THE WORK OF THE CHRISTIAN.
The Christian is not called to a self-salvation. This is included in the call, but it is not its object. He is called to give, even to give his life. The life, the law of love is to give. God gave Himself in giving His Son. Jesus Christ gave Himself. To make the salvation of ourselves the object of our faith and work is to defeat our object. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John 12:24, 25. This is the law of Christian life and work. It does not mean that the Christian shall commit suicide, or flagellate the body, or do penance in any way. But it does mean that the life, our life, with all its powers, shall be given to God, for Him to direct, to use for the salvation of other souls and the advancement of our Redeemer’s kingdom. It is the vicariousness of Christ’s life poured out through His followers for the salvation of others. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar [purchased] people.” And what is all this for—“That ye should show forth the praises [virtues, excellences] of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9. And Christ’s excellences of character His followers show forth by doing the same work in the same Spirit that He did. Reader, is this your conception of Christian life and duty? or are you among those who are seeking only your own salvation? If this latter be the case, deceive yourselves no longer. Give yourselves to God. Go to work in the great white harvest-fields now.