PAUL PREACHED THE RESURRECTION, AND WAS PERSECUTED FOR IT—IT WAS AN UNPOPULAR DOCTRINE THEN, AND IT IS SUCH STILL—THE SCRIPTURES TEACH THAT THE DEAD ARE DEPENDENT ON IT FOR ETERNAL LIFE
By T. E. BOWEN
PAUL suffered persecution in his time because he would preach the truth regarding the resurrection of the dead. Men seemed glad to listen to him until he touched upon this subject. Then their ears, so to speak, they would close.
Why was it, reader, that Paul emphasized this subject that was so unpopular in his day? Do you think he enjoyed going about with chains fastened to his hands, watched by Roman soldiers? He might have avoided this unpleasantness had he ceased preaching the resurrection of the dead through the Lord Jesus Christ. He preached it all over the world then, because there was salvation in it. And no minister of the gospel can preach salvation to the sinner to-day and fail to preach the truth regarding the resurrection of the dead.
LIFE IN HIS MIGHTY RESURRECTION
Eternal life comes to us not so much by the death of Jesus on the cross as by His mighty resurrection to life as He came out of Joseph's new tomb. The two events go hand in hand. Satan hoped to keep the Prince of Life locked up, cold in death, a prisoner of his. The Almighty above willed otherwise. He sent down an angel to waken His Son; and as that powerful messenger sped toward the earth before daylight that first-day morning, a track of blazing glory was left behind him, and his approach to earth caused its very foundations to tremble with a mighty earthquake. And as this angel from the throne called to Jesus, saying, "Thy Father calls Thee," the Son of God came forth from Satan's prison-house with the noble tread of a glorious conqueror.
A SUPREME MOMENT FOR A LOST WORLD
That was a supreme moment for a lost world. That was Heaven's answer to Satan's cruel hate and his supreme wicked plot in destroying the Son of God. Jesus died mute, branded as an impostor. His life-work would have been lost, the salvation of man would have been a complete failure, had the Father left His Son a prisoner in the tomb. Satan would have triumphed, with all his hellish hate, over the Son of God.
Listen to the apostle's powerful argument as he drives home the necessity and essentiality of the resurrection of the dead through the Lord Jesus: "Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ is not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not." 1 Cor. 15: 12-15.
If Paul's preaching was vain unless the dead rise, and if the faith of the believers back there was also vain unless the dead rise, then, friends, the preaching of any one down here nineteen hundred years this side of Joseph's broken tomb, and the faith of believers to-day as they hope for salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, are vain also if there be no resurrection. All are yet in their sins, with no hope of ever having them forgiven, if Jesus rose not. And just as surely as Jesus rose, just so surely will those who have died in the faith of the imputed righteousness of Jesus' life and resurrection also come forth from their graves.
Instead of death's being the gateway to heaven, this gateway is the rent sepulcher. Death is the devil's locking up process in his own prison-house. The resurrection is God's everlasting release from Satan's prison. Did you ever hear of Satan's releasing one of his death prisoners? Salvation was made sure for every believer that morning when Jesus came forth glorified from Joseph's new tomb.
DO NOT GO WITHOUT BODIES
No one will go to heaven without a body. This is very certain. Jesus did not. And if He did not, surely we can not. And the bodies of those who die are here, and remain here until the voice of the Son of God calls them forth from their graves. This we all know. Otherwise, why did the devil cause Jesus' tomb to be sealed so fast with the Roman seal, and guarded by a band of soldiers? He was sure he had the Son of God locked up where he wanted Him to remain, cold in death. Or why did he contend with Michael the Archangel (Christ), and dispute "about the body of Moses," if the resurrection of the body is of little matter? See Jude 9.
Ah, reader, be not deceived! Jesus came forth from the grave the first-fruit of all those who sleep. Because He lives, we shall live also. Satan hates this truth. It places him in a very unfavorable light. He has invented all sorts of religious schemes for getting people to heaven without a resurrection. But every one is a downright falsehood. The man who preaches the truth of God, with Paul, will preach what the Word says regarding the resurrection of the dead. While it is not to-day popular, it still is the truth. No one who has died gets to heaven without a resurrection. And no voice other than the voice of the Son of God can pierce the tomb to bring out the captive. "I am the resurrection, and the life," is His comforting promise.
ALL GO HOME TOGETHER
And all will go home together, thank the Lord. "We which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them [who have come forth from their graves] in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." And it is a blessed, comforting hope, all hinging on the resurrection of the Lord Jesus from the dead.
Certain Victory Through Faith
By H. G. Thurston
Success Through Prayer Under Forbidding Conditions — None Debarred — How to Prevail
By H. G. THURSTON
WHEN Jesus was dying upon Calvary, a penitent thief hung upon a cross at His side. As he beheld the Son of God nailed to a cross of wood, his faith accepted Him as the Saviour of men; and he prayed for life, and obtained forgiveness, and promise of a home in Paradise.
HOW DID HE GAIN LIFE?
What did that poor, unfortunate sinner do to gain life? What could he do? He gained victory and life by asking for it. That asking was his prayer — the pouring out of his sin-sick soul for righteousness and a place with his Lord in His kingdom.
The victory gained by that dying man was secured in the only way such a victory ever could be secured. It never came to any man by purchase; for while all is required to "buy the field," the "all" is the entire surrender of self, and not the payment of gold or the works of penance.
RECEIVED BY ASKING
As victory came to that man in that awful experience, so it is gained to-day, by asking.199
The words of Jesus to the woman at the well in Samaria are plain. He said, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water." John 4:10.
The victory so needed by all at this time is not a wave of excitement or a spasm of feeling brought to us by our surroundings. It is forgiveness of sin, and divine power over every evil thing, every day.
Is it possible for a weak, struggling, tempted soul to become a victor? He may have little courage left. His former zeal in meeting trials is gone, and his frequent miserable failures lead him almost to question his own sincerity. Still, amid his surging doubts and fears and tears, he is struggling; for despair has not caused him to quit the battle forever. Through all this, there lingers in his heart one ray of hope that he may some day conquer, though now, like a bruised reed before an awful tempest, he is almost ready to perish.
THERE IS HOPE FOR YOU
Poor, weak, trembling, falling brother, there is hope for you — yes, even victory for you. Go to God and tell Him all. Tell Him all the corruption of your heart, your stubbornness, your weakness, your lack of a desire for that which is pure and holy. If you do not feel like praying, stir yourself up to pray.
The prophet presents in these words a true picture of a large number living to-day: "We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calleth upon Thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of Thee." Isa. 64:6, 7.
Are you described in verse 6 — "filthy," "unclean," faded, and apparently lifeless in regard to doing anything good? The same prophet presents a similar sickening picture in chapter 1, verses 5 and 6. The seer on Patmos describes the remnant people before they have gained the victory as "wretched," "miserable," "poor, and blind, and naked," and not knowing it. Rev. 3:17. But some even of these will repent, and be victorious, and reign with Christ upon His throne.
HOW SHALL WE PRAY?
In Isa. 62:6, 7 we find a comforting recipe for every dissatisfied soul, longing for victory: "Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and give Him no rest, till He establish, and till He make Jerusalem a praise in the earth."
Because of her many and most abominable sins, Jerusalem had become a reproach, a byword, and a disgrace to herself and to her God. She went into captivity, but with the promise that when seventy years had passed, God would visit and restore her; yet though God had promised, His people were to pray for the fulfilling of His promise. Jer. 29:10-14. In verse 13, they were told how to seek God and search for Him and the fulfilment of His promise — "with all your heart."
ARE YOU A DISGRACE?
It may be that you are a disgrace to yourself, to your family, to your church and your God, and you cry out, "O that I were a changed man, regenerated, born again!" Well, good news, brother! He can change you. Do you long to be free from your evil speaking, evil surmising, hateful words that wound others so deeply, your wicked temper, envy, strife, hatred, and every other loathsome thing? If you will ask Him, He will "cause you to walk" in His way. Eze. 36:27.
PREVAILING PRAYER
Elijah prayed earnestly, and rain was withheld until famine spread its horrible mantle over the land. Then began a reformation, and that grand old prophet went before God and begged for rain. He cast himself upon the earth, and while his servant went to the top of the mountain, Elijah prayed to God. The servant returned with the word that he saw no sign of rain. He went six times for a token. The prophet prayed on, undaunted by each discouraging report; and the seventh time, the token appeared.
VICTORY OVER EVERY BESETMENT
Have you asked God for victory over some besetment? Keep your petition before His throne of grace and power, and "give Him no rest" till He fulfils His great promises in you. What others have gained by earnest, persevering prayer for victory, you too may have for your joy. As the widow of Luke 18:1-5 obtained, by asking, what she so much desired, so you may win in the struggle for victory if you but persevere in prayer.
Abraham gained the great victory of his life upon Mount Moriah when he offered up his son Isaac, the dearest idol of his heart. If you really prize victory above any earthly tie or treasure, you may obtain a daily victory as you sweetly commune with God in secret; and this victory will culminate in rest that will be glorious.
The Saviour bids all hide their weaknesses and deficiencies in Him. He prayed earnestly in the days of His flesh, and He overcame. Heb. 5:7. We must overcome as He overcame. Rev. 3:21.
“Great Joy to All People”
By Flora E. Warren
“Unto you is born this day . . . a Saviour” “Call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins.”
SHOUT for joy, earth sons and daughters everywhere!
Unto you, to-day, God sends good news, as when
Angels came with joy, where shepherds watched, to bear
Joyful news of God's love-gift to sinful men.
Hear again the sweetest message of God's word:
Though your sins are many, and the deepest hue,
If you weary of your sin,
And will let the Saviour in,
There is pardon, peace, and cleansing now for you.
Unto you is born, this day,
One who'll wash your sins away,
And will be your daily Guide, and Saviour, too.
Are you troubled, finding not the paths of peace?
Do you wander in the dismal fields of doubt?
Follow Christ. His peace and wisdom never cease.
All who follow Him will ever find it out.
Though the ways of sin and death seem smooth and bright,
He will turn your feet from error's subtle glare,
And will lead you day and night
In the way of truth and light,
Where is joy untold, that all who will may share.
Though you may not understand,
If you let Him hold your hand,
You will reach the gates of life, and enter there.
Weary ones, who seek the fleeting joys of earth,
Heed this loving message God now sends to you.
You who know God's pow'r, and Jesus' wondrous birth,
Will you let Him save to-day, and keep you true?
Tell the joyful news to all who will believe:
Jesus Christ to-day will set sin's captives free.
All who trust His wondrous pow'r,
He will save from sin this hour.
Prince of peace and mighty Word of God is He.
Praise Him in the hush of morn,
That for you the Christ is born,
Who will save to-day and through eternity.
Flora E. Warren.
The Strength of Character
"STRENGTH of character consists of two things,—power of will and power of self-control. Many youth mistake strong, uncontrolled passion for strength of character; but the truth is, that he who is mastered by his passions is a weak man. The real greatness and nobility of the man is measured by his power to subdue his feelings, not by the power of his feelings to subdue him. The strongest man is he who, while sensitive to abuse, will yet restrain passion and forgive his enemies."
THE "COMING RELIGION" AS IT WILL BE IN FACT
The Logical Outcome of Higher Criticism—How Solidly Are the First Chapters of Genesis Built into the Entire Bible?
SOME weeks ago the Independent gave favorable editorial comment on Dr. Eliot's new pamphlet, in which he defines the "coming religion." The first item noticed in the list of applauded theories was Mr. Eliot's rejection of the historical value of the first chapters of Genesis, on the ground that "geology and biology allow us to accept the story of the creation of the world in Genesis as a valuable religious story, a sort of poem, but not as real history." The observing editor adds: "Of course that is true; we all know it."
CAN IT BE A "VALUABLE RELIGIOUS STORY"?
But candidly, how is it possible for a fictitious history of the world's creation to be a "valuable religious story"? Of what practical value, one may venture to ask, can a religious falsehood, more than any other, prove to the seeker for truth? Can one's faith in the general teaching of the Bible be strengthened by looking upon its foundation utterances as mere romance — the figment of a disordered mind? If he who penned the initial chapters of Genesis simply indulged in idle fancy, how must one regard the remaining assumed historical features of the same book, supposed to be the work of the same mind? If the story of Abraham, the origin of the twelve tribes, and the sojourn of those tribes in Egypt, parts of the one continued recital, which pass current in New Testament contents, are to be received as given, on what basis must one reject the same historian's account of that from which all other things proceed?
IS IT PARTLY AUTHENTIC AND PARTLY FABLE?
The reply may be offered that the latter part of the Genesis narrative was written as concurrent history, while the story of creation was given as a matter of indistinct tradition. But so far as the question of tradition may affect the reliability of historical statements, there is little to be said except that Moses, the supposed writer of the book of Genesis, must have relied somewhat on tradition for his definite account of Abraham's checkered life record, since his own career did not commence until more than three hundred years after the death of his memorable ancestor.
Then setting aside on logical grounds the probability of Moses' having been inspired of God to give the history of creation, it will be in order to give a thought to the possibility of tradition's having given an accurate account of earth's origin. Considering briefly that Adam and Methuselah were contemporary for two hundred and forty-three years, Methuselah and Shem one hundred years, and Shem and Abraham one hundred and fifty years, it is easy to see how the account of creation could have been accurately handed down to Abraham with but three recitals. We may readily believe further that from Abraham's time, on account of multiplied peoples to receive and cherish interesting facts, original records were more readily preserved than before.
THE ACT OF SINAI ENDORSES IT
But aside from all this, to reject the Genesis register of creation as the mere coinage of an inventive mind, is but to put the Creator in the same unseemly predicament, since He stands forth as the principal figure in the narrative. This would be but a single step away from atheism. Such a conclusion must not carry; for when the people of Israel were going from Egyptian slavery to their future Canaan, the audible voice of God thundered from Sinai's height His Ten Commandments in the hearing of Israel's host camped at the mountain base. In one of those precepts the observance of the Sabbath day was enjoined, as being founded on the facts of creation. In that fourth commandment, God distinctly says that in the creation of the world He wrought six days and rested on the seventh, and for that reason He required His people to rest each seventh day. In this He positively corroborated the Genesis history of creation. Ex. 20:8-11.
WOULD HE ENGRAVE THE CONTRADICTION ON STONE?
Can any one believing in the supernatural powers of Jehovah, think, for a moment, that He made false statements from Sinai, and engraved them on tables of stone, for preservation through succeeding generations, knowing, as He must, that in time they would be discovered as contradictory of what He had before written on the tablets of nature? How short-sighted such a course would have been for One claiming to have brought forth the world by the breath of His mouth!
But if the Sinaitic assertion ratifying the Genesis account were to be proved false, it would then follow that the entire Pentateuch is a base fabrication; for if God, without any substantial reason, incorporated in the Decalogue a narration so grossly false, and one so sure to be detected and exposed, what certainty does one have that any other declaration made by Him is not equally false?
IT WOULD DISCARD EVERY BOOK OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
But to reject the books of the Pentateuch on such grounds, one must of necessity discard every other book of the Old Testament; for they all acknowledge the histories, enactments, and institutions of the Pentateuch as fundamental truths. They recognize the priesthood, the sacrifices, the covenants, the promises, and in fact the whole system of laws it records as instituted by God. If these are not His work, it is impossible that the others should be.
THE NEW TESTAMENT MUST GO WITH IT
Moreover the rejection of the Old Testament necessarily calls for the elimination of the New; for the latter ratifies in the fullest manner the historical specifications, enactments, and religious institutions of the former, and founds its work of redemption on them.
It therefore follows that if the Mosaic history of first things, the proclamation of the law at Sinai, the institution of the priesthood, sacrifices, and rites of worship, with the commands and revelations recorded by the prophets, are not from God, the New Testament can not possibly be, since it everywhere recognizes them as realities, and is dependent on them for the truths it reveals.
Thus the whole Bible stands or falls with the first chapter of Genesis. Let those who have listened to the seductive teachings of modern higher critics, consider well these points, before adopting theories that must inevitably draw them away from the service of God, and cause them to lose confidence in His word.
J. O. C.
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God’s Word and Life’s Certainties
EVOLUTION presents a lot of learned nonsense that brings satisfaction to no soul whatsoever. God's answer to the soul through His word is the only thing that brings contentment, joy, and peace. God's word is the only thing that satisfactorily answers the great questions concerning the Father. It is the only thing that satisfactorily tells the story of the origin of matter and the creation of worlds and men. He who knows the word of God for himself, and who has a living experience in its divine teaching, knows whence he came and whither he is going. Such a person has entered the great haven of God's certainties, and has found rest to his soul.
