A Short Sermon by H. A. St. John

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jul 24, 1913

A Short Sermon

By H. A. St. John

H. A. ST. JOHN

"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." 1 Peter 2:21.

Jesus was the greatest and most perfect example the world has ever known. He has left us an example that we should follow in his steps. When in mortal guise here on earth he was both human and divine. He was not only a good man, he was a God man, Immanuel, God with us. His incarnation was the great mystery of godliness. During his stay on earth he did always the things that pleased his Father. When he came, he said, "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." Again he said, "I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." He did no sin. He was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. It is not safe to follow the example of any other person on earth, only in so far as he follows Christ. Jesus said that his words were the words of his Father; his works were the works of his Father. So completely was he one with his Father, and our Father, that he could say, "Without him I can do nothing." It is manifest, therefore, that he was a worker with his Father in everything. And we see, although but faintly, the outcome of such a life. He was exalted to eternal glory, in his Father's presence and favor, to abide forevermore.

And he is our Exemplar. He has made it possible for us to become partakers of the divine nature. Such a change in us is a great mystery of godliness. By that change the law of God is written in our hearts. Then we, too, may keep our Heavenly Father's commandments and abide in his love. To his throne we may come boldly at all times, and find grace to help in every time of need. We can be workers together with him, and without him we can do nothing. We can please the Lord in all things, and the glorious outcome of such a life can be seen, or realized, but faintly now. It will be glorified with our glorified Lord, the glory ineffable and forevermore.

Sanitarium, Cal.