"Redemption Greater than Creation."
By A. O. Tait
ONE of the most common objections raised against God's Sabbath is that, "Redemption is greater than creation, and Christ finished the work of redemption on the first day of the week; therefore, we should observe the first day in honor of his finished work." There are at least two points that should be clearly proved before any one settles down behind the above excuse. The first is, Who has informed us that redemption is greater than creation? God has not said so in his word; by what line of reasoning can it be proved? Can finite minds that are unable to grasp the most elementary principles of God's creative power reach out and lay hold on the vastness of creation, and properly compare it with the infinitely marvelous plan of redemption? Certainly the idea is absurd. And since inspiration makes no such comparison to tell us which is the greater, it is impossible for mortals to determine in regard to it. Yet men will assume what they know nothing about, and stick to it with great tenacity, and will entirely ignore the plain word of God. But there is another point. If we allow that Sunday should be kept in commemoration of the finished work of redemption, a theory, however, which is not founded in reason or the word of God, it would be well to inquire whether or not redemption is finished. If the Bible shall inform us in plain terms that redemption is not finished, the above excuse for Sunday-keeping is of no account. In Rom. 8:23 we read: "Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." Paul wrote this language nearly thirty years after Christ's resurrection, and yet he says we are waiting for "the redemption of our body." Now if the body was not yet redeemed in Paul's day, redemption could not be called a finished work when Christ rose from the dead. Again, in Luke 21:28, the Saviour says: "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." "These things" referred to can mean nothing else than the signs to immediately precede the second advent of Christ, as any one will readily see by the context. Then our redemption is not finished, but only "draweth nigh" when the signs of his second coming appear. And if our redemption only "draweth nigh" at that time, surely it will not be finished before the advent itself takes place. In Eph. 1:13, 14, we are informed that after we believe we are sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, "which is the earnest [or pledge] of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." Here is proof positive that we have only a pledge, as yet, for the "redemption of our purchased possession." And since we have only a pledge for this redemption, redemption cannot be called a finished work, although it is rendered sure by the blood of Christ and the "Spirit of promise." In consideration of these facts, who would be willing to risk his faith on such an excuse as the one proposed at the head of this article? Let us try to consider the feelings we will have when called to stand before the Judge of all the earth; and let us have a faith founded on the word of God, so that we may not be ashamed of it in that day. A. O. TAIT.