The Church: Its Organization, Order and Discipline

07 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

“CHRIST also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27. COOD 36.1

Christ said of his church, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill can not be hid.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16. That this purpose might be accomplished in his people was the burden of that memorable prayer of our Lord just before his betrayal: “The glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me.” John 17:22, 23. COOD 36.2

Those professing to be Christians are an example of what should be manifested if the “meekness and gentleness of Christ” is really in them. Of one company thus consecrated to God the apostle said, “Ye are our epistles written in our hearts, known and read of all men.” 2 Corinthians 3:2. It is to this high and holy work of letting the character of Christ be wrought in us that we are called; for, says the apostle, “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and holy nation, a peculiar people [a purchased people, margin]: that ye should show forth the praises [virtues, margin] of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9. That this might be accomplished, “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” Verses 21-23. COOD 36.3

In the lives of those in whom Christ is thus working will be seen “bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel [complaint, margin] against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Colossians 3:12, 13. COOD 37.1

When Christ thus dwells in the heart it will be easy to heed Paul’s exhortation: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil-speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31, 32. COOD 37.2