THE BETTER WAY by M. C. W.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 19, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 32.

THE BETTER WAY.

By M. C. W.

THE word of God has but very little to say upon many important subjects; yet that little is so plain and definite that, among the followers of the word, there is generally no disagreement. Other subjects are set forth more fully by direct statement or plain allusion; and, strange to say, it is in regard to the latter class that the most disagreement is found among Christians. It would seem at first thought that those matters about which the Bible said so much would be most easily understood, and more easily made clear to all, but it is not so. The second coming of Christ is a subject that is of this character. The kingdom of Christ is another.

Now there are reasons why there is not a more general agreement upon such subjects. What are they?

1. Men get an idea from some one else, or in the imagination of their own mind, as to how a certain subject ought to be understood, and then they endeavor to warp the Scriptures to their idea. This is an entirely wrong way. It is wrestling the Scriptures.

2. Another class seize upon a certain text of Scripture designed only to teach a certain phase of the subject, regarding all other testimony upon the same subject as of little importance. Such views are at the best but one-sided, and very often lead to extremes, even to fanaticism.

The only true doctrine taught in the Scriptures on any subject, is that which harmonizes, or shows the harmony between, all the testimony, and at the same time gives all of its parts their relative importance.

Among the subjects variously understood is that change which must take place in a man to fit him for a home in the kingdom of God. This transformation in its various forms, phases, and steps is frequently mentioned in the Bible, especially in the New Testament. In its different phases, it is presented as forgiveness of sins, imputed righteousness, justification, righteousness by faith, being converted, sanctification, adoption, etc. It is illustrated by death of the old man and creation of a new man, by marriage, by being born again, by a building, by the vine and its branches, and in other ways.

Now it is manifest that that view which would base itself upon only one class of texts,—like those that pertain to conversion,—or upon one illustration,—like that of being born again,—must be one-sided and very likely to be extreme. The only true doctrine is that which will give due weight to all these scriptures, and to each class its proper place. This will bring harmony. Plain, positive texts will give form to inferences and make clear the object of the illustrations. Other methods will result in confusion, and tend to careless indifference on the one hand, or fanaticism on the other. If we have preconceived motives, we must put them away or hold them in subjection to the consensus of testimony. If we think that former investigations in a certain line are sufficient, we are very likely to be mistaken. Where all these lines converge will be found the truth; and that truth will give due importance to every part, and each part will shine brighter and clearer in its own place, reflecting the effulgence of all. This is the true way to study God's word, and if it is studied in

this way, with a heart which is open and free to receive the truth, and which cries out with unutterable longing to have the will and truth of God wrought in it, the truth will be found. In this way, we may “understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.” Prov. 2:9. As for us, we can see no hope of union in any other way. M. C. W.