The Gospel Day; Or, the Light of Christianity. Charles Ebert Orr

Forbearance. “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Rom. 3:25. “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another.” Col. 3:13. Meekness. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.” Mat. 11:29. “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” 1 Pet. 3:4. Long-Suffering. “And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation.” 2 Pet. 3:15. “With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love.” Eph. 4:2. Humbleness. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Phil 2:8. “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” 1 Pet. 5:5. Spotlessness. “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Pet. 1:19. “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” Jas. 1:27. Mercifulness. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” Psa. 103:8. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Mat. 5:7. Harmlessness. “For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” Heb. 7:26. “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” Phil. 2:15. Guilelessness. “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” 1 Pet. 2:22. “Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” John 1:47. Sinlessness. “For we have not an high priest which can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Heb. 4:15. “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he can not sin, because he is born of God.” 1 John 3:9.

      Thus we could go on to a much greater length, showing by the Scriptures that the character of a Christian, or his nature or life is the same as the life or character of Christ. Christianity is Christ in us. The life of a true Christian is one of great beauty. It is a light in this world. It is far above the ways of sin and worldliness. It is the Christ-life in man. The self-life of man has ceased, is crucified; nevertheless he lives, yet not he, but it is Christ that liveth in him. The Christian life is inspiring, ennobling, clothed in humility. It points the way to Christ and heaven. It is a brilliant ornament, which in the sight of God is of great price. God places great value upon a Christian life. It is worth more than ten thousand worlds. Is it not a shame that it is trifled with as it is? Thousands are taking the name of Christian, when it is impossible to distinguish them from the world; they emit not one ray of light.

      Esthetics is the science of the beautiful, and treats of the feelings produced through the senses by objects of beauty. The most vile and dishonest admire honesty in others; thus gentleness, kindness, meekness, [pg 044] produce pleasant feelings and are called beautiful. God is the source of meekness, gentleness, and love. He is the source of the beautiful. Christianity is God in man, exhibiting his beauty. “Lord, let thy beauty be upon us.” The dewdrop sparkles like a diamond as the sun's rays fall upon it. The life of man sparkles with an unsurpassed beauty as the rays of light and salvation fall upon it from the throne. As we behold the beauty of God assimilated into the life of man and thus revealed we think what a pity that all in the world are not Christians.

      Christian, oh, may thy tribe increase,

      Thy light and glory ne'er decrease;

      Shine on and magnify the Word,

      And point the world to Christ and God.

Chapter II. The Holy Scriptures.

       Table of Contents

      We have said before that Christianity is in perfect accord with the Bible. The Word of God reveals Christianity to us. It is an infallible expression of its doctrines and duties. Jesus is the way to everlasting rest; the Bible is the guide. Some one has said, “Both are equally certain, equally divine. Let us be thankful for such unspeakable gifts. Next to the mercy of a Savior, able and ready to save to the [pg 045] uttermost all who come unto God by him, is the book of inspiration of God, which as a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path, conducts us to such a Friend, and teaches us the way of salvation.”

      The Word of God is a lamp and a light to guide to everlasting bliss, “The entrance of thy word giveth light.” The word is written in the Christian's