A GREAT WORK by H. C. Balsbaugh

Pacific Press Publishing Company · MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA · Sep 27, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 39.

A GREAT WORK.

By H. C. Balsbaugh

BY H. C. BALSBAUGH.

ATTAINING the unity of the Spirit, according to the Scriptures, is a very great work. We are helped in it by examining ourselves often to see if we be in the faith, and by having God search our hearts. Psalm 139.

The tower of Babel was a great effort of man to bring about a selfish unity for security against another flood. The same motive moved them to build a city (Gen. 11:4) for their common good. The city brought them together outwardly, but God's will was that they should "scatter abroad" and be one in spirit.

A human scheme for the merging of the ten kingdoms of the fallen Roman empire into one again was intermarriage. Before the trial it seemed that it would surely prove effectual. But it was not possible of accomplishment as the prophet had declared. Dan. 2:43. While these things prove that unity is desirable, only God knows how to make it possible.

The fourth chapter of Ephesians is a call and an exhortation to the church to this great work of true unity in God. Therein is set forth the purpose of that spiritual unity and the blessings that go with it. That we may underrate it less, and not be given to vain boasting, let us test our present standing before the Lord. Who of us in very spirit is free from judging and condemning after the fleshly mind those whom God wills to save? Who of us, instead, has the spirit to consider, to pray for, and to be helpful to save, the babe in Christ, the weak in will and in faith, the faltering, the needy?

True unity is a work of righteousness in very spirit, and therefore is called the unity of the Spirit, of the Holy Spirit. It is that finishing work of grace in the heart and the church that results in one faith (verse 5), making that unity of faith and that perfect man through a knowledge of Christ, shown in verse 13. By it diversities of gifts work together in harmony.

What begets the spirit of unity? Verse 2 answers. After it is begotten, we are exhorted (verse 3) to endeavor to keep it in the bond of peace, for so it is begotten. It is not for a season only, but to be kept; not slightly, but through endeavor. And let us be admonished indeed, that it is by endeavor of watching unto prayer, and "looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith." So is the finishing work of the church greatly hastened.

Memphis, Tenn.