p. 34 | CHRIST THE LIFE by Mary W. Howard

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 26, 1869

CHRIST THE LIFE.

By Mary W. Howard

THINKING upon the words of our Saviour, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” my mind rested painfully upon the fact that a majority of Christians quietly, yet almost completely, ignores the truth of Christ as the life. Not but that a part of this truth is recognized, that our religious, spiritual life comes through Christ; but this is Christ as the way,—the way of access through him as mediator unto God. According to the apostle’s assertion, “There is none other name given under Heaven among men; whereby we must be saved.” Acts iv, 12. None can be Christians, therefore, without accepting this elementary truth; for it carries conviction as it goes. But I wish now to illustrate: Christ is the life from the grave, which comes also through him, as emphatically the Lifegiver, at his return, when “all that are in their graves shall hear his voice and come forth.” John v, 28. That this is the life intended, is clearly shown by Jesus’ words to Martha, John xi, 25. In fact, he explicitly says so: “I am the resurrection” (first, and then) “and the life.” It is this life to which Peter looked forward when with joy he exclaims, “Hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.” 1 Pet. i, 3. This resuming again of his own life, was sure pledge of ability to impart it again to those who sleep in him, according to Paul’s teachings in 1 Cor. xv.

Moved by these thoughts, I sought a sermon of Spurgeon’s upon the resurrection; and found sentiments which I so fully endorse, that I will quote from him some undeniable truths that will be more appropriate coming from him than for one like myself to express them.

“Reflecting the other day upon the sad state of the churches, I was led to look back to apostolic times and consider wherein the preaching of the present day differed from the preaching of the apostles. Surprised was I to find that the very staple of the apostles’ preaching was the resurrection from the dead. This is a doctrine we think we fully believe, but which we too seldom preach or care to read about. It has been set down as a well-known truth, and has therefore never been denounced. Heresies have never risen up respecting it. It would almost be a mercy if there had been; for whenever a truth has been contested by heresies the orthodox fight strongly for it, and the pulpit resounds with it continually. I am persuaded, however, there is much power in the doctrine.”

Would that religious teachers everywhere would realize this power, and as Paul exhorts, “Come to know the power of his resurrection,” and the kindred or underlying doctrine of the coming of our Lord. Through the gospel the resurrection was brought to light in the most excellent and explicit manner. Throughout the teachings of Paul, there was one continuous flow of these doctrines; and it is marvelous that there should be such departure from the steadfastness of this faith so long as there is an abiding adherence to these very scriptures that set it forth.

If it were better, as suggested in the quotation, that heresies should have arisen concerning the doctrine, we are in a fair way to have it tested by the “Bible Repository,” and others advocating the nonresurrection of the wicked. Unscriptural as this theory may be, it is, perhaps, less to be deplored than the prevailing Spiritualist’s view that causes the ignoring of the scriptural view, and by which the necessity of the resurrection is completely superseded. But I will again quote from the sermon on which I have already drawn; for I find him using stronger language than would seem proper for me, even though scriptural proof was adduced; for it is human to look for authority from high earthly positions, and I am glad so to do, when it is in accordance with the higher authorities of God’s word: “There are very few Christians who believe in the resurrection from the dead! You may be surprised to hear me say that, but I should not wonder if I discovered that you yourselves have doubts upon the subject. By the resurrection of the dead it means something very different from the immortality of the soul. The doctrine is, that the actual body in which I now exist is to live with my soul; that not only is the ‘vital spark of heavenly flame’ to burn in Heaven, but the very censer in which the incense of life has smoked is holy unto the Lord and is to be preserved forever. Many of you believe you will have a body in Heaven, but think it will be an airy, fantastic body, instead of believing it will be a body like to this—a solid, substantial body which has started up from the grave. But if you are Christians as you profess to be, you believe that every mortal man that has ever existed shall not only live by the immortality of the soul, but his body shall live again, that the very flesh in which he now walks the earth is as eternal as the soul, and shall exist forever. This is the peculiar doctrine of Christianity.”

Concerning Enoch and Elijah, Spurgeon discourses thus: “In the Old Testament scriptures we are told of two men who left not their bodies food for worms; one ‘was not; for God took him,’ and Elijah was carried to Heaven in a chariot of fire. Each in his mortal frame—changed and glorified, doubtless—they ascended up on high.” And surely we do not forget the many instances of life given back, recorded in the New Testament. Enough certainly to vindicate Christ’s words, “I am the life,” and forever to establish the fact of life again from the dead.

But when we hear the notion of “disembodied spirits” taking precedence of the resurrection, what wonder is it that a matter-of-fact age begin to look upon every thing connected with the theory as a vain “speculation” of no profit, and there is developed, as we ourselves witness, an outgrowth of infidelity? But let the Bible doctrine of the resurrection of the dead through the life which shall be given by Christ, the life, be brought to view, and there is a conscious change of base at once. All is substantial and abiding. The Bible must be set aside to refute it, and, happily, comparatively few are prepared to take that position. Then let it be sounded forth by every pulpit, and every pen; “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Cor. xv, 22. Then will mankind have anxieties for the future. Then will be an end of that religious apathy so painful to witness. All will then feel that they have a personal, vital interest in the question, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?” Heb. ii, 3. Apostolic preaching having returned, apostolic results will be witnessed, and souls will be rescued.

MARY W. HOWARD.

January, 1869.