The Holy Spirit by John Orr Corliss

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jun 14, 1910

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 23.

The Holy Spirit

By John Orr Corliss

IX. The Gift of Ministry and Ambassadorship

THE Gospel ministry is at once the most peculiar and the most exalted calling known. Words are inadequate to express either its individuality or its dignity. On entering the inspired path of investigation concerning it, one becomes almost benighted amid the multiplying laterals of acute description; and he feels the impossibility of doing justice to the subject, through the medium of human language. But in the few recorded requirements of the Gospel ministry which we may be able to examine in this paper, some facts appear which will doubtless tend to elevate that calling in every reader's mind.

The authority of Paul to mark out rules for the guidance of the churches, was based on the fact that he had been "ordained," set, or placed, a preacher for Christ. 1 Tim. 2:7-12. To do anything for Christ, is not only to do it in His name, but to do it in the same way He would, for whom it is done. It is clear that the apostle looked upon his work in this light; for in explaining it to the church at Corinth, he said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as tho God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Cor. 5:20.

Were a nation's ambassador to misrepresent, in any way, the attitude of his government toward the people among whom he had been sent; or should he do anything in his own name, after another manner than that prescribed by his home power, his recall would be swift and sure. No government will permit its ascendency to be displaced, or in any way discredited before a foreign power, by one sent forth under his home authority, to act in its behalf. So a "minister of God" becomes such only through the gift of God's grace, and by the "effectual working of His power." Eph. 3:7.

There may be those connected with the sacred ministry who are not able to decide that they were placed in position by God's operating power. If so, they are to be pitied, and should not rest satisfied until able to produce proper credentials of office. In other words, one should "make full proof" of his ministry according to inspired counsel. 2 Tim. 4:1-5. It is fruitless for him to suppose that he can pass inspection uncensured, without presenting heavenly credentials of his calling; for even the world at large demands proof of one's heavenly ambassadorship before according him the respect due such a position.

Compelling Recognition

Society will not be tardy to have regard for a true minister of God, upon his giving testimony, tho silently offered, of his heavenly calling. Daily life counts in the world's balance-sheet of estimate. He who can be patient under sudden and unexpected refusal, or even violent resistance;

who can meet affliction, necessities, and distresses calmly; who can suffer undeserved stripes and imprisonments without complaint; who will, amid tumult and confusion, be constant in prayer; who will ever, under all circumstances, be long-suffering and kind, willing to be little and unknown, in the hope of his calling,—such can not fail to secure a general acknowledgment of an inherent possession not common to humanity. See 2 Cor. 6:3-9.

These virtues are the open, genuine test of one's real connection with the Lord. They were, indeed, the proofs of Christ's oneness with the Father's perfection, and His ability to lead fallen man into that higher life of which He was Master. Heb. 2:9-11. But when Christ sets apart men to follow up His work on earth, they must be one with Him, and learn, as He did, to "harken submissively," by the things they suffer. Heb. 5:8. Indeed, it is for this very purpose that men are commissioned to preach the Gospel. Paul was a shining illustration of this; for his calling to the ministry was determined by God revealing Christ in him,—that is, divinely uncovering Christ in him,—so that His heavenly perfection was made known. Gal. 1:16. Immediately the apostle took on the same afflictions borne by his Master, and rejoiced in the sufferings they gave, knowing that in his own body he was but fulfilling, in Christ's stead, that part of the Master's work left behind for His representatives to show to the world. Col. 1:24.

This is the only way to preach, or proclaim Christ as a divine sufferer in man's behalf. Simply to talk about Christ, and what He endured, does not meet the demand; because no human reason can penetrate the unseen and consequent unknown, so as to appreciate God's love. Love is not sentiment alone, but action under pressing circumstances. One may express love for another; but without suiting some action to such profession, there is no evidence of the word's truthfulness. Christ's love for the world, required action on His part, to confirm in men's minds the truthfulness of His Word. By His death He established the fact of His infinite and eternal love for sinners.

Stewards of God

Christ's immediate disciples, each and all, followed in His footsteps, proclaiming Christ. They suffered even to death, as their Master did, in confirmation of the Word they preached. They not only "talked about" Christ, but they "ministered," or gave Christ to others, in their own persons, thus demonstrating their attachment to Him, and the cause He came to earth to maintain.

By looking further into this matter, we may learn why the early disciples went so far in their devotion to their calling. They felt it imperative upon them to be "accounted" as true ministers or "under workers" of Christ, and stewards of God's mysteries. 1 Cor. 4:1. The primitive word here rendered "steward" means literally house manager. The text therefore would make the "minister of Christ" stand for His house manager, that is, one placed "over His household" (Matt. 24:45), to bestow upon others "the manifold grace [favor] of God" contained therein. 1 Peter 4:10.

A minister, then, is commissioned to give out, as the steward of God's household, the favors of God, not by an arbitrary decision of his own, but by the ability God gives, in faithful endurance through every test of his calling. 1 Peter 4:11. Then he may promise release from sin, on condition of repentance, and his word is confirmed in

heaven. Matt. 18:18. Thus dispensing the "mysteries of God," he demonstrates his fellowship with them, so that all men may see that the "fellowship of the mystery" (Eph. 3:9) is the blessedness of ministering reconciliation to men. 2 Cor. 5:18.

To be thus qualified, one must be fully "instructed unto the kingdom of heaven," when, as the Master's householder, or "house manager," he brings out of his treasury things both new and old (Matt. 13:52), with which to enrich others in the name of Christ. The standard here introduced may seem to some too exalted,—bordering even on the extreme. It would seem so to all, if measured by human feasibility; but estimated by the infallible criterion of God's Word, it is not an impossible model. Since the ministry of the Word is a gift of the Spirit of Christ, and designed to perpetuate His own work, He is able to qualify for the calling as He will. The proof of the limit of preparation is not in what and how men now are and do, but in what the Spirit of God is able to make them be and do, when they yield fully to His impulses. "With God nothing shall be impossible." Luke 1:37.