On examining the second revision of Frank S. Mead's book Handbook of Denominations in the United States, Abingdon Press, I recognized some significant statements regarding the newly organized United Church of Christ. Bible instructors, ministers, and also teachers and students of contemporary religions should be alerted on the following statements:
Three churches of historic importance in America constitute the United Church of Christ: the Congregational Church, the Christian Church, and the Evangelical and Reformed Church. The first two were merged into the Congregational-Christian Churches in 1931, and were joined by the Evangelical and Reformed Church, in the new United Church of Christ, in 1957. Pending the approval of a constitution by the local churches represented in these denominations (hoped to be accomplished by mid-1961), the present denominational policies and administrations will continue. In the following account, the backgrounds, policies, and doctrines of the three bodies will be considered separately; to this is added an outline of polity and procedure for the United Church, as contained in the proposed constitution and bylaws.—Page 215.
I consider Frank Mead's presentation of the 260 religious bodies in America an excellent reference work in the study of these contemporary groups. This great merger, however, has special meaning today. I marvel at the ability, agility, and flexibility of these once separate denominations to satisfactorily merge into the United Church of Christ. Reflecting on the history-making discussions, debates, apologies, and church councils held since Reformation times, we must query if all this can be accomplished without some dramatic, if not drastic reactions within the ranks of the merging groups. Many will still cry out for a positive Protestantism. Here the poetic words of Solomon suggest themselves: "Who is this that corneth out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?"
The author, Frank Mead, who after providing a detailed account of the issues which led up to this great merger, states:
"While some local churches in both groups may still decline to enter the merger, there would seem to be an approximate strength of over 2,000,000 members and 8,000 churches in the United Church of Christ."—Page 223.
Let our people read analytically the entire chapter on the "United Church of Christ" in Mead's newly revised edition of the book. It must open new vistas of thought. Surely, prophecy is in fulfillment today! Let us be wide awake to its implications.
ABOUNDING GRACE
KEY TEXT: Eph. 2:8 "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."
AIM: The sinner has nothing to recommend him to God but his lost condition. God's grace is freely offered to him. In his acceptance of this grace, man takes on new responsibilities.
DEFINITION: Grace is undeserved mercy of God bestowed on the sinner. No definition of grace is given in the Bible, but the Holy Scriptures are full of examples of redeeming grace in action.
Man's Relation to God's Standard
Matt. 19:17 "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
James 2:10 "Offend in one [commandment], . . . guilty of all."
Gal. 3:11 "No man is justified by the law in the sight of God."
Rom. 3.23 "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
Isa. 64:6 "All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags."
God's Relation to Man's Condition
Ps. 86:15 "Thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion."
1 Cor. 1:4 "The grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ."
Rom. 5:21 "So might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life."
Titus 2:11 "The grace of God that bringeth
salvation hath appeared to all men."
How Grace Is Made Available
Eph. 2:8, 9 "Through faith" (see Key Text). Acts 15:11 "Through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved."
Eph. 2:4, 5 "God . . . hath quickened us together with Christ."
Man's New Relationship
Rom. 3:24 He is "justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
Rom. 6:14 "Ye are not under the law, but under grace."
Rom. 6:15 No license to sin: "Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid."
Titus 3:7 "Justified by his grace, we should be made heirs."
Man's Responsibility
2 Cor. 6:1 "Receive not the grace of God in vain."
2 Tim. 2:1 "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
I Peter 4:10 "Good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
Titus 2:14 "Zealous of good works."
Heb. 13:21 "Make you perfect in every good work to do his will."
Acts 20:32 "The word of his grace, which is able to build you up."
2 Thess. 2:16 "Given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace."
1 Peter 5:10 "Called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus."
Ellen G. White Comments
"Grace is an attribute of God exercised toward undeserving human beings. We did not seek for it, but it was sent in search of us. God rejoices to bestow His grace upon us, not because we are worthy, but because we are so utterly unworthy. Our only claim to His mercy is our great need."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 161.
"The grace of God in Christ is the foundation of the Christian's hope, and that grace will be manifested in obedience."—The Great Controversy, p 256.
"The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life."—The Ministry of Healing, pp. 102, 103.
"The message of the gospel of His grace was to be given to the church in clear and distinct lines, that the world should no longer say that Seventh-day Adventists talk the law, the law, but do not teach or believe Christ."—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 92.
Additional Comments
"The help man needs must come from without and from above. God alone can undo that which by his fall man has inflicted on creation and on himself. The great message of the gospel is that God is not only able to do so, but willing also; and that He has, in fact, done it in the Person of His Son incarnate."—MAsoN, in The Faith of the Gospel, p. 121.
"Grace is not simply a kindly feeling on the part of God but a positive boon conferred on man. Grace is a real and active force . . . illuminating the intellect, warming the heart, strengthening the will of redeemed humanity." —Lmnox's University Sermons, first series, p. 644.
"God gives grace in this world as a preparation for glory, and glory in the other world as the perfection of grace; both are God's gift, His free gift."—MATTHEW HENRY.
Appeal
What assurance is given that divine grace enables the true believer to meet every human problem?
2 Cor. 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for thee."
God solves our problems in various ways: (1) He may remove them by solutions satisfactory to us. (2) He may give us grace to endure without loss of faith, which is often a powerful testimony to the unbelieving. Rowland Hill was given a sum of money to be given to a poor family. In his own inimitable way he left a portion at regular intervals, accompanied by a note saying, "More to follow!" —which is always the way when we use God's present grace in full surrender