The Last Reformation by F. G. (Frederick George) Smith
page 19 of 192 (09%)
page 19 of 192 (09%)
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believers is a sacred truth resting on the solid basis of the
atonement. That this unity is more than that general union resulting from the personal attachment of separate individuals to Christ as a common center, is proved by the fact that it is designed to gather together in one the scattered _children of God_. Jesus himself said, "Other sheep I have [Gentiles], which are not of this [Jewish] fold: _them also I must bring_, and they shall hear my voice; and THERE SHALL BE ONE FOLD [flock] AND ONE SHEPHERD" (John 10:16). [Sidenote: Jew and Gentile united] Broadly speaking, there were at that time but two classified divisions of men--Jews and Gentiles. Jesus predicted that his sheep from both sections should be brought together into one flock. In the second chapter of Ephesians, Paul tells us how this was accomplished. Although "in times past" the Gentiles were "strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world," in Christ they were "made nigh by the blood." "For he is our peace, who hath made both [Jews and Gentiles] ONE, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us ... that he might reconcile both unto God _in one body_ by the cross" (verses 12-16). Since this glorious reunion through Christ, the Gentiles "are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." They also "are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone ... in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (verses 19-22). On account of the high standard of unity set forth in his epistles, Paul has been branded an idealist. But what shall we say of Christ who |
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