p. 7 | A Two-Edged Sword by S. H. Carnahan

Pacific Press Publishing Company · MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA · May 1, 1907

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 33, No. 18.

A Two-Edged Sword.

By S. H. Carnahan

THE truth of God, the word of God which has been styled sharper than a two-edged sword, cuts both ways and accomplishes a twofold work. It separates the wheat from the chaff, preparing the one for the heavenly garner and the other for eternal destruction.

1. The Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (Rom. 1:16); while those who believe not shall be condemned. Mark 16:16.

2. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” And “we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” 1 Cor. 1:18-24.

3. The chief Corner-stone, Christ, is a stone of stumbling and rock of offense to the disobedient; but unto those who believe, He is precious, and a rock of defense. 1 Peter 2:6-8; 1 Cor. 10:4

4. The waters of the great Flood destroyed all the wicked of the antediluvian world; and yet, by the same element were the righteous saved. Gen. 7:23; 1 Peter 3:20. Likewise the walls of water were a means of saving the hosts of Israel, but of destroying the army of Pharaoh. Ex. 14:28, 29. The pillar of cloud was darkness to the Egyptians, but a light to the children of Israel. Ex. 14:20. So, at last, when Jesus comes again in the clouds, the wicked shall all be destroyed by the brightness of His coming; but the righteous shall be caught up to Him to live eternally. Compare Matt. 24:30; 2 Thess. 2:8.

5. Observance of the commandments of God brings blessings and prosperity spiritually, physically, and financially; while a non-observance of God’s precepts brings a curse upon us in all these respects. Deut. 28:1, 2, 15; Mal. 3:7-11. Even the angels in heaven look upon us as great if we do and teach God’s law; but as very little if we break any precept in it and teach people to do so. Matt. 5:19.

6. If the word or truth of God be heeded by all, the parents and children shall be united in love and compassion; on the other hand, if the truths are not accepted by all, it will separate members of families, filling the disobedient ones with hatred for the others. Mal. 4:6; Luke 12:51-53.

7. God sent His Son not to condemn the world, but to save it; and those that believe Him unto obedience are not condemned; but those who do not believe are already condemned. The only way they can evade the condemnation is by faith which worketh repentance. John 3:17, 18.

S. H. CARNAHAN.