The Fruit of the Christ-Life by William Warren Prescott

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 20, 1910

The Fruit of the Christ-Life

By William Warren Prescott

CHRIST is the living pattern. He was the pattern put into life for us that that same pattern might be put into life in us. We belittle the work of Christ if we stop short of the idea that the life of Christ on the earth must be lived over again in our life on the earth. It is thus that Christ is identified with his followers, because it is his life which they live.

Only by life connection, vital connection, that connection which permits actual life to flow back and forth, can we be kept alive. There is special stress to be laid upon these thoughts just now, because we are in the time of the closing up of God’s purpose. That is why such a brilliancy of light is shining now. Just before Christ’s coming, every ray of light that has ever shone upon God’s Word will shine again. We have all the light the Reformers had in their great movements. All the light that ever shone is focusing in this time, and now God in Christ is working mightily to restore his image in the souls of men.

Where do we find the revelation of God’s character? He has told us that it is in his law. That is why there is light shining upon the law of God. Perfection comes in only through our obedience to the commandments, and that is possible only through Christ. He will save us; for we have his promise, “Sin shall not have dominion over you.” What is sin?—“All unrighteousness is sin.” What is righteousness? “His name . . . shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” Christ is the example of righteousness. Through him the gift of righteousness comes to us, and we shall be saved from unrighteousness. Righteousness is being like Christ. Christ was the image of God. Unrighteousness is unlikeness to Christ. God will save us from that unlikeness. “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.” “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.”

Christ is still united to his followers. “For we have not an high priest which can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word

of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations.” What is that mystery? “Christ in you, the hope of glory; whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith”—not visit, not call, but dwell, abide in your hearts—dwell there permanently. It is Christ dwelling in you. That is the message of Rev. 3:20: “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.” Now when Christ has made such abundant provision as this that his image shall be restored in us, should we not accept it? He has made all this provision for some results to appear. He measures the extent of our union with God by the results which are manifested. It is not a nominal faith in Jesus Christ that stands the test, but to have the works of faith brought out in us, because it is by those works that we are all tested. We can not work the works, but God has made every provision that his life shall be manifested in us, and he measures us by the fruit of righteousness manifested in our lives. He does not ask us to manifest those results ourselves, but makes all provision that those works shall be manifested in us, and then he judges us by the results. He has a right to do so. By the results he measures the value of our profession. “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 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.” He measures them by the result of their lives, not simply by their profession. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord.” If profession would do anything, they have done all. “Then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” W. W. P.