ing ; for its vii termed graces indicating tin of the old 11: according to t is in Christ .) are thus givei kindness, goo.
and controlled by a power and spirit not their own.
(4) There is one further contribution to the making of character in the name of grace which belongs to the Christian revelation, viz. the Divine Renppcnring. However erroneously it was con- ceived, there can be no doubt that it exercised a powerful effect upon the moral qualities of the early Christian community (1 Th V- '"), and its essential truth is still responsible for much that is unique in Christian ethics. It was sufficient to slay worldly ambitions outright, so tliat men sold their possessions (Ac 4**), and at a later a<;e secluded themselves in hermit or monastic dwellings. The journey of Israel to the Promised Land became the framework of the Christian conception of life — a pilgrimage through a wilderness. The result of this view has been the withdrawal of much imagi- nation and energy from the problems of the pre- sent world in the name of an expected heaven — whereas the real watching is in right employment here and now (Lk 17="- -' 19"--'). But it would be a mistake to miss the great contribution made by the doctrine of Christ's reappearing to the improvement of character (Lk 12^", 1 Th 5=^). When it is understood in the light of the words and example of Jesus Himself rather than of Messianic expectations, which again and again He disappointed in favour of spiritual interests (Lk 9"- '■^ Jn 6"- "• ==• =«• •"■ «-««, Ac l«-»), its effect is purifying and searching to tlie last degree, and arms the personality with the weapon of a new hope in the conflict with its environment (Ph 313. ij) The reappearing of the Saviour, whether it be when physical disabilities fall from us at death, or in some other way, is essentially a final judgment (Mt 7-'"^ IS*" &-^ ; cf. 2 Co 5'») in which hidden things will be brought to light (Lk 8'M22-3, Mt2535-«).
Firstly, it gives a motive to purity of life which no other religion has been able to supply (1 Jn 3', 2 P 3"""), and to a consecrated use of every natural faculty (Ro 12'). The promise of the resurrection rescues the body from the contempt with which philosophers ■were inclined to regard it, for as com- panion of the soul it is both sacred and serviceable (1 Co 6'°--°). It is to be changed from a bodv of humiliation to the likeness of the body of His glory (Ph 3'-'), and meantime its members are to be dis- ciplined as instruments of righteousness (Ro G"), every ability being turned to good account (1 P 4"'- ", Col 3'^- ").
Next, it gives a deeper sanction to the social relationships of life. "The spiritual side of mar- riage has been greatly developed by the revelation of the issues of life (Mt 19*-9, Eph 5'^--^). The relations of parent and children, of master and servant, were likewise dignified by being seen suh specie mternitatis (Col 3=""*^ 4'), and in the remem- brance that for responsibility we must give account (Lk 12^'-^). It was this truth which gave its special meaning to Church membership, so that the Chris- tian community was knit together with bonds unknown in any contemporary clubs or guilds (Mt IS'"- 20, Eph l"-3 2'»-==, 1 Co 12'=-*'). Though there was discontent and division in the Church, and even an occasional subsidence to the vicious levels of pagan society, the ideal could be steadily buUt up again in t!ie sure hope of a radiant future, when the secret working of the absent Bridegroom in His own should be accomplished (Eph 5'-', Col 33. 4_ 1 p J3-5) jYnd this hope was a continual summons to every Christian to rise and be worthy of his calling (Ro 13", 1 Co 3"'-'* 9«).
Finally, the hope of a Divine reappearing exer- cises its influence upon the common toil and ap- pointed duty of every day. It is as if the owner of an estate went away entrusting to each man his
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work, and bidding the porter to watcli (Mk 13?'). It is required tliat a steward be funnd faithful (1 Co i'-") ; and it is well for the C'liristian if he has used to advantage the talents given (Mt25"'"-^), and the opportunities offered on every hand for the ■wider human service (Mt 25^' ■'°), for there is an appropriate reward (1 Co 3'=-"). Lowly service is the path to ennoblement and the seats of influ- ence (Mk 10«-«, Lk 12^2-44).
The promise of the Divine Eeappearing thus supplements, as it were, the promise of the Divine Indwelling ; for whereas the latter brings out the need for the Christian's faith in a power not his own, the former requires that he he faithful with the powers that are his own. And taking all four aspects of the revelation of grace through Jesus Christ together, we see that they equip His followers for that conflict with environment out of wliich character emerges, by giving the soul a new worth, freedom, power, and motive.
This revelation is above all in the Cross, in which Christ was most fully manifested (Lk 9=-, Jn 10" 12^). There we see convincingly the love of the Father (Ro 8^=, 1 Jn 4"), who counted men of such value (Mt 18="", Lk IS'") that He would have all to be saved though at infinite cost (Jn 3"''^). There is the place of the breaking forth oi forgive- ness (Mt 26'"'), the supreme illustration of that redeeming love by which men's freedom is pur- chased (1 P 118", Ro 147-9^ Rev P-«). There the life was surrendered to the Father ( Jn 10"- '*), to be bestowed as an enabling power (Jn 14'^"''', Ac 4^") by an indwelling Spirit (Jn 1", Ko 8^'^-), wherewith He might bring many sons to glory (He 2"). And there, finally, the eternal future was clasped to the tragic present (Jn 12"*-^-) as the ever-living Son submitted to taste of death (He 2^- ^*), that neither earthly trouble nor spiritual principality might ever separate His people from Him (Ro 8^'""", Ph pi-=3).