonwealth of which they are citizens. They are not to use their high office for personal gain, but to advance the interests of God's kingdom. They are not to avenge wrongs, but look to their government for redress and succor. More exalted and honorable is the position of ambassador of the Prince of Peace than is the highest station held by king or potentate.