Benedictions

SOMETIMES the most impressive part of a letter is the closing phrase. One

is more apt to pour out his heart in this than in the body of the letter. Some

of the finest things in the New Testament are Paul's closing phrases in his

letters to the churches and individuals. We want to direct your attention to a

few of them, hoping that we may thus receive a blessing.

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Now to him

that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of

Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret

since the world began. But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the

prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known

Jo all nations for the obedience of faith: to God only wise, be glory through

Jesus Christ for ever. Amen." (Rom. 16:24-27.)

A very common expression with Paul is "the grace of our Lord Jesus

Christ." How concerned he was for the mercy ofGod and divine favor to be bestowed upon all of God's children! How badly

we all stand in need of this mercy and divine favor! Paul wanted these Roman

brethren to be stablished in the faith. He wanted them to be stable, firm, and

fixed. How we need those characteristics in these perilous times! Paul said this

happy condition is brought about by preaching Jesus Christ. It is riot brought

about by speculation and vain imaginations

''If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema

Maranatha. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with

you all in Christ Jesus. Amen." (1 Cor. 16:22-24.)

From this we would at least gather that Paul did not have much use for

false teachers, for the man who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ. Let them

be cursed. That does not sound much like we ought to throw our arms around

them and "love it out" with them! No, we cannot afford to ''brother" those who

will not "brother" our Lord Jesus Christ. The devil does not care how much

folks talk about "loving"' our Lord Jesus Christ if they will not respect his

teaching. There is a lot of sentimental nonsense mistaken for love. Here is how

we show our love for our Lord Jesus Christ: "He that hath my commandments,

and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me." (John 14:21.)

"From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks

of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your

spirit. Amen." (Gal. 6:17, 18.)

Listen to the old soldier of Jesus Christ. He had marks on his body that

he had received for Jesus' sake. "Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes

save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned." (2 Cor. 11:24.

25.) He was not ashamed of these marks. "If I must needs glory, I will glory of

the things which concern mine infirmities' (2 Cor. 11:30.) Those "light

afflictions" did not move that brave old soldier. Lord, give us more such.''Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one

mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." (2 Cor.

13:11.)

''Be perfect." What does that mean? Here are some things that Webster

says the word "perfect'' means: "Having all the properties naturally belonging

to it; complete; sound; right; faultless; righteous; sure; well-informed."

Certainly a Christian should have all the properties naturally belonging to a

Christian. He must be complete, sound, and right. It is not too much to expect

him to be faultless and righteous. He ought to be sure. Most certainly he must

be well-informed. When we have these qualities well developed, we come

under the scriptural meaning of "perfect." Do not confuse this with so-called

"sinless perfection." We do not attain unto "sinless perfection" here.

"Be of good comfort." What does it mean? "State or feeling of having

relief, cheer, or consolation; freedom from pain, want, or anxiety." The

Christian has great relief. He has been made free from past sins. He has been

saved from his past sins; and if he continues faithful unto the end, he will be

eternally saved. What could bring more cheer and comfort and consolation?

The Christian has nothing about which to be anxious. God will take care of

him in time and eternity.

"Be of one mind." What "mind" should we have? We must be of one mind.

We must have the mind of Christ. We have an expression of his mind in the

New Testament.

"Live in peace." God is a God of love and peace. "How beautiful are the

feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good

things!" (Rom. 10:15.) My brother, do you "preach the gospel of peace"? or

does division follow in the wake of your preaching? "Follow peace with all

men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." (Heb. 12:14.)

Christians are peaceful. They live in peace.

"The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be

with you. Amen." (Col. 4:18.)

How much is expressed by these three words, "Remember my bonds"! Do

not forget the old prisoner who is a prisoner for Jesus' sake.

"O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane

and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: which some

professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen." (1 Tim.

6:20, 21.)

The old preacher wanted the young preacher to "keep that which is

committed to thy trust." What a great charge to all preachers! It is important

to avoid "profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so

called." We have so much "profane and vain babblings" in the world today. So

many treat sacred things with contempt, disrespect, and irreverence. And what

sins have been committed in the name of science! The Bible is not a scientific

treatise, but it is not out of harmony with true science, but with "science

falsely so called."

"Grace be with you" all.