The Biblical Review (Volume 7 ) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1922. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... because we love Him who came unto the world not to be ministered unto but to minister. There is also a mistaken notion that the climax of Jesus' teaching was the Sermon on the Mount. The world has paid its tribute to that wonderful message, though His detractors are accustomed to say that there was nothing in that message which was new. Jewish critics have said that it was in substance to be found in the Talmud and other sacred writings. Oriental critics have said that Confucius taught the same dogma. The answer to all this is that whoever may have said the same things, no one had ever lived them before Jesus came. He was the first to exemplify them in His own life. But the Golden Rule was only preliminary to something that has greater power and outreach. Then, too, we are asked why we do not have the same physical healing as in His time. Jesus' answer is enough. He never set great store by physical healing, anyway. He used it to emphasize His wonder-working power. He told them that it was immaterial to Him in what direction that power was turned, "Whether is easier to say, Thy sins which are many are forgiven thee, or Rise up and walk?" If he had been inclined to declare His mission by His physical power, He would have made that as all inclusive as His spiritual power, but there were thousands of sick within His reach whom He did not heal. To His disciples He said, "Greater things than these shall ye do," and that promise is being fulfilled. It was blessed to heal the blind and the lame and the leper, but to open the spiritual eyes of men bor n blind is a greater miracle; to heal a leprous body is not half the marvel that is wrought in the cleansing of a leprous soul. The Golden Rule would do for His inaugural, but the message which grew with the unfolding of H...