The word “redemption” has a double sense in common use. It is sometimes
used for atonement or propitiation simply, and sometimes for the great
deliverance which is the consequence of the great propitiation. It is
clear that in this passage it is used for deliverance. But another thing
is equally clear, namely, this—that we shall never be able to rest in the
hope of the deliverance unless we are first taught to rest for
forgiveness on the completed propitiation. Redemption by power is the
consequence of redemption by blood. It is the redemption by power of
which the Lord said “He draweth nigh;” but we shall never be able to lift
up our heads, and look up in joy to the prospect, unless we first know in
our own souls the unspeakable blessing of that redemption by blood which
has long since been completed for ever. It is only when we know Jesus
Christ and Him crucified that we can look up in calm, peaceful confidence
to Jesus Christ and Him glorified.
“WITH” AND “BY”
“And when they were come, and had gathered the Church together, they
rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how He had opened the
door of faith onto the Gentiles.”—ACTS xiv. 27.
THERE are few institutions of greater antiquity than the missionary
meeting. It is truly apostolic in its origin. The first such meeting of
which we read was held at Antioch after the return of St. Paul from his
first missionary journey. It was from Antioch he set off, having been
commended by the brethren to the grace of God; and it was at Antioch,
after his return, that he gathered together the Church and rehearsed to
them all that God had done with them in his journey. This is the great
subject of his address, and will suggest three subjects of inquiry for
ourselves.