62. Chapter 57: A Look Backward and Forward

CHAPTER 57 A Look Backward and Forward

1. A Look Backward In Php 3:12-14 Paul says in effect: Not that I have already attained, or am already perfect, but "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." The Church can make these words of Paul its own. Its service has not been perfect, for it is com­posed of sinners in a sinful world. The Church is not of the world, but it is very much in the world. It has greatly influenced the world; it has been a salt and a savor. But the world has at all times also pro­foundly influenced the Church. At times the salt has almost lost its savor, and frequently the light has been dimmed. From the very beginning the Jews have been the bitter oppo­nents of the Church. The Moham­medans have conquered much ter­ritory over which the banner of the Cross once flew. The Church so far has not been able to win over many of these opponents. The Church has never been over­powered. It did not prevent the fall of the Roman Empire, but it brought within its fold the Ger­manic tribes which destroyed that empire. At times the Church has sunk into error, superstition, cor­ruption, and indifference. But the divine life which is in the Church has always preserved and revived it. Empires and kingdoms have risen and fallen. Systems of politi­cal and social organization have appeared and vanished. As century after century has rolled by, man’s way of living has undergone count­less changes. But the Church, un­der God, has survived.

2. A Look Forward

Together we have traveled near­ly two thousand miles of the long road of the Church’s history. The road will continue on. Today we behold the strange spectacle, cause for sorrow and joy, of many in the Church repudiating the Gospel while the heathen in the far corners of the earth are accepting it. From Scripture we know that dark days are in store for the Church and for the world. Black clouds are even now rising in the sky. But we know that the Church will continue upon its career of conquest until the return of our Lord. For the Church is the army of Christ. Jesus Christ is the living Head and the great King of the Church.

You have studied the history of the Christian Church. But you must do more. You must help make that history from now on, be your part ever so small. In the bitter warfare that lies ahead, and as the battle mounts, you must prove yourselves loyal and valiant sol­diers of Jesus Christ. Help to make the future history of the Church even more glorious than its past.