This is a question raised in many hearts by that which is passing around us—a question of the deepest interest in itself, even though circumstances did not make one feel the need of a clear and satisfactory answer. But the state of the professing world, now so much agitated on the question of church in every form, and in which a multiplicity of movements (in general only creating more perplexity and questions in most souls) present themselves as the reply to the need which is felt, of finding the truth on this point—this state of things, I say, will render a serious examination of what the word of God says on the subject useful to many. Enlightened by that only true light, they may, by learning at the fountain of light, while putting themselves in possession of the light itself, be able to judge calmly and soundly of all that presents itself as such, and, as a consequence, claims submission, or at least adherence, to the course which is proposed, as being according to it.
But this is not all. I doubt not but that God has not only permitted, but that it has been His will, that this question should be raised, in order that His children may learn what is the extent, and what are the thoughts of His love; and that they may take morally, and with true Christian devotedness, a position practically answering His infinite goodness. For the question of the church, seen as presented in the Bible, is one eminently practical. The position in which the Christian is placed, by the very fact that he is a member of the church of God, governs the affections, and forms the character. This consideration makes still more opportune, a work which views the church in the light of God's word. As a matter of fact, the question of the church is generally presented as a question of the organization of some new body amongst Christians—a question of which the heart gets wearied. Hence it follows, that many persons discard the subject altogether, as injurious to sanctification, and seek, and induce others to seek, spirituality by setting aside a point, of which, after all, it is evident that the New Testament is full, and of which it treats in terms which attach to such a point great practical importance. In fine, if, as many serious Christians think, we are in the last times—although circumstances can add nothing to the essential importance of truth, the fact that we find ourselves to be near the end of the age will add much further to its practical importance. The obligation under which the wise virgins were, to watch and to keep their lamps ready at all times, became an imperative duty, when the cry had gone forth at midnight, “Behold the Bridegroom; go ye out to meet Him.”
The considerations I have just presented will have clearly pointed out to the reader the object of this paper, viz., an examination as to what is the teaching of the word of God on the subject of the church, and of the practical results for our souls which flow thence. My aim is not to examine the basis of individual salvation, although the teaching of the word on the church throws much light on this point. It is even of consequence to understand that they are distinct things; for God never passes by our individual responsibility, whatever privileges may be conferred upon us by being joined to an assembly. We are saved as individuals, although God may, if He sees fit, gather into one body those whom He saves. Salvation is a thing, which, though complete in Christ, supposes in the heart of the person enjoying it, personal exercises, which go on necessarily and exclusively in his own conscience, and which bring his soul into immediate connection with God, and without which, all connection with Him —all happiness—the very existence of spiritual life —would be impossible. The intercourse between God and an intelligent and responsible soul, which before was in sin, necessarily supposes, that consequent on the establishment of this new relationship, many things pass within, which are for that soul alone. The special form which the relationship takes may add much—may give special character to it; and this is the case; but this does not do away with personal relationship.
This is one of the essential differences between the truth of the word, and the idea of the church as it is viewed by the Romanist; who, making ordinances a means of salvation, attaches salvation to being of the church, instead of making the church the assembly of those who are saved. If but one individual were saved, his salvation would be equally perfect and sure, but he would not be the church. This (the church) includes an additional thought—an additional relationship—to that of the saved individual. What is this thought? Let us lay aside human definitions, and cleave to the word.
(To be continued)