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this doctrine is a "Fundamental", in view of the words of James 2:, "Faith without works
is DEAD". While Gen. 15: reveals the justification of Abraham, Gen. 22: shows its
fulfillment. While Gen. 12:-17: contains the promises, in Gen. 22: Abraham obtains
them. We misunderstand the gift of life if we assume that because it is a gift, and a gift
of grace and not of works, no activity on our part is called for. Scripture speaks
otherwise, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come", "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise
from the dead". We have been redeemed from all iniquity, "that we might be a peculiar
people, zealous of GOOD WORKS". Let no creed, or remnant of a creed, cramp our
minds and hearts. The teaching of Scripture is our creed, formulated or otherwise, for we
all tend to turn the liquid metal into moulds of our own fashioning.
We have not dwelt in this article upon the wondrous theme of the great Sacrifice on
Calvary, so vividly presented in this remarkable chapter. This is not because such has no
place in our heart or teaching, but because that aspect is so evident to all, and so widely
recognized. We would nevertheless not let the opportunity pass without using it, if only
briefly.
Redemption by the blood of Christ, true atonement by His death, and full acceptance
in His merits, are the first words of gospel preaching, and the first note of apocalyptic
song. The religion of the age repudiates the necessity for the blood of Christ. Jude's
picture of the closing days is of men "denying the Lord that bought them". We cannot
read seven verses into the epistles of the Mystery without hearing that we are redeemed
by the blood of Christ (Eph. 1: 7). God has offered His only Son whom He loved, He
spared not His only begotten Son. That Son of God loved me and gave Himself for me.
Let us listen afresh to the word:--
"Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body"
(I Cor. 6: 19, 20).
#33.
Jacob.--The Flesh and the Promise (Gen. 25: - 28:).
pp. 67 - 71
We have seen Abraham's initial response to the call of God in his going out "not
knowing whither he went", and we have seen his last trial of faith in his journeying to one
of the mountains of which God would tell him. While there is much of interest and
instruction in the closing days of this man of faith, we feel it time to pass on to another
figure who plays a part in the development of the purpose of the ages.
The marriage of Isaac with Rebecca (24:) kept the seed of promise within prescribed
limits, also affording in the case of the eldest servant (who may have been Eliezer of
Damascus) an example of faithful service and Divine leading, "I being in the way, the
Lord led me". The words of 25: 5 ("and Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac")
suggest as the heir of all things--Christ. Jacob the son of Isaac holds a place more
prominent than his father in the typical outworking of the purpose, partly by reason of the