Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 69, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 November 1916 — A LIVING SACRIFICE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A LIVING SACRIFICE

£omsm H.l-4-Sotmter M. The Purpose of the Epistle to the Romans The Advantage of the Jew Over the Gentile Cause of Israel’s Failure to Get the Chief Blessing. Call of the Gentiles to Complete the Body of Christ—The Church Called to Sacrifice—Various Instructions. "Praffl/ pour bodies a living sacrifice, half, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” —Terse I. 1 ■ HILE St. Paul was a won- # ■ | cterful logician, and in his writing has set forth the elements of Christian faith along doctrinal lines more than has any other Apostle, yet we notice that he is not discussing theological points merely for the sake of argument or of showing his ability. In every instance his arguments lead the reader onward and upward to a

grand upper room of perfected Christian character. Nowhere is this more manifest than in St Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Beginning with the distinction between Jew and Gentile, he contrasts the former, informed respecting God and to some extent re-

specting His Plan, with- the latter, “without God and having no hope in the world.” After calling attention to the general ignorance of God prevailing amongst Gentiles, he points out how this degradation had come, and why the knowledge of God had reached Israel first—not because the Israelites were better than the Gentiles, but because of the Divine grace, “election.” Then the Apostle demonstrates that, while seeking Divine favor, Israel failed to get the chief blessing because they mistook the mission of the Mosaic Law. They hypocritically claimed that they kept the Law inviolate and were therefore entitled to its blessings of eternal life, etc.; whereas they should have admitted that they were so fallen from perfection that they could not keep the perfect Law of God. Then they should have looked to God for help. In this attitude of mind they would have been ready to receive eternal life as a through Jesus Christ, and not have sought it by the perfection of their own works. So the Apostle points out that Israel failed because they sought the blessing by works, not by faith. (Romans 11:6. 7.) He then points out that Israel's fall into blindness and the calling of a peculiar people from amongst the Gentiles to complete the elect company was foreknown of God and declared through the Prophets. (Romans 9 and 10.) But he shows that Israel is not cast off forever; that when the elect class is completed, all Israel shall be saved from the blindness into which they stumbled when they rejected Christ; and that their recovery will be the signal for blessings upon all mankind.—Romans 11:15, 25-32. True Christian Living. In Verse 1 of today’s Study the Apostle reaches the crown of his argument. He is addressing the “brethren” of the Household of Faith—those justified by faith in Christ Jesus the Redeemer—and urges them to accept the Divine Invitation to enter the elect Body of Christ, being gathered from amongst Jews and Gentiles. The way to this exalted position is pointed out as one of sacrifice. To “present your bodies a living sacrifice” is to do what our Lord did—Jo ignore the will of the flesh with all its hopes and ambitions, however proper in themselves, thenceforth to devote our time, energy, talent, etc., to doing God’s will and work. (John 6:18; 4:34.) This full consecration is even unto death, when the reward is sure. Such a sacrifice on the part of justified believers is reckoned of God as holy, because the merit of our Redeemer’s sacrificial death is imputed to them through faith. Therefore their sacri-

fice Is acceptable to God. and is but their reasonable service, even though no exceeding great reward had been promised, They should know that God has called them to suffer with Christ and to be glorified and reign with Him during the Millennium. to bless the

world. They should know the reason for their sufferings, and should have a clear understanding of the character which God would develop in them, to fit them for the Kingdom. Today’! Study treats of some characteristics necessary to those who would make their calling and election sure. Through the grace given him the Apostle Paul foresaw that one of the greatest temptations amongst Christians would be the ambition to be great, to be highly esteemed, and to do something which would attract attention rather than the common things which constitute the bulk of actual service. Therefore he counseled every man in the Church to take a sober estimate of his talents, in order to make the best use of them as a wise, faithful steward. Then, having found where we can do most effectual service for the Truth, let us spend our energies therein with diligence and carefulness, contented to be humble that our talents may increase to the Master's glory.

A Humble Teacher.

"Lord, Here am I; Send Me!"