In The Master's Service

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THE OLD BAPTIST TEST

Elder John M. Watson - From the book"The Old Baptist Test"

Just after having had a pleasant and instructive interview with the Thessalonians, by means of the Apostle's letter to them, I met, so to speak, with three orthodox ministers: Timotheus, Titus, and Philemon. Knowing that each of them had received letters from Paul, I determined to inquire particularly of them about the "other sheep"which Christ said he must bring. Timothy said that they were saved, and called with a holy calling. I asked if this was done as the Arminians say, according to their works; and he replied, not according to their works, but according to God's own purpose and grace, given to them in Christ Jesus before the world began. This he said was "a form of sound words," which all teachers should "hold fast."Titus then said, also, it was not by works of righteousness which they had done, but according to the mercy of God they were saved, "by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost." And that these things should be constantly affirmed, especially that all believers should "be careful to maintain good works."

Timothy further said, that all preachers should "study to show themselves approved unto God workmen that need not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth."I then inquired about theological schools, and he said that the King in Zion had said nothing about them, and that there were, none in his church or country; and that He had not directed any to be instituted for the bringing in of the "other sheep," or "the remnant according to the election of grace among the Jews."That the "hidden wisdom" which God ordained for the glory of His spiritual Israel could not be taught in schools; and the plain commandment was to SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES, TO PREACH THE WORD; and that God-not the schools-would give the demonstration to His hidden ones.

Besides, he said many things about the qualifications of bishops and deacons, all of which I knew had been read and approved in our churches, whether we have complied with them or not. Let us examine ourselves according to them, and see if we can in that way prove ourselves to be bishops or deacons. They furnish a proper standard. We judge no man, let him thereby judge of himself. Nor does this qualification require the appendage to the name of M. A., D. D., or L. L. D. These letters may be of great import elsewhere, but we prefer in the church of God, the words servant, faithful steward, watchman, one taught and called of the Lord.

I further ventured to ask a few questions about the eternal life which Christ said he would give to his sheep. Timothy replied: God only hath immortality in the full sense of the term. He has this attribute in a sense which no creature has, neither angels nor saints. They are endowed with eternal life, and in that life are immortal; they take on immortality through the eternal life which Christ gives; but this immortality does not pertain to them as it does to God Himself, but is derived. All life, except the life of God, is derived from Him. In Him are life and immortality, in a sense different from all other beings. In that sense He only hath immortality. No soul ever did or ever can possess immortality as does God; but He can create the soul and endow it with eternal life, and thereby impart immortality to it; and in the same way will the body itself put on immortality in the resurrection. Hence, in a Parkerite sense, in regard to immortality, we had just as well contend that the body is uncreated and eternal and a part of God, as that the soul is!

Having retired from the feet of these teachers, I find myself among the HEBREWS, and as Paul's letter to them did not refer to the "other sheep" which Christ had elsewhere, but to the "remnant," according to the election of grace amongst the Jews, I inquired for the "one fold," wherein both Jew and Gentile are one. They were both to hear the voice of Christ through the same spirit; were to receive the same life and change of heart; and in that way to become one in Christ, and sheep of "one fold." This seems like owning a King in Zion, and like reducing all things to one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. This must be done if there be but "one fold and ONE SHEPHERD." Of this one fold and one Shepherd, I will treat in my next.