The Signs of the Times, vol. 27
March 13, 1901
“Imitators of God” The Signs of the Times, 27, 11.
E. J. Waggoner
“Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.” Ephesians 5:1, R.V. If God Himself had not commanded us to do this, we might think that the requirement was a manifest impossibility, but since it is God Himself who bids us be like Him, to say that it is impossible is to charge God with light and foolish talking. Impossible instructions only bring ridicule upon the person who issues them. SITI March 13, 1901, page 162.1
God’s ambition for men is only limited by the length and breadth of His own life, and as this is infinite, so is His mercy toward the children of men. “For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.” Psalm 103:11. SITI March 13, 1901, page 162.2
God is love, and love can not be content with bestowing less than its all upon the loved one. “God loved His Son, and to Christ was given all the fullness of the Godhead, the very brightness of the Father’s glory. But the same love was extended to us, and so the Saviour says, “The glory which Thou hast given Me I have given unto them; ... that the world may know that Thou... lovedst them, even as Thou lovedst Me.” John 17:22, 23. SITI March 13, 1901, page 162.3
It is as beloved children that we are to be imitators of God. A father counts nothing too good for his children. They inherit his life and physical characteristics, and in addition, all the means and advantages that he is able to bestow. If we are children of God, we are heirs, “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.” The servants of a king may by faithful service rise to high rank, but they never earn the throne. That is reserved for one who never did anything to attain to it, for the child who was born to the privilege. So also no one becomes the child of God by virtue of his own efforts or sacrifices. He is born to the position, and then that right to the kingdom and free share in all is Father’s glory, which he never could hope to win as a servant, are his birthright. SITI March 13, 1901, page 162.4
To how many is this wonderful privilege given? The word “therefore” connects with the preceding sentence, so that we read, “Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you. Be ye therefore imitators of God.” The children do not become so by reason of their spotless character. They have stood in sore need of a free forgiveness. They are not beloved children because they are so lovable. It is in Christ that God forgives them. “God commendeth His own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8, R.V. SITI March 13, 1901, page 162.5
Since, then, not a single soul becomes a beloved child by his own deserving, it is evident that the way is as open for any one to have his sins forgiven and become a child and an imitator of God, as it can possibly be for any other one. If a single soul obtains the salvation, it will condemn every other one who does not; for the way is equally open to all, and the fact that one can be saved shows that all may if they will. Whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely. SITI March 13, 1901, page 162.6
Remember that the imitating of God is to be done “as dear children.” We are to walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us. The son does not work for what he receives from his father. The greater the wealth and power of the father, the better it is to be born his son. So, as God’s holiness and ways are seen to be infinite, the children will not gaze with despair at the awful distance that separates God from them, but instead will rejoice in the riches of the glory of the inheritance. The ever-deepening sense of God’s glory will not bring a corresponding depression of mind and quenching of hope, but will produce an ever-deepening thankfulness at the remembrance of His holiness. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1. SITI March 13, 1901, page 162.7
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.” Colossians 2:6. He is received as a free, undeserved gift, and all that pertains to life and godliness comes in the same way. Many think that it is a very simple matter to get their sins forgiven, but a very complicated and difficult matter to live a Christian life, such as God commands. This is because they think they must rely upon themselves in part to complete the good work which Christ has begun in them. It is as easy for God to keep us from falling and preserve us faultless at last, as it is for Him to lift us out of the miry clay in the first place. He does both by imparting Himself, “and if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of righteousness.” Romans 8:10. E. J. WAGGONER. SITI March 13, 1901, page 162.8