The Pulpit Commentary — Romans — Section 315

Chrlstif1':1ity. In order to obviate the pretence of the gospel being a system complicated to ex~m11;1e and conform to, the ~po_stle ~uotes from_ J?euteronomy (using the passage in ll JUst16able, though Bltered s1gn16ca.t10n) to exh1b1t the simplicity a.nd brevity of the gospel requirements. Nothing impracticable is demanded of would-be converts. 'l'he "word of foith" is close at hand and intelligible, ready to be nttered and trusted. l. THE TWO ESSENTIALS TO ENJOYMENT OF THE BENEFITS OF THE GOSPEL, Belief and confession, 1. BeUef natwrally precedes confesswn, if the latter is not hypocrisy. Speech on religious questions that is not the utterance of a deep-seated conviction is like Ahimaaz running without tidings to deliver. An untimely avowal should be deprecated; the confession should stream forth from the fountain of belief; otherwise the want of correspondence between the outward declaration a.nd the inward a.ssura.nce will work deadly mischief. Let not the child's Catechism be heavily laden. To sensitive minds the ga.p will seem to widen with growing intelligence, and they will deem the alienation from the early standard greater than it is, leading perhar,s to a position of ultimate antagonism. 2. The essentials are few ,n number. Unlike the minute details of the Mosaic ritual, the law of Christ is short and easily comprehended. This apostolic declaration judges our own preaching a.nd creed, showing that we are in danger of making the gate narrower and the road longer to the kingdom than Christ ordained them. The tendency of hoary Christianity is to multiply the requisite articles of doctrine and observance, making the initiation burdensome, the novitiate cumbrous. 3. On the other hand, less than the apostle insisu on cannot prove a bond of Christian fellowship. Occasional commnnion there may be between those who differ respecting the fact of Christ's resurrection, each recognizing the other's sincerity and desire to press forward to the light; but experience attests the impossibility of -enduring religious co-operation on a slighter basis than that laid down in the text. Fundamental divergence of opinion curbs free utterance, checks the fervour of prayer, makes all parties uncomfortable in their association. II. THE PRODUCT OF F AITII. "Righteousness." Distinguish between the assent of the understanding and the trust of the heart. "Believing with" or "in the heart n not only accepts the resurrection of Christ 118 an historical fact, but sees in this a. spiritual truth, that Christ is the Media.tor, the Redeemer, able and willing to work an ethical resurrection in all who commit themselves to his care and tuition. Such a faith rejoices in the great verity; the will gladly submits to Jesus Christ as God's approved Agent of reconciliation. And thus faith imparts righteousness, co=ecting the sinner with the Saviour, the weak with the Strong One, the ignorant with the All-wise. III. THE RESULT OF CONFESSION. "Salvation." As human nature is constituted, the expression of a sentiment in word or deed lends it distinctness and potency. What the orator does for the multitude, when he translates into glowing language their vagne aspirations and inarticulate feelings, clothing, fixing, clarifying, and intensifying them, is what nn open avowal of his religious f&th often effects for the individual. It dis- closes what was wrapped up in the inner being, and the embodiment gives place and form to the idea. Sentiment unexpressed is liable to fade away like vapour uncon- densed. Confession is a real act; it makes the man commit himself definitely to a certain course of behaviour, and assists him to realize his ideal. Most are deficient in moral courage, and all that strengthens determination makes for salvation. It is easier for an avowed than for a secret disciple of Christ to refuse to yield to the solicitations of the worldly, to join them in unprofitable nmusements and practices. Then, too, confession redounds to the glory of God, who honours them that honour him. In heaven it will be no signal tribute to own him, for all there sing his praise. On earth is a sphere of distinction possible by standing up for the true, the right, the good. And so Christ promises to confess those who have confessed him. A m,utly decbrntion may confirm the faith of wavering brethren, and thus saYe ourselves and L,thers. Timidity which sea:d tho lips is n sower retaining tho seed in his bag, and allowing the w11iting soil to go unblessed with golden orops.-S. R. A. Ver. 12.-The nature and beneficence of God, Many surface-distinctions between the Jew and Greek may be drawn by men, but none are recognized by God in such wise III to ino11paoitate some members of the raoe for seeking salvation at his hands.  THE EPISTt'E OF PAUL TO THE ROMANS. [en. x. 1-21,