Christ in You and the Finishing of the Work by D. H. Kress

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 11, 1915

Christ in You and the Finishing of the Work

By D. H. Kress

D. H. KRESS, M. D.

“He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14: 17. These words were addressed to the disciples of Christ shortly before his crucifixion. It is evident that they were to have an entirely new experience after his ascension to the Father from what they had had up to that time.

“He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (This spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given.)” John 7: 38, 39. Here again is the promise given to them of a new experience after the reception of the Holy Ghost.

Jesus had been with them, and through the agency of the Holy Spirit had wrought miracles among them. He had given an exemplification in his own life of what every one who received the power he had might be.

It is natural for men to place confidence in man and in that which is visible. They felt secure so long as Jesus in person was with them. This in itself would not give them power over sin within them. Jesus said, “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you.”

He commanded them to tarry in the

city of Jerusalem and “wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.” Acts 1:4. And again the promise is given, “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you,” and then “ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

They were encouraged to believe that they would have an entirely new experience, and be in possession of a power to witness for him such as they had not experienced up to this point. But not until they had lost all confidence in the flesh would they be in a condition to receive this blessing.

At the crucifixion they all forsook the One whom they loved; all hope of realizing their expectation of sitting at his right hand and on his left, as ruler over their outward enemies, was gone. Humbled and humiliated, they had lost all confidence in the flesh, and were willing to tarry and wait for the promised power to subdue the enemies within.

While they were together, there was brought vividly to their minds the sinfulness and deceitfulness of their hearts, how they had sought position and honor, etc. It seemed to them that self had been mingled in all their hopes. They confessed these wrongs to one another and to God, and prayed for one another.

This work of confessing and putting away sin continued for ten days, “and when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak . . . as the Spirit gave them utterance.” This was a new experience. Now the promise was fulfilled, “He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” They were now able to live his life. Great changes took place in these men. From this time forth they were able to lead victorious lives. Sin no longer had dominion over them, for greater was he that was in them than he that was in the world. “Henceforth,” they said, “know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” From this time forth “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” was their message and theme.

In the wilderness, after the rock was once smitten, all that was necessary was to speak to it, and the water would gush forth. It is not necessary to witness just such another outward manifestation as was witnessed on the day of Pentecost. We are living in the dispensation of the Spirit. The Comforter is come. To those who later said, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:37-39.

The Spirit of God awaits our demand and reception. After the reception of the Holy Ghost by the apostolic church thousands were converted in a day. A mighty power attended the men who were then preaching the gospel. In order that the truth might go with power, Jesus knew that it was not a change of men that was needed, but changed men.

So it is today. While the sins and weakness of the Laodicean church are faithfully pointed out by the Faithful and True Witness, the members of the church are not left without hope. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten,” says Christ. “Be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

It is evident that the same change will have to take place in the lives of the members of the Laodicean church that took place in the early disciples at Pentecost and after. He that is with them, but on the outside of the heart, knocking, is to be admitted, and to be in them. When this new experience is theirs, power will attend the message as it falls from human lips. Their lives will witness to the truths proclaimed, and on every hand conversions will be witnessed. Thus God will finish his work and cut it short in righteousness.

Melrose, Mass.