OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
God's Last Freedom Call Page 8 Rapid Growth "Down Under" Page 16
COVER PICTURE: COLOR TRANSPARENCY BY DEVANEY Paul's Epistle to the Romans-5
[This article is based on Romans 9 to 11. The article will be more meaningful if these chapters are react first.—EDITORS.]
WITH ROMANS 9 Paul begins another major section of his Epistle. He has just completed his discussion of the work of Christ with one of the most exalted affirmations of faith to be found in all of Scripture (chap. 8:38, 39). From By EARLE HII.,GERT this height of spiritual triumph he now turns to what for him was doubtless the greatest burden of his life and what indeed had remained one of the mysteries of the history of salvation--the relation of the Jews to the gospel. He declares, "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kins- men by race" (chap. 9:2, 3, R.S.V.). Paul's deep attachment for his Jewish brethren is evident here. He seems to picture himself almost as a new Moses praying to share THE the fate of his l al ed, even as that lead preo r ELECTION Or once prayed, "If thou wilt forgive their sin—and if not, jirws Am] blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book that thou hast written" GriaiLro (Ex. 32:32). This problem of the rejection of Christianity by the Jews was of greatest significance to Paul for more than one reason. First was the fact that he himself was a rabbi and remained deeply attached to his people and his religion throughout his whole life. Long after his bap- tism and near the end of his life he still declared of himself with sanctified pride, "circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law a Pharisee" (Phil. 3:5, R.S.V.); Each, soul's election and when called before the Sanhedrin to testify concerning depends on his himself he declared, "Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees" (Acts 23:6, R.S.V.). relationship to Christ, While Paul had long since ceased to glory in these things, the Elect One. it is significant that throughout his life he felt free to refer to them. As we read his writings we see reflected in them his deep rootage in Judaism. Although he was commissioned to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Gal. 2:9), he never lost sight of the fact that the gospel was for "the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Rom. 1:16, R.S.V.). Consequently it was his studied practice as he traveled the world in evangelistic endeavor to go first to Jewish synagogues wherever they existed. There he felt at home and as a rabbi was frequently invited to preach during the worship service (see, for instance, Acts 13:15ff.). Even though convinced that the (To page 4)
2 T/IEW AND HERALD, November 5, 1964 'ittrnedtiles • his hack on earthly ory, munting it of no Value :when compared with the ap- proval and fel- 1 ow sh ip of esus Christ.
1.:,59)-111GHT 1;:1 1957 :HE REVIET AND HERALD ANDER:ION. ARTIST (Continued from page 2) inition of "Israel," Paul can now as- prepared beforehand for glory, even sert that God indeed has not deserted us whom he has called, not from the Jewish rituals had found their fulfill- His people. "It is not as though the ews only but also from the Gentiles?" ment in Christ and were no longer word of God had failed" (chap. 9:6, (chap. 9:21-24, R.S.V.). binding upon his converts, the apostle R.S.V.). Passages such as these have proved seems nevertheless to have had a life- To demonstrate his point he uses strong bulwarks to those who have long emotional attachment to the an argument from analogy that doubt- argued a doctrine of absolute pre- great Jewish feasts (see Acts 20:6, less struck his readers forcefully. He destination. They have found here where Luke reckons his journey in points to the two sons of Abraham Much basis for believing that God terms of the "days of Unleavened and the two sons of Isaac. In each case from all eternity has determined that Bread," R.S.V.; chapter 20:16, where one was a child of promise. Paul ar- some men should be saved and that Luke remarks that Paul "was hasten- gues that just as not all the physical ethers should be lost. ing to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on children of these patriarchs were We do not feel, however, that these the day of Pentecost," R.S.V.; and 1 "children of the promise" so not all Verses can be used as the basis for such Corinthians 16:8, where he plans his of the physical descendants of Abra- a doctrine, for several reasons. First journey in terms of the Feast of Pen- ham, that is the Jewish race, are nec- is the question of context. One of the tecost). Even Paul's severe sufferings essarily to be reckoned as "Israel." basic principles of Biblical interpre- at the hands of the Jews ("five times tation is to require that a text answer I have received at the hands of the God's Sovereign Will no more than the particular question Jews the forty lashes less one," 2 Cor. In setting this forth Paul employs be Biblical writer is raising in his 11:24, R.S.V.) are a testimony to his the idea of election. Speaking of Ja- discussion. It is always risky to try to continued close association with his cob and Esau, he says, "Though they extract the answer to a problem from own people. All of this makes under- were not yet born and had done noth- a passage where that problem is not standable Paul's "great sorrow and ing either good or bad, in order that particularly under consideration. unceasing anguish" for the Jews. God's purpose of election might con- In Romans 9 it is clear that Paul A Problem for Paul tinue, not because of works, but be- i$ not primarily concerned with the cause of his call" (chap. 9:11, question of predestination and free At the same time there is an even R.S.V.). In this and the succeeding will. His frame of reference is evident more specific reason in the develop- verses Paul lays great emphasis upon in verse 11 where he employs election ment of Paul's own ministry why this the sovereign will of God. Indeed, in tb express the great theme of his life's was a great problem for him. Paul, this ninth chapter we have some of preaching, that salvation is "not be- who gloried in his apostolate to the the strongest statements in all the Bi- cause of works but because of his call" Gentiles and taught far and wide that ble regarding God's sovereign will in (R.S.V.). Again in verse 16 he de- it was not necessary for Gentiles to the election of the saved. clares, "So it depends not upon man's find salvation by way of Judaism, Paul asks, "Has the potter no right will or exertion, but upon God's must have seemed to many almost a over the clay, to make out of the same Mercy" (R.S.V.). The concern of Paul living testimony that God had re- lump one vessel for beauty and an- a tp this point is not with the question jected the Jews. His staunch stand other for menial use? What if God, of predestination as it has been raised against the necessity of circumcision, desiring to show his wrath and to by philosophers and theologians; it is the particular sign of God's covenant make known his power, has endured rather once more with the fact that with His chosen people, might easily with much patience the vessels of salvation is by faith in God who saves have been taken to imply that God wrath made for destruction, in order us entirely apart from anything that had turned His back on Israel. to make known the riches of his glory We do. Some such suspicion seems to be in- for the vessels of mercy, which he has volved in James's advice to Paul at the A Second Reason end of the third missionary journey, A second reason why we believe "You see, brother, how many thou- that Paul's statement in this chapter sands there are among the Jews of c nnot be used as a basis for a doc- those who have believed; they are all White Mansions t ine of predestination as it is usually zealous for the law, and they have known in the history of Christian been told about you that you teach all By W. A. DESSAIN theology is that this problem does not the Jews that are among the Gen- seem to be one of which the Jew was Of wonders seen in the. Gloryland, tiles to forsake Moses, telling them The mansions clean and white, keenly conscious. To us whose think- not to circumcise their children or ob- Will be the fairest and the ,best ing is conditioned by the heritage of serve the customs" (Acts 21:20, 21, In those abodes of light, more than 2,000 years of Greek philos- R.S.V.). Thus Paul's own ministry ophy, the problem of determinism brought the problem of the salvation For they will spell eternal test oer against free will seems to be an of the Jews into sharp and painful To all who enter there. obvious dilemma of human existence. focus for him. The weary and the footsore then It! was also a problem for the ancient In seeking to find a solution to this Will know their Father's care. classical mind. But the Jews seem to problem Paul elaborates a theme to More dazzling than the streets of gold have been far from an acute realiza- which he had alluded early in his Or than the endless day, tiOn of the dilemma it poses. This is Epistle. In chapter 2:28, 29 he had as- The gates of home will shine for us, illustrated by certain statements that serted, "For he is not a real Jew who Ours for eternity. have come down to us. is one outwardly, nor is true circumci- Josephus, writing near the end of sion something external and physical. Home, and the Father's blessed words, the first century and trying to explain He is a Jew who is one inwardly, and "Come, enter in, ye blest." the theology of the Pharisees to a Gen- real circumcision is a matter of the There, in that kingdom made for us, tile audience, makes the ambiguous heart, spiritual and not literal" Will end our pilgrim guest: declaration that they believe "some (R.S.V.). On the basis of this new def- (Continued on page 10)
The REVIEW AND HERALD is published by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is printed every Thursday by the Review and Herald Publishing Association at Takoma Park, Washington, D.C. 20012, U.S.A. Second-class postage paid at Washington, D.C. Copyright © 1964 by Review and Herald Publishing Association. Vol. 141, No. 45. 4 REVIEW AND HERALD, November 5, 1964
IFTY per cent or more of all human 'illnesses are con- cerned directly or indirectly with our food. A number of illnesses that most people consider more or less inevitable actually develop because of dietetic indiscretions over which we have some measure of control. Diseases of the digestive system, which con- stitute a very large percentage of illnesses, are, of course, immediately related to the kind, the quality, and the quantity of food we eat. There are, however, other diseases—heart and blood- vessel diseases, for example--that are also closely R FOOD related to our food habits. Headache, anemia, and neurological problems are examples of other disease entities that may be quite directly related to our eating habits. These diseased conditions may relate to the wrong kind of food, the Cw dee9 wrong combinations of food, irregularity in the manner in which if, we take our food, and often, too much food or too little food. Admittedly, the diet element in these diseases may be but one factor in the development of the disease, but it may be a very important one. A young man came to a physician's office with a very painful irritation of his tongue, mouth, and throat. Supposing that he had some kind of spreading infection in these tissues of his mouth, the young man was quite surprised when the physician told him that he needed only to correct his food habits and his problem would be cleared up. His trouble was one of simple vitamin deficiency, quickly corrected by proper diet. A I6-year-old girl was brought to a (Turn to page 7)
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6 REVIEW AND HERALD, November 5, 1964 physician's office by her mother. The received a prescription for medicine, we have the very sensible counsel: girl was weak, pasty complexioned, or an injection, or possibly a treat- "Investigate your habits of diet. Study obviously anemic, and listless. The ment, he has not received his money's from cause to effect."—Counsels on taking of a careful history by the phy- worth from the medical call. Counsel- Diet and Foods, p. 93. sician revealed this girl's bad food ing of this type consumes more of the Both those in health and those suf- habit, namely, no breakfasts, and for physician's time than the simple act fering from disease need the help of noon and evening meals a very large of writing a prescription or of giving trained dietitians to understand fully emphasis on starchy foods—princi- an injection, but it may be worth far how to reason from cause to effect in pally macaroni and cheese, with little more to the patient. matters that concern our food. if any fresh fruits or vegetables. Six Both in the physician's office and in The professional dietitian is one of weeks after correcting this gross die- hospitals care is being given more and the most important members of our tetic error this young woman had more by a medical team, which in- health team. There is probably no sprung back to life and was on her cludes the physician; the nurse; the profession more greatly in need of re- way to good health. chaplain; the laboratory, X-ray, and cruits to staff the vacant posts in this In a high percentage of the cases physical therapy workers; and a pro- profession. Food and nutrition being coining to doctors' offices dietetic in- fessional worker coming to be recog- one of the top considerations in the discretion of one type or another is nized as of great importance in this entire field of health and medicine, it concerned. In many instances a quar- team, the dietitian. is not possible to overestimate the im- ter of an hour of the doctor's time Almost every patient needs some portance of the professional services spent in counseling the patient re- counseling and directive regarding of the trained dietitian as a member garding proper habits is of far greater food habits. In some cases, such as the of the health team. There is a critical value than any prescription he can anemias, diabetes, and certain diges- shortage of dietitians both in our write or any treatment he can give. tive ailments, the dietitian's counsel medical institutions in the homeland Intelligent patients appreciate this and directives may be the most impor- and to fill important posts overseas. kind of medical care. The less intelli- tant feature of the patient's care. What a challenge to Seventh-day Ad- gent patient feels that unless he has From the writings of Ellen White ventist youth.
whin
ILA A Cure for Provincialism 'wc • rift OME facets of human nature tend rather personal and very loved object— vicovam Ina to restrict us rather severely, partic- his own country—not from any great Sularly in the realm of human relation- interest on your part, but because you ships. I'm thinking specifically of the think you'll be benefited. fact that we feel most comfortable with First, then, make an effort to develop 4 people we know well; we often feel un- a genuine interest in students from easy with people who speak our lan- other countries as people. All students guage haltingly (I'm referring to our have some of the same problems; they tell you that one of the most difficult literal language! ); and we're often have a commonality of interests, regard- and advanced accomplishments is that downright awkward with people whose less of language barriers or differences of speaking the local patois plus being customs and background are com- in dress. The basic rule for friendship able to joke in the new language. pletely alien to our own. Therefore, we applies here, also—think of the other You're being a trifle inconsiderate if tend to keep moving in the same old person, not yourself. This rule will you don't take this into account. paths, talking with the same people, go- keep you from being self-conscious if For instance, you know that "Cool, ing here and there with the same you don't always understand your for- man!" doesn't refer to the weather, but group, while our horizons remain de- eign friends' halting pronunciation. how could a visitor from another coun- plorably narrow. This is provincialism You won't mumble an embarrassed try be expected to know? Avoiding cur- at its worst. "Yes" to a vigorous, not-understood rent colloquialisms in conversation will School life usually, offers students an comment, all the while asking yourself, also avoid embarrassment for both your unparalleled opportunity to break out "What in the world did he say?" In- new friend and you—at least until he's of this particular rut. How? By afford- stead, you'll state forthrightly, "I didn't "caught on" to some of them. ing an opportunity to meet fellow stu- quite understand you. Will you repeat Commenting on obvious differences dents from other countries. So why not what you said?" And then you'll really in dress and mannerisms should prob- start your own intensive get-acquainted listen, analyzing pronunciation differ- ably be avoided for a while at least, campaign with some of these fascinat- ences for future reference so that you until a condition of mutual trust and ing people on your campus? won't have to keep asking for remarks confidence has been established. After It's quite important, I think, that to be repeated. that, you'll undoubtedly have long, your approach to this kind of socializa- It has been my experience that most fruitful conversations built on "why's tion be completely free from childish- visitors in another country are good- and wherefore's." You'll probably dis- ness. By that I mean that you'll hardly naturedly aware of innovations in their cover that your no-longer-new friend use this kind of immature gambit: use of language, and expect to be mis- is just as logical and just as illogical as "Please tell me something about your understood. (My fumbles with my you are. He does some things and country!" This has overtones of both college Spanish when I visited Spain wears some things—just because! Ex- condescension and insult, for it seems were a great eye opener in this respect. actly the way you do. to assume there's so little to be told that The nationals there courteously asked Then you'll move on to the rich area the information could be compressed me to repeat my remarks. Once in a of understanding a cultural background into a few sentences. Or that you can while they even understood me on the totally different from your own. You'll give only a few moments to listening. second attempt! ) probably find that you're beginning to Your "victim" would have every reason It's a good idea to converse with your like a great many of your new concepts for withdrawing into his shell, since exotic friends in the standard brand of as well as your new friend. And you'll you're demanding a run-down on a English. Why? Well, all linguists will certainly be less provincial. Try it! REVIEW AND HERALD, November 5, 1964 7 an educated and intellectual class of us will save the entire remnant Babylon. people. The second call came to captive Is- The second purpose of God in call- rael in the days of Ezra and Nehe- ing people out of Babylon is that they miah. The other two calls out of Bab- might experience and witness to a ylon are last-day calls recorded in the neW way of life. Whom God reforms, book of Revelation. The first of these, Hq calls to become a reformer. Al- in Revelation 14:8, tells of Babylon's ways we are saved to serve. God never fall, which in itself constitutes a call calls anyone out of Babylon to leave to come out. Some heed this call. This hini to his own devices or to shift for is evidenced by John the revelator, hinaself. All who answer His call are who saw in vision those who respond to have a missionary purpose. This is to this third call out of Babylon. He Christ's claim upon every disciple in- points to them saying, "here are they vited to follow Him. He says, "Ye that keep the commandments of God, shall receive power . . . and ye shall and the faith of Jesus" (verse 12). be Iwitnesses unto me both in Jerusa- The fourth and final call of God to leip, and in all Judaea, and in Sa- come out of Babylon is described in maria, and unto the uttermost part of Revelation 18 where an angel of great the earth" (Acts 1:8). power cries mightily with a strong Thus Abraham was called out to be voice that "Babylon the great is fallen, a witness. He began with his own fam- is fallen" (verse 2). Amplifying this ily,, where every good missionary be- appeal to abandon Babylon is another gins. He set up the family altar. Here voice from heaven saying, "Come out was a leading influence in his witness of her, my people." This heaven-sent for God. "Wherever he pitched his voice is God's final freedom call. In tent, close beside it was set up his al- this final call is the summation of tar calling all within his encamp- God's unchanging purposes found in ment to the morning and the evening His three previous calls. Let us con- sacrifice. When his tent was removed, sider three of God's purposes in call- the altar remained. In following ing people out of Babylon. years, there were those among the rov- ing Canaanites who received instruc- First Purpose Curtis Quackenbush tion from Abraham; and whenever Assistant Pastor His first purpose is to deliver them one of these came to that altar, he Takonut Park, Maryland from slavery and death. With Abra- knew who had been there before him; ham it was to save him and his family and when he had pitched his tent, he from enslavement to a pagan culture repaired the altar, and there wor- and from being swallowed up by a shiped the living God."—Patriarchs heathen religion. Fifteen hundred and Prophets, p. 128. years later when God called Israel out At the altar, near the close of his ONCERNING slavery, Thomas of Babylon, after the 70 years' captiv- life Abraham met the ultimate test of Jefferson once said: "The hour ity, His call was to save the nation obedience in his willingness to offer C of emancipation must come." from a similar fate. Note the urgency Isaac, his son. On the altar, at a That was more than 180 years ago. of the prophet's message: "Flee out of breath-taking moment, Isaac's su- Later Abraham Lincoln issued the the midst of Babylon, and deliver ev- prerne submission was demonstrated. Emancipation Proclamation, and ery man his soul: be not cut off in her Before the altar Abraham was sancti- other steps have been taken through- iniquity; for this is the time of the fied By his example he became a re- out the world to set men free. But Lord's vengeance" (Jer. 51:6). The forrner, instructing others in worship- in spite of all this, there appears to extreme danger was that the people of ing God, the Creator. be as much slavery in the world as Israel would become absorbed by the Likewise Israel, a millennium and ever. Not the slavery of man dominat- heathen world about them. Added a half later, was called out of Baby- ing man, but of man being enslaved to this was the imminent fall of Baby- lon to re-establish the true worship of by sin, of being enslaved by wrong lon under the impending judgments Goc. The people were called out to concepts of God and by evil habits. of God. rebuild the Temple of worship for all Revelation 18:12 and 13 enumer- It is God's purpose to deliver us people. Worship of the Creator was ates the once-valuable but now-useless from similar dangers that characterize the focal point of their call. The thir- merchandise to be destroyed with the Babylon of our day. The ruins of teenth chapter of Nehemiah records "great Babylon." The last and most the Babylons of Abraham's and Is- the restoration of Sabbath observance tragic items listed are "slaves, and the rael's days are mute evidences and in connection with the restoration of souls of men." How awesome is God's samples of the fate awaiting modern this, worship which the world had last call out of Babylon! Those who Babylon. The twice-recorded calls to largely forgotten in that day. do not respond are here described as come out of Babylon, found in the Tpday God is calling a world move- slaves, marked for certain destruction. book of Revelation, are the most ur- ment out of modern Babylon to rein- There is hope only in accepting God's gent and solemn appeals and warn- state the worship of God, the Crea- last call to freedom. ings in all the Bible. Fully as momen- tor. Note how the call of Revelation In the Bible there are four distinct tous are these calls as was the call for 14:7 expresses the idea of God's being calls out of Babylon. The first came to Lot to flee doomed Sodom when the the Creator in almost the same words Abraham in Ur of the Chaldees. Ur angel commanded him, "Escape for as fund in the fourth commandment was a city of ancient Babylon. Isaiah thy life." The response in Abraham's of the Decalogue: "Fear God, and 13:19 calls Babylon the "beauty of the day saved a family. The response in give glory to him; . . . and worship Chaldees' excellency." The Chaldees, Ezra's time saved a nation. The re- him that made heaven, and earth." according to the book of Daniel, were sponse in our day, the Bible assures This call to reform in worship has 8 REVIEW AND HERALD, November 5, 1964 Sabbath observance as a closely re- Likewise the Saviour calls upon us with some living on one level of mor- lated part of its appeal. to be perfect. He says, "Be ye there- als and behavior, and others on an- The third purpose of God in call- fore perfect, even as your Father other level. It would be impossible ing people from Babylon in both an- which is in heaven is perfect" (Matt for such a family to press together in cient and modern times is to perfect 5:48). And confirming this directive, such a two-level church. Faith and a people. The call is made to sanc- an inspired voice within the remnant practice of God's people is to be uni- tify a people for a holy city. Abraham church declares with authority that fied. "Bind our hearts to each other "looked for a city which hath founda- "higher than the highest human and to Thee" should be the oft-re- tions, whose builder and maker is thought can reach is God's ideal for peated prayer of our hearts until this God" (Heb. 11:10). God called Abra- His children. Godliness—godlikeness ideal is reached. Such unity and or- ham, not to abandon him later, but to —is the goal to be reached."—Educa- ganization in the home helps to guide him all the days of his life. For tion, p. 18. achieve this goal for the church. 100 years there was a continuing call This perfection of the saints will The remnant church in its unity for Abraham to heed. For this long be reached, according to Ephesians 4, and organization will have at least period Abraham was being led into a when two points of excellency are at- four characteristics of a clock: (1) It progressively better way of life until tained. These twin achievements, will tell the truth on its face. (2) Its he became exactly what God intended bound together by love, which lead to hands will remind the world of the him to be. perfection, are unity and organiza- lateness of the hour. (3) The rem- The record states that 24 years after tion. Concerning unity, this chapter nant church will have organized Abraham left Ur, God told him what says, there must be "one body, and works and consist of a movement that He expected of him. Genesis 17:1 one Spirit, even as ye are called in keeps up with the changing time and says: "And when Abram was ninety one hope of your calling; one Lord, God's plan for that time. (4) It will years old and nine, the Lord ap- one faith, one baptism, one God and be wound and powered by the hand of peared to Abram, and said unto him, Father of all, who is above all, and God as it implements His work. I am the Almighty God; walk before through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4: In the matter of perfection we have me, and be thou perfect." A reason, 4-6). The sixteenth verse of this chap- a long way to go in a short while. Ac- perhaps, why God waited so long to ter pictures the human body, with all cording to the Faithful Witness of tell Abraham He expected perfection its parts coordinated, as an illustra- Revelation 3:15-17 our present con- was that Abraham up to this time was tion of the church. Christ is the head dition is anything but reassuring. We not ready to attempt such a high ideal. of this body, which is the church. are unaware of the fact that we are How carefully God deals with men! Because of the vital roles of unity "wretched, and miserable, and poor, Serious faults were evident in Abra- and organization, so essential in the and blind, and naked." ham's life at this time and later. But church, it is little wonder we are However, look at the promises of eventually he achieved God's ideal. urged: "Press together, press to- what God's grace will enable us to He became the friend of God and the gether!" This is frequently repeated become! The chasm between what we father of the faithful. "Abraham in Testimonies for the Church. are and what we must be, must be obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, Accordingly, when Christ comes for and shall be spanned. God's diagnosis my commandments, my statutes, and His people to take them to heaven of our condition is dark, but His rem- my laws" is the divine testimony con- He will not find His family on earth edy is bright, glorious, and sure. cerning the patriarch. living in a sort of split-level house "Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful gar- ments, 0 Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (Isa. 52:1). "For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burn- eth. . . . Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God" (Isa. 62:1-3). These promises are certain. Divine revelation reveals the fulfillment of these promises and portrays them to us. The record is: "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Rev. 14:12), "and I saw . . . them that had gotten the victory" (chap. 15:2). The way is revealed by which this unity of the faith and perfection of saints is to be accomplished. It is "not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts" (Zech. 4:6). The assurance is, "I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to © 1953 BY BEVIL', ,ND HERALD RUSSELL HARLAN, ARTIST walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep Wherever Abraham camped he built an altar that testified of his faith in the true God. my judgments, and do them" (Eze. Thus he fulfilled one of God's purposes in calling him out of Babylon—to be a witness. 36:27). REVIEW AND HERALD, November 5, 1964 9 Herein was found success for Abra- Fleeted by Christ by being faithful; ham and his family. Submission to you can prove yourself the chosen of God's Spirit meant deliverance for Today I Have ,Christ by abiding in the vine" (The himself and family. Likewise the na- By ELEANOR' E. MARSTON iSDA Bible Commentary, Ellen G. tion of Israel in its captivity escaped White Comments, on Rom. 11:5, p. Today I have; from being engulfed by paganism. TomorroW may not be. 1079). Surrender to God's Spirit brought Of Me and love The real concern of Paul's argu- deliverance. Today holds all for me. ment, then, is righteousness by faith. Twice in earth's closing time God's ln answering the question of why Is- call to come out of Babylon rings My yesterday rael failed to achieve righteousness strong and clear. The first of these last Is gone; I cannot sew,' he declares flatly, "because they did calls began sounding more than 120 Tomorrow; mine not pursue it through faith, but as if years ago. Today more than 11/2 mil- May never for mu it were based on works" (Rom. 9:32, lion people have declared, as did R.S.V.). Abraham, their purpose to have God's 'Tis just today That God has New Definition of "Israel" will carried out in their lives—to be If lived aright saved from the power and penalty of 'Twill mean eternity. In chapter 11 Paul continues this sin, and thus from the judgments of theme that burns so deeply in his God soon to be poured out upon One little day! heart. He asks again, "Has God re- an unrepentant world. They confess Thy gift, dear Lord, tore; jected his people?" (verse 1, R.S.V.), themselves to be pilgrims and stran- So for today and answers with conviction, "By no gers, but like Abraham, they are not Lord, help me ot.for Thee. means!" The apostle now elaborates aimless wanderers. From Sabbath to his new definition of "Israel" already Sabbath they are learning to worship broached in chapters 2 and 9. He can the Creator and Redeemer. They declare that God has not rejected Is- have caught a glimpse of the heavenly Doubtless for him the problem of free rael, because not all of the Israelite city. Experience here is an opportu- will and predestination was by no race are necessarily the elect of God. nity for character preparation to keep means as acute as it has become in God's promise in the covenant is to an appointment with the triumphant the later history of Christian theology. be fulfilled through those who have Saviour when He returns. We must try to read Paul in his own faith in Jesus Christ. Considering the billions of earth's context and not thrust upon him Paul next seeks to reconcile this inhabitants, we confess that appar- problems with which he is not con- point of view with his understanding ently the impact of God's third call cerned. Of the history of the plan of salvation. to come out of Babylon has thus far At the same time there is a very Turning to his Gentile readers, he been slight. Comparatively speaking, definite Biblical doctrine of election. Warns them that they must not feel as far as numbers are concerned, the Christians are called the "elect" many any sense of superiority because they remnant church is but a family af- times in the New Testament (e.g. have been "grafted in" to the stock fair as was Abraham's call. But when Matt. 24:22, 24; Mark 13:20, 22, 27; of Israel, whereas some that were God's final call swells into the loud Luke 18:7; Rom. 8:33; 2 Tim. 2:10; "branches" have been broken off. cry the hour of emancipation must Titus 1:1, R.S.V.). This term doubt- They must always remember that come for multitudes of earth. less goes back to such Old Testament though they are not Jews in the phys- We believe "the great work of the passages as Isaiah 65:9, Psalm 105: ical sense, it is not they "that support gospel is not to close with less mani- 43, where God's people are spoken of the root, but the root that supports" festation of the power of God than as the "chosen." Shortly before the them (chap. 11:18, R.S.V.). marked its opening" (The Great This point of view Paul maintains Controversy, time of Christ the group of Jews who p. 611). In the early wrote the Dead Sea scrolls, and who throughout his writings. While Gen- church, Pentecost brought emancipa- looked upon themselves as partners tiles do not need to become Jews in tion to many. This miracle of old Je- in a new covenant, spoke of them- Order to come to Christ, they must al- rusalem before its fall is to be re- selves also as "the elect." Interestingly ways recognize that it was through enacted on a worldwide scale. This these people seem to have had a the Jews and their covenant with God will be God's last freedom call for all strong sense of divine predestination. that the world was prepared for people everywhere, to cast off the However, the most important point Christ's coming. The Jews were "en- shackles of sin once and forever. It is in regard to this doctrine as we find trusted with the oracles of God" (chap. the test facing every one of us. Ac- it in the New Testament is that it 3:2, R.S.V.). Christ is the fulfillment ceptance of Christ's Spirit must be our must always be understood in connec- Of Him who was "promised before- response. tion with the work of Jesus Christ. He hand through his prophets in the holy is uniquely and pre-eminently the criptures" (chap. 1:2, R.S.V.). elect one whom God has chosen for From this standpoint Paul discerns The Election of Jews our salvation. This act of God in Jesus vhat he calls a "mystery" (chap. 11: and Gentiles Christ is the greatest assertion of His 25). For Paul the word mystery does sovereignty. My election as an indi- not have quite the same connotation (Continued from page 4) vidual is subsidiary to and dependent that it does for us. He uses it in much on God's election of Christ. Conse- the same sense that it is used in the but not all things are the work of fate" quently, my election depends upon Dead Sea scrolls where it applies par- (Josephus, War II. 814). A similar my relationship with Christ. Said ticularly to an aspect of the history of statement is that of Rabbi Aqiba, Jesus: "Abide in me, and I in you. As the plan of salvation that in the past who flourished in the early decades of the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, bas not been understood but which the second century, "All is foreseen except it abide in the vine; no more Clow by revelation is understood and [by God], but free will is given [to can ye, except ye abide in me" (John made known. Thus Paul is giving an man]" (Pirke Aboth 3, 19). We must 15:4). Mrs. White comments on this: insight into the plan of salvation. never forget that Paul himself was a "Here is the only election in the Bi- In God's wisdom he sees a positive Pharisee by training and confession. ble, and you can prove yourself aspect to the fact that the Jews have 10 REVIEW AND HERALD, November 5, 1964 not generally accepted the gospel. If had not accepted Christianity en his discussion with another eloquent they had, Christianity might have masse, Paul saw a divine providence doxology, "0 the depth of the riches been swallowed up in Judaism and making possible the preaching of the and wisdom and knowledge of God! have become so exclusively Jewish gospel to the Gentiles unencumbered How unsearchable are his judgments that Gentiles would have been forced by the ritual particularities of Juda- and how inscrutable his ways! .. . For to become Jews in order to come to ism. from him and through him and to Christ. In his own experience Paul had While we may not be able to un- him are all things. To him be glory seen the real possibility of this many derstand all of the workings of divine forever. Amen" (chap. 11:33, 36, times, as at the Council of Jerusalem providence, Christians should never R.S.V.). (Acts 15; Gal. 1) where this issue was forget the debt we owe the Jews. the center of attention and debate. Looking back over the outworking of (Number 6, the final article in this series But precisely in the fact that the Jews the plan of salvation, Paul concludes will appear in the November 19 REVIEW.)
/ea.Ce Voy
By Inez Brasier
"The journey on which you go is child, in Me you have peace. In Me Trials will come. Troubles will often under the eye of the Lord" (Judges you have confidence. In Me is your find us on this journey of life. Can 18:6, R.S.V.). strength for your every day." What we think of them, not as destroyers of It was the morning hour with God, blessedness is this oneness with Him, peace, but as a necessary part of true and these comforting words, these this peace with its assurance of holy peace? If met and accepted, and strengthening words, struck me with living. lived with as part of His plan for us, special force. Our day-by-day, yes, "In the world you shall have tribu- they will become part of our spiritual hour-by-hour, journey of life—"un- lation, but in Me, peace," Christ told preparation for this life and for der the eye of the Lord." His disciples those last hours alone heaven. It is our privilege, on our knees, to with them before His supreme sacri- Someone has said that future glory plan with Him concerning this peace fice of Himself to bring the blessing. for the Christian and present trou- He offers. Is a burden of sin impeding bles are closely related. There will be our positive living? Then let us leave no future glory if here and now we it at His feet. The Lord says, "I will cannot glory in facing trials and over- remove thy transgressions—I will blot coming difficulties, if we cannot glory out thy sins and remember them no The Earth Is His in His keeping power and His sup- more." porting care. 0 heart-healing promise! Through By THAIS COLE The apostle Paul who, in his work His unfathomable love for you and I looked at the trees for God, faced enough of trials and for me, God offers—not tomorrow, And I thought, God made these, intrigue, of hardship and treachery, but now, just now—His gift of full As I wondered at branches so high,- for three lifetimes, declared that God pardon. And then, with this pardon, I looked at a cloud overrules, for our good, all that He reconciles us to Him. Let faith And I marveled aloud comes. Events are under His control. grasp this glorious fact that with the At the picture God paints in the Our attitude to them determines reconciliation He counts us right Then a shy little breeze their good for us. "We are more than with Himself. We become one with Ruffled flowers and trees, conquerors," he declared, "through Him as though we had never sinned. And I smiled in the purest content, him"—conquerors of the adversities The father in Jesus' parable of the Thinking back to the time of life. It is ours to surpass in such Prodigal Son placed His embroidered When the world was sublime, conquest even as Paul did, and more, robe about the penitent son, cover- And God said, "Good"—I know what even as Christ. For all of these and ing the dusty rags of his far wander- He meant! the lesser things that so irritate, en- dured day by day in His spirit, are a ing. His forgiving love welcomed him For the earth is still fair to the peace and comfort of home. Though the mist in the air great part of our preparation for re- Even so, Jesus places His robe of Now gets heavy and falls down a tkin, ceiving His peace. purity, His mantle of righteousness, Though the cold winter snow Oh, let them bring us close and about us and accepts us—now—as Covers things that could grow ever closer to Him! Let us settle it on His beloved. He brings us into closer If there were no destruction or pain. our knees that there shall be "noth- fellowship with Himself than even ing between the soul and the Sav- angels can know. And I thought of the day iour" in our morning tryst with Him. That is not far away, Let us keep this way clear through We have, too, in each hour, in When I'll look at the trees Adam grew each time of stress or of difficulty, In that Garden restored all the day. Then we shall know the and in each time of grief, His quiet By the hand of our Lord blessedness of His quiet, His calm, for the heart, His calm for the mind. In the wonderful Eden made new. His benediction of peace. For this Why should there be anxiety when journey of life on which we go surely He will carry the load of care? "My "is under the eye of God."
REVIEW AND HERALD, November 5, 1964 11 V hi By STANLEY COMBR DGE
0 Godl I am so cowardly today. I sigh and cry. The hard ess of the way Makes me impatient and very sore, I really feel I can endure no more. Resentful, wounded, helpl &s, tried, and sad, The fruit of all my "goodly deeds" seems bad; Try as I will, I'm still miSunderstood, And evil seems to spring where I meant good. Dear Lord, Please do not take me at my word When in the bitterness of heart I'm stirred; Give me the strength to b ar and to endure, To know Thy promises a e true and sure. Without resentment let m bear my trial, With moistened eyes help me to trust and smile, For when on earth You li ed by doing good You finished on a cross—misunderstood.
By Mrs. E. M. HOOVER Hide me, 0 my Saviour, hide me In the circle of Thy love. Earth's chill winds are blowing round me; Seek I shelter from above. By J. R. PATTERSON Cleanse me, 0 my Saviour, cleanse me; Who am I that I should pray, From each stain I would be free, [Lord, let me have my selfish way; From each clinging fault and weakness lfxt me do and let me say That would separate from Thee. What seemeth good* to me today"? Fill me, 0 my Saviour, fill me What am I that I should choose With Thy Holy Spirit's power. Whether I gain or whether I lose? Occupy the deepest heart springs, "itoN ho am I that I should whine, hen soul and body I am Thine? Then the fountain will be pure. By NETTIE JANE KNISTER hould I complain, despise my lot, Then, oh, then, to be like Jesus; In reverence we kneel nd choose a path which I know not? More and more His love to show. At setting of the sun Just to live as did my Saviour o frail I am; I cannot see To plead for those we love. hat lies beyond in wait for me. In the days of long ago. In Christ they can be won. ut let me know that Thou art mine, Just to walk each day with Jesus Implant within our hearts to choose for me a path sublime. As life's lowly paths I tread, The fragrant Sharon Rose, elp me today, my way incline, Just to render humble service, That we diffuse perfume old Thou my life and make it Thine. By His loving hand be led To those who suffer woes. y all may but confusion seem, Till at last the veil is lifted, Imparted life we- seek nd life be one long, dreary dream. Till His lovely face I see. That others be refreshed. riends may forsake and foes betray, Then, oh, then, I'll walk with Jesus Lord, hear, as now we pray ut Thou art mine. 0 happy day! Far into eternity. For souls in sin enmeshed. 11, why should- I -the storm not breast, nd stand the gale, endure the test, hen Thou art wise and, knowing best, ost lead me on to perfect rest? hough sickness, sorrow, pain are mine, Then all I'd think, or say, or do t is Thy gracious plan divine Would be for pleasing Thee; o teach me in this school sublime, For, nothing would I care to do nd bind my trembling hand in Thine. By JAMES M. HAMMOND With which Thou wouldst not agree. happy thought, the time is near Jesus, I would love Thee more So let me know the fellowship hen we Thy glorious voice shall hear; Than tongue or pen can tell; Of love divine, I pray, hen saints shall change from mortal Yea, even more than life itself, By dwelling in this heart of mine clay In love for Thee excel. Each moment of the day. nd bask in Thine eternal day. 12 REVIEW AND HERALD, November 5, 1964 CONDUCTED BY PROMISE JOY SHERMAN