In the third chapter of the second Epistle to the Corinthians the Apostle Paul brings Christ before our souls in three ways.
First, Christ is presented as written upon the hearts of the believers that formed the assembly at Corinth (vs. 3).
Secondly, Christ is presented as manifested to "all men" by this assembly (vss. 2-3).
Thirdly, Christ is presented as a living Person in the glory – the Object before these believers (vs. 18).
Thus there passes before us God's intention that, during the absence of Christ from this world, there should be gatherings of believers on earth who have Christ written upon their hearts; Christ manifested in their lives; and Christ before them as an Object in the glory.
As we read the last touching instructions of the Lord to His disciples, and as we reverently listen to the Lord's prayer to the Father, we are made conscious that underlying both the discourses and the prayer, there is ever kept before us the great truth that believers are left in this world to represent Christ – the Man that has gone to glory. It is God's intention that though Christ personally is no longer here, yet Christ morally should still be seen in His people. Further, it is manifest, that all the epistles press upon us our privilege, and our responsibility, as believers, to represent the character of Christ to a world that has rejected and cast Him out.
In the addresses to the seven churches in Revelation, we are permitted to view the Lord walking in the midst of the churches taking account of their condition, and giving us His judgment as to how far they have answered to, or failed in, their responsibility. In result we learn that the great mass of those who profess His Name, have, not only entirely failed to represent His character before the world, but have become so hopelessly corrupt and indifferent to Himself that, in the end, they will be spued out of His mouth and thus utterly rejected. Nevertheless, we also learn that in the midst of this vast profession there will be, until the end of the church's history on earth, some who, though they have but a little strength, will answer to His mind by setting forth something of the loveliness of His character.
Seeing, then, that it is still possible, even in a day of ruin, to express something of the character of Christ, surely everyone who loves the Lord will say, "I would like to answer to the Lord's mind and be of the number who, in some little measure, manifest something of the beautiful traits of Christ to the world around."
It is true that it is possible for the world to form some estimate of Christ from the Word of God; but, apart from the Word – which they may call in question, or fail to understand, even if read – it is God's intention that in the lives of His people there should be a presentation of Christ "known and read of all men."
This being so, it becomes a searching question for us all, "if the men of this world are to gain their impression of Christ from the gatherings of His people, what conclusion will they reach as to Christ, as they look upon our individual lives, as well as the collective life of God's people?" Let us remember the Lord's searching words, "By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." Apply such a test to the gathering with which we may be connected, and should we not have to hang our heads with shame as we recall occasions when envy, evil speaking, and backbiting, were more in evidence than the meekness and gentleness of Christ? Let us remember that what ever the circumstances – even if called to face reproaches and insults – our one business should be to set forth the character of Christ. One has said, "It is better to lose your coat, than to let go the character of Christ."
If then we would answer to the Lord's mind and set forth His character before the world, we shall do well to heed the teaching of the Apostle in this portion of the Word.