The Last Reformation by F. G. (Frederick George) Smith
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page 14 of 192 (07%)
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which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow,... and that every tongue should confess" (Phil. 2:9-11). The church, then, proceeds from Calvary: Pentecost was but its initial manifestation to men and its dedication for service. Of this we shall have more to say hereafter. [Sidenote: Composed of true Christians] Since through his death Christ proposed to draw all men unto him, it is evident that all the members of Christ are therefore members of his body, the church. To this agrees the words of the apostle Paul, "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we [true Christians], being many, are _one body in Christ_, and every one members one of another" (Rom. 12: 4, 5). "Now hath God set the members _every one of them_ in the body, as it hath pleased him" (1 Cor. 12:18). [Sidenote: Mode of admission] Becoming a member of the spiritual body of Christ is necessarily a spiritual operation. Men may admit members to a formal church relationship, but only the Spirit of God can make us members of Christ. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized [or inducted] into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:13). This text does not refer to literal water-baptism, but to the work of the "Spirit," by whom we are inducted into Christ. "_God hath set the members_ every one of them in the body" (verse 18). And since this is the work of the Spirit, it is evident that none but the saved can |
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