The only condition upon which the freedom of man is possible is that of becoming one with Christ. The truth shall make you free; and Christ is the truth. Sin can triumph only by enfeebling the mind, and destroying the liberty of the soul. Subjection to God is restoration to ones self, -- to the true glory and dignity of man. The divine law, to which we are brought into subjection, is the law of liberty. James 2:12. The Pharisees had declared themselves the children of Abraham. Jesus told them that this claim could be established only by doing the works of Abraham. The true children of Abraham would live, as he did, a life of obedience to God. They would not try to kill One who was speaking the truth that was given Him from God. In plotting against Christ, the rabbis were not doing the works of Abraham. A mere lineal descent from Abraham was of no value. Without a spiritual connection with him, which would be manifested is possessing the same spirit, and doing the same works, they were not his children. This principle bears with equal weight upon a question that has long agitated the Christian world, -- the question of apostolic succession. Descent from Abraham was proved, not by name and lineage, but by likeness of character. So the apostolic succession rests not upon the transmission of ecclesiastical authority, but upon spiritual relationship. A life actuated by the apostles spirit, the belief and teaching of the truth they taught, this is the true evidence of apostolic succession. This is what constitutes men the successors of the first teachers of the gospel. -- The Desire of Ages, p. 466.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 19:44:42 +0000
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