BY ELDER EDWIN F. PARRY, LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND.
WHAT THE SAVIOR AND HIS APOSTLES AND THE ANCIENT PROPHETS SAY CONCERNING IT—THE MANY THINGS TO TAKE PLACE BEFORE THAT GREAT EVENT—THE SIGNS ALREADY APPEARING.
The holy scriptures supply many proofs that Christ will again come to earth. After His resurrection He appeared to His disciples, and was "seen of them forty days." Then "he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." While the disciples were looking towards heaven as He went up, two men (angels) in white apparel stood by them and said:
"Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1: 11).
Christ's second coming will be both glorious and terrible.
"They shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." (Matthew 24: 30; Mark 13: 26; Luke 21: 27).
"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." (Matthew 16: 27; Mark 8: 38).
"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power." (II Thessalonians 1: 7, 8, 9).
The day and the hour of the Messiah's coming is not known.
The Bible foretells many things that shall take place before the Savior comes to reign in glory upon the earth.
Christ's disciples asked Him to tell them what should be the sign of His coming, and of the end of the world. He answered them in these words:
"Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." (Matthew 24: 4, 5, 6, 7).
In addition to this he mentioned another sign. He said:
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matthew 24: 14).
These words have no reference to the ministry of Christ's former disciples. The end of the world, or the end of the reign of wickedness, did not follow their preaching. The Savior certainly referred to a time in the future. He spoke of a special message of the Gospel of the kingdom to be restored in latter days, otherwise the preaching of it would not be a witness or sign to all nations of the near approaching end, as He said it should be.
The beloved Apostle John, in the book of Revelation, foretells many things that should take place after the time of his writings. One thing he describes in these words:
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come." (Revelation 14: 6, 7).
John evidently refers to the same event as does the Savior. The coming of an angel with the Gospel message for all nations, as predicted by John, should be in the hour of God's judgment. That is at the same time referred to by Jesus, when He said wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes should occur; for these things are some of God's judgments.
The Prophet Daniel also foretells a similar event, which he says, "shall be in the latter days." After describing the image Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream, Daniel explains the meaning of it. He says the image represented Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom and the kingdoms that should be built up after it. The fourth great kingdom—the Roman power—should be divided, and a number of kingdoms should grow out of it. Then he declares a wonderful event shall take place. He says:
"And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." (Daniel 2: 44).
Some may think this prophecy refers to the establishing of the kingdom of heaven on earth in the days of Christ's first coming. This cannot be the case. God's kingdom at that time did not "break in pieces and consume" the one great kingdom then existing—the Roman empire. On the other hand the worldly powers, which St. John describes as a "beast," made "war with the saints," and overcame them, and got power over all kindreds, and tongues and nations. (Revelation 13: 7).
The kingdom referred to by Daniel, as he plainly says "shall not be left to other people," while the Gospel of the kingdom in the days of Christ's former Apostles was rejected by the Jews and left to other people. It was taken to the Gentiles.
The Apostle John, in speaking of the great event of the future, says he heard voices in heaven saying—
"The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 11: 15).
This is also in harmony with Daniel's prediction about the kingdom of God being set up in the latter days.
As all these prophecies so nicely agree, we are forced to the conclusion that the Gospel of Christ is to be preached in all the world in latter days as a witness, or sign, of the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom.
Other significant events should precede the Savior's second coming. He mentions them also:
"But in those days, after the tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. . . . . . And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven." (Mark 13: 24, 25, 27; Matthew 24: 29, 31).
St. Luke adds that there shall be "upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth." (Luke 21: 25, 26).
That all these things shall be signs of His coming is to be understood from what the Savior adds:
"When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors." (Matthew 24: 33; Mark 13: 29; Luke 21: 31).
More than twenty of the ancient prophets and apostles whose writings are in the Bible predict events that shall happen in the last days, or near the time of Christ's second coming. Many of them prophesy concerning the gathering of the Lord's chosen people, the descendants of Israel. They not only foretell the gathering of the Jews but also the whole house of Israel. Some of the other tribes as well as that of Judah are scattered among all nations. The Prophet Jeremiah says concerning this gathering:
"Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers. Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks." (Jeremiah 16: 14, 15, 16).
"And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people. . . . . And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." (Isaiah 11: 11, 12).
The Prophets Isaiah and Micah declare:
"It shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2: 2, 3; Micah 4: 1, 2).
From what the prophets have said it is evident that this gathering of Israel shall be connected with Christ's reign upon earth, and will therefore be a sign of His coming. The Prophet Ezekiel predicts that Israel shall be gathered, and in the same connection declares the word of the Lord, saying:
"I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them forever." (Ezekiel 37: 26).
The setting of the Lord's sanctuary in the midst of them forever must have reference to the establishing of His kingdom never more to be thrown down.
In connection with this gathering Isaiah speaks of a time when enmity among the animal creations shall cease, and when "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea," (Isaiah 11: 9), indicating that the gathering will be near the time when peace and righteousness shall prevail upon the earth.
That the blessings of the Gospel, which were in the church in the days of Christ and His apostles, will be restored at the time when the gathering of Israel shall take place is shown by what Isaiah foretells:
"Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing." (Isaiah 35: 5, 6).
There is still another sign to mark the coming of the Messiah. The whole volume of sacred scripture gives proof that it will be manifest.
The Prophet Malachi, repeating the Lord's words to him concerning His coming in glory, says:
"Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3: 1).
The following verse shows that this prophecy does not refer to Christ's first coming:
"But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap." (Malachi 3: 2).
It appears from this prediction of Malachi that the Lord will send a messenger to prepare the way for His second coming, as was done at the time of His first coming. It is reasonable to believe this, for it is in full harmony with the teachings of the scriptures. The Prophet Amos says:
"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3: 7).
The whole Bible history bears witness to the truth of these words of Amos. It is a record of God's dealings with mankind through the agency of "his servants the prophets," The sacred book tells us nothing concerning the things of God but what has been revealed by His holy prophets. In connection with all important events it relates, we read of some inspired men appearing. These prophets were raised up to deliver special messages from the Lord direct to the people. From time to time the Lord has such messages to declare to mankind. In all past ages He has proclaimed them by the mouths of His prophets. The Lord spoke to these men with His own voice, sometimes face to face, sometimes from the midst of a cloud or from a burning bush, and at other times by a voice from heaven.
Before the Lord destroyed the inhabitants of the earth with a flood, He raised up the Prophet Noah to warn the people of the danger they were in, and to point out to them a way of escape.
When the Lord was about to raise up a chosen people of the posterity of Abraham, He told that patriarch of His intention. He also renewed the promise to Jacob, by speaking unto him, and Jacob prophesied concerning his posterity.
After the children of Israel became slaves to the Egyptians, and when the Lord was about to free them, He revealed His intentions to the Prophet Moses. He chose this man to prepare the people for deliverance and to lead them out of Egypt.
When the Jews were about to be taken captives by the Babylonians, prophets were sent to warn them of their danger. Jeremiah and Ezekiel were two of those prophets. The people heeded not their warning, and many were slain or taken as prisoners.
When the Lord was about to destroy Nineveh, unless the people repented of their sins, He sent the Prophet Jonah to call them to repentance. The people listened to and obeyed his words and were saved.
When the Jewish kingdom was about to be entirely overthrown for the last time, John the Baptist and the Savior Himself appeared to point out the way for the people's salvation; but they were rejected by the great majority.
Jesus says about His second advent:
"But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (Matthew 24: 37).
As Noah was sent to warn the people of the approaching flood in his day, is it not reasonable to expect that a prophet will be sent in the latter days to warn the people of the destruction of the wicked, when the Savior comes to take vengeance upon them?
The Bible fully establishes the fact that all important things done by the Lord in past ages have been preceded by the appearance of inspired prophets. Surely the greatest event of the world's history—Christ's glorious reign on earth—will be preceded by the appearance of divinely inspired messengers!
Scriptural testimony has been presented in the foregoing to show that a number of signs of Christ's second coming will be made manifest to the world before His appearance takes place:
There will be Wars and Rumors of Wars, Famines, and Pestilences, and Earthquakes.
The Gospel of the Kingdom shall be Preached in all the World for a Witness unto all Nations.
The Sun and Moon shall be darkened, the Stars of Heaven shall Fall, and the Powers of Heaven shall be Shaken.
The Lord's Chosen People will be Gathered.
The House of the Lord shall be established in the Top of the Mountains.
All the Gifts and Blessings of the Gospel shall be Restored.
A Messenger shall Come to Prepare the Way Before the Lord.
The order in which these signs will appear is not clearly stated in the scriptures. It is consistent to believe that several will be apparent at once. Famines and pestilences often occur as the results of war.
The preaching of the Gospel and the gathering of the Lord's elect will take time, and may proceed together. It is plainly evident that before the preaching or the gathering the Lord's authorized messenger must appear to begin the work and to show how the Lord desires it carried out.
The "wars and rumors of wars," the rising of "kingdom against kingdom," the "distress of nations," and the "famines, pestilences, and earthquakes" of the present time proclaim that THE COMING OF THE LORD "IS NEAR, EVEN AT THE DOORS." The desire awakened among the Jews to return to Jerusalem, and the efforts being made for them to do so, are also witnesses that THE TIME OF THEIR "REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH."
But what about the messenger to prepare the way before the Lord? How about the preaching of the Gospel of the kingdom in all the world? Where are the gifts and blessings of the Gospel—the signs to follow the believers? Where are the chosen people being gathered? And where is the house of the Lord being established?
In this age of unbelief who is looking for the fulfillment of these important events which must surely come to pass? Well might the Savior ask the question: "When the Son of Man Cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" "As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." There were but few believers in Noah's day.
The Latter-day Saints claim that the divinely inspired messenger has come to prepare the way before the Lord. They know that the gifts, powers and blessings of the Gospel have been restored, for they are partakers of them. Among them the eyes of the blind have been opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped, and the lame healed. Their missionaries in a humble way have been proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom for over sixty years; and thousands of them are among the nations of the earth declaring it at the present time. Many of those who have believed their message have been gathered out from all nations, "from the four winds," from the "islands of the sea," from the "mountains" and "hills," and the "holes of the rocks." They have built the Lord's house in "the top of the mountains," where "all nations shall flow unto it," as they are now doing. There they are being taught the Lord's ways, that they might more fully "walk in His paths." The claims of the Latter-day Saints are worthy of the earnest and prayerful consideration of all who are seeking to prepare for the coming of the Lord.
"We have turned the barren, bleak prairies and swamps into beautiful towns, farms and cities, by our industry; and the men who seek our destruction and cry thief, treason, riot, are those who themselves violate the laws, steal and plunder from their neighbors, and seek to destroy the innocent, heralding forth lies to screen themselves from the just punishment of their crimes by bringing destruction upon innocent people."
—Joseph Smith.
BIBLE TEACHINGS UPON THIS SUBJECT—IMPORTANT QUESTIONS CONCERNING SALVATION ANSWERED BY THE WORD OF GOD SALVATION FREE TO ALL WHO WILL OBEY—FAITH ALONE WILL NOT SAVE—TRUE FAITH CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM WORKS OF OBEDIENCE—ILLUSTRATIONS OF SALVATION BY GRACE.
The Bible plainly says that it is. St. Paul tells us that our Savior "Will have all men to be saved." (I Timothy 3: 4). John tells us that
"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3: 16, 17).
The Bible says so.
"There is none righteous, no, not one." (Romans 3: 10).
"For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not." (Ecclesiastes 7: 20).
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (I John 1: 8).
He invites them to come unto Him, and promises them rest unto their souls and forgiveness of their sins.
"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11: 28-30).
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1: 18).
No. The Apostle Paul says salvation "is the gift of God," (Ephesians 2: 8); he also says,
"The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life." (Romans 6: 23).
Only through the grace of God, which means by His goodness, favor, or kindness.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2: 8, 9).
Certainly not, for the next verse of St. Paul's writing states that we must perform good works.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2: 10).
It is the atonement made by Jesus Christ, by which He took away the sin of the world.
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God." (I Peter 3: 18).
"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1: 29).
First, from the effects of Adam's fall, which is death.
"For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (I Corinthians 15: 21, 22).
Second, from the sins man himself commits, provided he accepts the grace which Christ offers.
Only by obeying the Gospel of Jesus Christ; that is, by doing what He has commanded. There is no other way. St. Paul says of Christ:
"Being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." (Hebrews 5: 9).
The Savior Himself says:
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven." (Matthew 7: 21).
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14: 15).
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." (John 14: 21).
The scriptures tell us that every man will be rewarded according to his works.
"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." (Matthew 16, 27).
"Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath." (Romans 2: 6, 7).
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (Revelation 20: 12, 13).
The Apostle Paul says the Lord Jesus will take vengeance upon those who obey not the Gospel of Christ.
"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 1: 7, 8).
The Apostle James says people deceive themselves if they do not the things the Lord commands:
"Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 1: 22).
"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" (James 2: 14, 15, 16).
The Apostle John gives this testimony concerning those who obey the Lord:
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22: 14).
Yes, if they follow Him, that is, keep His commandments.
"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (I John 1: 5, 6, 7).
No; for true belief, or faith, cannot be separated from works. Jesus says,
"He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also." (John 14: 12).
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 7: 21).
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6: 46).
"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (John 15: 14).
The Apostle James also tells us,
"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2: 17).
Knowing that a man cannot show that he has faith except by his works, this Apostle adds:
"Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works." (James 2: 18).
To make it plain that a belief without works is not a living faith and will not save, he says,
"The devils also believe and tremble." (James 2: 19).
The ordinances of the Gospel, such as repentance, baptism and the laying on of hands, and all the works of righteousness God has commanded. Jesus says concerning repentance and baptism,
"Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4: 17).
"Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13: 5).
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16: 16).
The Apostle Peter says,
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2: 38).
In regard to works of righteousness Christ says:
"Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 20).
"He that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 10: 22).
Upon this subject the Apostle Peter writes:
"Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity." (II Peter 1: 5-7).
No. The passages that some people suppose teach such a doctrine are not fully understood by them. Paul and Silas said to the jailer, when he asked them what he should do to be saved,
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved and thy house." (Acts 16: 31).
They knew that the jailer could not truly believe without obeying. That he did obey is shown by the words that follow:
"And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway." (Acts 16: 33).
On the day of Pentecost the Apostle Peter repeated these words from the prophecy of Joel:
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2: 21).
But on the same occasion he commanded every one of them to repent and be baptized. (Acts 2: 38).
St. Paul says,
"A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." (Romans 3: 28).
It is made plain by other remarks which he makes in the same connection that he refers to the Jewish law, and not to deeds of righteousness, nor Gospel ordinances. In no place does the Bible teach that faith without works will save.
Suppose a farmer were told these words by a friend: "If you only had a horse, you might do much more work." The farmer would at once understand that his friend meant that he should not only procure a horse, but that he should feed it, and use it in the harness in order to get the work performed. He would be considered a very foolish man if he merely bought the horse, and never fed it or used it, simply because his friend did not say the words "You must feed it and make use of it after you get it." The horse would soon die, and then be of no use to the owner if he treated it in such a way. Anyone who says he believes in Jesus Christ and never obeys His commandments has but a dead faith, which is of no more use to him than is a dead horse to a farmer.
A knowledge of our Father in heaven, and our Redeemer.
"This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17: 3).
It cannot. The Apostle John says:
"Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandment. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." (I John 2: 3, 4).
No. The Savior taught only one way, and organized but one church. He says:
"I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14: 6).
"He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." (John 10: 1).
St. Paul says concerning the one Gospel of Christ:
"Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1: 8).
The same Apostle says concerning the Church of Christ:
"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4: 4, 5).
St. John gives this warning against those who teach not the necessity of abiding in Christ, that is obeying all His doctrines:
"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed, is partaker of his evil deeds." (II John 10, 11).
The Gospel plan is given through the grace of God. It is a gift to man. If man refuses to obey it he rejects the gift, which is the only means of his salvation.
"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." (Romans 1: 16).
The passages already given are from the writings and sayings of divinely inspired apostles and prophets. They are the words of God, for these men "spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." With many other passages in the Bible they prove that—
Salvation is Free to all. All men are Sinners.
The Lord Invites all Sinners to come to Him, and Promises them Forgiveness.
Sinful man Cannot save Himself.
He can only be Saved by the Grace of God.
He can only partake of the Full Grace of God by Obeying the Gospel of Christ.
Obedience means to Keep the Commandments as well as to Believe.
The Bible Teaches no other way of Salvation.
The Gospel which redeems from sin may be likened unto a course of education which redeems from ignorance. The two are so near alike that if we understand the one we may be able to understand the other. Sometimes wealthy men establish schools that are free to the public. All who desire to get an education are invited to receive it freely. It might be said that it is by the grace or kindness of these men that those who accept their offer are educated. But to receive the education they offer so freely one must comply with the rules of the school. He cannot enter unless he is willing to do so. After he has entered the pupil must obey the instructions given or he never will gain the education offered, although it is offered freely.
Salvation in the kingdom of heaven is very much the same. It is offered to all freely, but to receive it one must accept of the conditions upon which it is tendered; and he must gain it by obedience to the instructions of the Savior, who made salvation free to mankind.
Sin may be likened unto a debt. Sometimes men get into debt and are unable to pay what they owe. Suppose a man in this condition was told by the man to whom he was in debt that he would be forgiven if he would agree to certain conditions. Such a man would not expect forgiveness unless he made the promise and kept his agreement.
All men are sinners before the Lord, and they cannot free themselves from their sins. The Savior, however, promises them forgiveness on condition of their obedience to His commandments. How then can we expect to receive forgiveness unless we accept His offer and obey His word?
BY ELDER EDWIN F. PARRY, LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND.
Salvation means redemption from eternal death, and deliverance from the effects of sin. It is the gift of God to man.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2: 8).
Adam's transgression, or original sin, brought eternal death upon mankind. The atonement made by the Savior made redemption from that eternal death general or universal; that is, all will be redeemed from it. Both good and bad will be resurrected.
"For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (I Corinthians 15: 21, 22).
Salvation from our own sins is a special blessing of our Heavenly Father. It is offered freely, but all who desire it must accept it upon the condition specified. That condition is obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is called the plan of salvation. It is a system of rules by complying with which salvation may be gained; hence it is called in the scriptures the "power of God unto salvation."
There are many systems or branches of knowledge known to man, such as that of music, of chemistry, of mathematics, of geometry, etc. By learning and practicing the rules of one of these systems a person can receive the benefits to be had from that particular system. By learning and practicing the rules of the Gospel we can receive the blessing it offers, which is salvation.
To enjoy the privileges and blessings of civilized society children have to learn the rules or customs of civilized people. This they do by obeying the teachings they receive from their parents. If an uncivilized man wishes to associate with civilized people, and enjoy their company, he must be willing to obey their teachings, or the rules of their society. The Gospel of Jesus Christ leaches the rules of conduct that are to be observed by all who are saved in the kingdom of heaven. These rules are simple, but they are very strict. They must be obeyed.
The first rule or principle of the Gospel is faith in God. The Apostle Paul says:
"Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11: 6).
It is shown in the above passage that we cannot come to God without believing that He exists, and also that He rewards them that diligently seek Him. In order to believe that God rewards all that seek Him, we must trust Him, or have confidence in His word. That is, we must rely upon His promises. This is the full meaning of faith. The same apostle gives this definition of faith:
"Faith is the substance" [assurance] "of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11: 1).
The reason why it is impossible to please God without faith is because He desires that His children should come unto Him, that they might be saved. It pleases Him when they keep His commandments, while He is displeased when they are disobedient.
True faith is sometimes called living faith. It is capable of growing. When exercised it becomes stronger. When we trust in the Lord we prove to ourselves that He can be relied upon. We learn that His word can be depended upon, and so our confidence in Him is increased. By the continued exercise of faith in God it becomes a principle of great power. Men by it have influence with the Lord. By it they are enabled to do many marvelous things. Jesus says,
"If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." (Mark 9: 23).
"If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." (Matthew 17: 20).
"What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." (Mark 11: 24).
St. Paul mentions many great things done by the power of faith, and speaks of a number of men of old "who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens." (Hebrew 11: 33, 34).
Knowing the great power of living faith, the Savior promised with assurance that marvelous blessings should follow all who believe on the Lord. These blessings, He said, should be signs or evidences of their belief.
"These signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16: 17, 18).
All these blessings were enjoyed by believers in former days. They are also received by true believers to-day. The result of faith is always the same. If it was possible for miracles to be performed by the power of faith in ancient times it is equally possible to do the same by faith at the present time.
It is necessary that the signs or gifts of the Gospel should follow believers in our day as well as in past ages. They furnish a proof of our faith. If our faith is not sufficient to bring to us the temporal blessings of God which we need or desire, then we have cause to fear that our faith is not strong enough to bring to us eternal salvation. It is possible for a person to be mistaken in estimating his own faith. Sometimes people over-estimate their strength, and only learn of their mistake when they make some test of it. Persons can also overestimate the faith they possess, and if they do not test it they may deceive themselves.
Faith, like bodily strength, can only be developed or increased by exercising it; and a person once possessing faith may lose it by disuse, as one loses his strength of muscle when it is not exercised.
True faith is always made manifest by works. When a person has faith in the Lord he will show it by his works of obedience; that is by keeping the commandments of God. It is useless for any one to profess that he has faith, if he does not show it by his obedience. The Savior asks the question,
"Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6: 46).
The Apostle James says we deceive ourselves if we are not doers of the word:
"Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 2: 22).
He further adds that it is not profitable to say we have faith and do not perform works, and that the best way to show our faith is by our works:
"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2: 14-19).
True faith can be recognized by another proof or test. When it is obtained it causes its possessor to be very humble. It is always accompanied with humility. It convinces its possessor that he is a sinner, and he feels penitent.
Repentance is the second rule or principle of the Gospel of Christ. It naturally follows faith in God and Jesus Christ. True faith leads to repentance of sin as one step up a ladder leads to the next.
According to the teachings of the scriptures, to repent means to feel sorrow for sins committed and to turn away from them; that is to do them no more. St. Paul, in writing to the Corinthian saints, says to them concerning their repentance:
"Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of; but the sorrow of the world worketh death." (II Corinthians 7: 9, 10).
The same apostle in exhorting the Ephesians to repent told them what they should do, or how they should repent. He says,
"Let him that stole steal no more." (Ephesians 4: 28).
One who sincerely repents will also seek to make restitution for wrongs done. If he has stolen he will return, if possible, that which he has taken. Such is the full meaning of repentance—to forsake sin.
Repentance is very necessary to salvation in the kingdom of heaven. Those who have been led to exercise faith in the Lord are under great condemnation if they do not repent. They are in rebellion against Him and cannot receive His approbation. Unless they turn from their sins they are not fit subjects for His kingdom. Both John the Baptist and Jesus began their labors in the ministry by calling upon the people to repent.
"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3: 1, 2).
"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4: 17).
John refused to baptize those who came to him, without repenting, and told them to bring forth "fruits meet for repentance." (Matthew 3: 7, 8).
Neither faith nor baptism will benefit a person unless he repents also. The object of the Gospel is to bring mankind back to God. Through sin they are separated from Him.
"Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you." (Isaiah 59: 2).
To return to Him it is necessary to put away sin—to repent of it.
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?" (I Corinthians 6: 9).
"Except ye repent, ye shall likewise perish." (Luke 13: 3).
It is only upon certain conditions that the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin:
"If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (I John 1: 7).
In order to "walk in the light" we must turn away from the dark paths of sin.
Repentance alone does not remit sin, yet every one who is truly penitent desires that his sins be remitted. It is through the atonement of Jesus Christ that a remission of sins is obtained. To make that atonement effective to each individual the Savior has instituted an ordinance. By obeying that ordinance, after repenting of his sins, a person can receive a remission or forgiveness of them.
The ordinance for the remission of sins is called baptism. The meaning of the word baptize is to immerse or dip. The only proper mode of baptism is by immersion. All the baptisms described in the New Testament were performed by immersion.
St. Matthew says concerning the baptism of Jesus:
"And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water." (Matthew 3: 16).
This shows that He must have gone down into the water. "And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there." (John 3: 23).
This is also a proof that John baptized by immersion.
The baptism of the eunuch by Philip is described thus in the Bible:
"They went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip." (Acts 8: 38, 39).
This, again, shows the manner of baptism practiced by the Savior's disciples.
St. Paul writes:
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." (Romans 6: 3, 4, 5).
The apostle here likens baptism to the burial and resurrection of Christ. Any ordinance called baptism performed in some other way is not in the likeness of Christ's death and resurrection, and is not baptism at all.
All the early church historians testify that baptism by immersion was practiced during the first centuries after Christ.
The following passages of scripture show that baptism is for the remission of sins:
"John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." (Mark 1: 4).
"And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." (Luke 3: 3).
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." (Acts 2: 38).
The scriptures tell of no ordinance or means by which a remission of sins can be obtained without baptism. Faith and repentance are not sufficient. The Bible says of John the Baptist's ministry:
"All the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." (Luke 7: 29, 30).
It appears from this that those who refuse to be baptized reject the counsel of God against themselves. To do this is a great sin, and the only way to repent of it is to obey the counsel of God, and the counsel of God is to be baptized.
Cornelius, who is described as "a devout man, and one that feared God," and who was visited by an angel from heaven was commanded to be baptized. (Acts 10: 48). This shows that baptism is necessary for all mankind, no matter how righteous they may be.
Jesus said it was necessary for Him to be baptized, in order to fulfill all righteousness, though He was without sin:
"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." (Matthew 3: 13, 14, 15).
If it was becoming or proper that the Savior, who was without sin, should obey this ordinance, how much more becoming and necessary it is for all mankind, who are in sin, to follow Him and be baptized!
Baptism is one of the ordinances by which persons are admitted into the church of Christ, as shown by the following scriptures:
"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." (Acts 2: 41).
"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3: 5).
To be "born of water" one must be baptized in water. Upon another occasion Jesus said,
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16: 16).
In no part of the scripture is it stated that man can be admitted into the church of Christ or be saved without baptism. It is an ordinance binding upon all who have reached the age of accountability.
The words of Jesus to the thief on the cross, "To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise," (Luke 23: 43), are believed by some to mean that the thief was promised salvation without complying with the ordinance of baptism. The Apostle Peter says Christ, after being "put to death in the flesh," "went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah." (I Peter 3: 18, 19, 20). Three days after His crucifixion, and after He was resurrected, Jesus said to Mary: "Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father." (John 20: 17). This proves that Christ did not go to heaven on the day He told the thief he would be with Him in Paradise; if He did not, then it is evident that the thief did not.
The baptism of infants is not an ordinance of Christ's church. He never instituted such a practice, and does not require it nor approve of it. Baptism as has been shown, is for the remission of sins, and for admission into the kingdom of God. It must follow faith and repentance. Infants are without sins; they are unable to exercise faith, or to understand repentance. Concerning them Jesus says:
"Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD." (Mark 10: 13, 14).
If this ordinance is so essential to salvation, it might be asked, what becomes of those good people who die without baptism, not knowing it is necessary? Will they be lost? It might also be asked, What will become of those good people who die without believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, never having heard of Him? Let the scriptures answer these questions:
"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3: 19).
"Where no law is, there is no transgression." (Romans 4: 15).
"For sin is the transgression of the law." (I John 3: 4).
"That servant which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." (Luke 12: 47, 48).
These passages of scripture are sufficient to make it clear that people are not condemned until they, after having the privilege of complying with the law of God, reject it. The Lord in His infinite mercy has provided means by which all who die without the privilege of hearing and obeying the Gospel may be saved by future compliance.[1]
But those who do hear it and refuse to obey its teachings simply because other good people before them who died without the opportunity did not comply with them in this life, will surely be under condemnation.
The fact that baptism is a commandment of God should be enough to convince any one that it must be observed. It is not an unreasonable requirement. The Lord promises salvation to those who obey Him. Baptism is one of the tests of obedience. Nothing but a lack of faith, repentance and humility will cause one to object to baptism. An unwillingness to submit to baptism is a proof that faith and repentance have not been complied with. Baptism therefore serves as a test of one's faith and repentance, just as repentance is a test of faith. A spirit of repentance and humility proves that we have faith; and an honest desire to accept baptism proves that we manifest faith, repentance and humility.
When these three rules or principles have been sincerely obeyed we are prepared for the next one. By complying with it the Lord's approval of our course is to be received.
Following the ordinance of baptism by immersion in water for the remission of sins, is that of laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost. The manner of conferring the Holy Ghost in the days of the apostles was by the ordinance of laying on of hands, as the following passages will show:
"Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8: 17).
"When Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money." (Acts 8: 18).
"When Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." (Acts 19: 6).
Those who truly believe, sincerely repent of their sins, and are baptized by one having authority are entitled to receive this ordinance of laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost. If it is performed by one called of God, that is, one having authority to administer His ordinances, the Lord will sanction the act by bestowing the gift of the Holy Ghost upon those who receive the ordinance.
The scriptures show that it is very essential that this ordinance be received by all who accept the Gospel of Christ. Like that of baptism, it is one by which mankind are admitted into the church of God. When the people of Samaria accepted Philip's testimony and were baptized, Peter and John were sent to lay hands upon them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8: 14-17). If it was not necessary that the people of Samaria should have this ordinance attended to the apostles would not have gone to the trouble of sending Peter and John unto them for that purpose.
The influence of the Holy Spirit may be felt by men and women who have not complied with all these rules of the Gospel. The Spirit of the Lord leads people to have faith, to live good lives, and to perform many good works, but it will never manifest to any one that his life is fully approved of the Lord without obeying these ordinances or rules of His church. People should not think themselves saved because they have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost prompting them to do right. If they do not obey its promptings by keeping the commandments of Christ, that Spirit will not remain with them. The Lord says,
"My spirit shall not always strive with man." (Genesis 6: 3).
Jesus said to His disciples,
"I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter; that he may abide with you forever." (John 14: 16).
This promise of a Comforter to abide with them forever was on condition of obedience, as may be learned by reading what follows in the same chapter of John's Gospel.
Jesus further promised that the Holy Ghost would lead His disciples into all truth:
"When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come." (John 16: 13).
In order to be guided into all truth, and to receive the other blessings conferred by the Holy Spirit, we must obey these first principles of truth that have been mentioned. Unless we do this we never can make further progress.
In the foregoing the first principles of the Gospel of Christ have been briefly explained, namely.
1. Faith in God and in His Son Jesus Christ.
2. Repentance.
3. Baptism by Immersion, for the Remission of Sins.
4. Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
That this is the order in which these principles were taught by the Savior and His disciples, is evident from the writings of the New Testament.
John the Baptist first called upon those who believed his word to repent of their sins; and he refused to baptize those who did not show fruits of repentance. (Matthew 3: 2-8). He also promised that after their baptism of water they should receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 3: 11).
To those who believed his words, spoken on the day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter said,
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Act 2: 38).
The people of Samaria who believed Philip's preaching "were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8: 12). Afterwards Peter and John were sent to them that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
"Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost" (Acts 8: 17).
These four rules must be obeyed in order to gain admission into Christ's church. They are the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
These doctrines were taught by the Savior and His disciples, as recorded in the Bible. There is no other way of entering the Church of Christ. Anyone who teaches that there is some other way is under condemnation. St. Paul says:
Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1: 8).