Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 29:115 (Jul 1872)
Article: Characteristics Of The Growth Of Christ’s Kingdom
Author: Samuel Harris

BSac 29:115 (July 1872) p. 459

Characteristics Of The Growth Of Christ’s Kingdom

Samuel Harris

The progress of Christ’s kingdom is extensive, so far as it gains new converts and Christianizes new peoples; it is intensive, so far as it advances the sanctification of its converts, and develops a higher type of piety and a more Christian civilization. Some characteristics of this progress will now be considered.

I. It Is Spiritual

It is spiritual in the sense that it is the work of God’s Spirit. God’s redeeming love is not merely a bland accessibleness if any choose to seek him — a mild rainbow over his throne, encouraging any who venture to brave the darkness and clouds that are round about him. It is an energy of redeeming grace, the Spirit of holiness, working in human history, enlightening, striving, life-giving, reproving, comforting. The progress of the kingdom is the constant product and manifestation of the ever-present and prevailing energy of the Holy Spirit.

It is spiritual, also, in the sense that it is the progress of spiritual life in men — the life of faith and love that centres on Christ and his cross.

Hence, so far as man’s agency is concerned, the progress of the kingdom is by action in faith; and the life of faith is a life of inspiration and enthusiasm, rather than of prudence and calculation. The believer has courage to attempt whatever God has had grace to promise. In the words of Bishop Hall: “Faith is never so glorious as when she hath most opposition, and will hot see it. Reason looks ever to the

BSac 29:115 (July 1872) p. 460

means; faith, to the end; and, instead of consulting how to effect, resolves what shall be effected.” The very obstacles become a stimulus to effort: “I will tarry at Ephesus; for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”

II. The Progress Of The Kingdom Is By The Instrumentality Of The Gospel

It is the historical gospel of redemption through Christ and the Holy Spirit, as distinguished from abstract truth. “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Rationalism treats Christianity, which is a divine action redeeming men from sin, as if it were only a process of thought; as if its whole aim were the analysis and systemization of truth to the intellect. It regards historical Christianity as the lantern, not as the light, and breaks the lantern that the light may shine more clearly. The result is that the light is blown out. The gospel must indeed be apprehended by the intellect. It presupposes the truths of religion and morals which men may know without revelation. Man, as a rational being, must interpret the fac...