Covenanter Witness Vol. 54 - Rparchives.org

eternity."
preach."
sin"
The Pre-eminence of the Lord Jesus Christ
Rev. R. H. McKelvy
In 1893 Dr. R. J. George, as Synod's retiring
moderator, preached on Col. 1 :18, using as his theme,
"The Pre-eminence of the Lord Jesus Christ." Fol
lowing are some excerpts from his sermon. Taken
from the Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter,
vol. 31.
"Conclusions. I. The pre-eminence of the Lord
Jesus Christ is the determinative doctrine of Chris
tianity. By this is meant that this doctrine fixes and
determines the limits and boundaries of a true Chris
tian profession. Where the pre-eminence of Christ
begins, there Christianity begins, and where it ends,
there Christianity ends. This doctrine is so woven
and interwoven with the whole web of revealed truth
that it cannot be separated from it without the de
struction of the whole fabric. The kingdom of God
has for its corner-stone the Divine Sonship of Jesus
Christ; and for its cope-stone his Mediatorial Head
ship; and no person, church or nation, which either
denies His divinity, or rejects His Kingly authority
makes a true Christian profession.
"II. This doctrine of the pre-eminence of the
Lord Jesus Christ is determinative of the position of
Christianity among the so-called religions of the
world.
"Christianity is as transcendent as the person
of its founder.
III. The doctrine of the pre-eminence of the Lord
Jesus Christ is determinative of the position of the
Reformed Presbyterian Church. Our church main
tains a separate denominational existance in order
that she may be a true witness for the mediatorial
authority of the incarnate Son of God. She regards
this doctrine of the pre-eminence of the Lord Jesus
Christ as so fundamental to Christianity that it must
be embodied in a consistant life if we are to set be
fore the world a true Christian character. That the
doctrine may be exemplified we must maintain a
position of political dissent and separation from all
institutions of civil government, which are set up
without due regard to the authority of the King of
kings and Lord of lords. The objection is made, that,
admitting that the ground is scriptural, it is too nar
row a basis on which to maintain a separate denom
ination. If, however, it be true that the same doctrine
which is determinative of Christianity is also deter
minative of our denominational position, then our
church is not founded upon a side-issue, but is built
squarely
upon the foundation of apostles and pro
phets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner
stone, and her position instead of being narrow is as
broad as the Gospel of the Son of God, and as firm as
the Rock of Ages.
"I do not hesitate to affirm that in its relation
to the integrity of a Christian profession ; in its re
lation to the establishment of the kingdom of God
among the race of men now in rebellion against Him ;
in its relation to the pre-eminence of the Lord Jesus
Christ in a universe that was created in Him and by
Him and for Him ; in its relation to the glory of God
the Father, who has enthroned Him at His own
right hand ; I do not hesitate to affirm that our dis-
May 11, 1955
tinctive ground is broader, more fundamental, and
more important to be maintained than all the other
distinctions which separate the evangelical denom
inations combined.
. . . "Her position is a timely one, because all the
Christian movements of the present hour are in the
direction of the personal Christ; and if she will be
true to her oath and keep unfurled the banner in
scribed, 'For Christ's Crown and Covenant' she can
lead the march of the churches and nations to Immanuel's
throne. The position is one that holds the
key to the future, because the acceptance of this doc
trine will be the consummation of the world's his
tory, and the coronation of Christ will be the song of
Training
Visitation
By Jacob Prins
Teams
(Used by permission of Earnest Worker and
the writer)
In training visitation teams, it is well to remem
ber that Jesus did not wait for people to come to
Him ; He went to them. He welcomed and used oppor
tunities to speak to people personally. He won many
of His converts by means of private conversation.
He trained His disciples to use this method
also. They returned, rejoicing in the wonderful re
sults accomplished, as men do, and will. "He ordained
twelve that they should be with him, and that he
might send them forth to "The Lord ap
pointed other seventy also and sent them two and
two before his face into every city and place whither
he himself would come."
Let us remember that, after the manner of
the seventy, men and women go out today "two and
two."
Blessed fellowship is experienced, holy respon
sibility is shared, hands and hearts are mutually
strengthened. Whether those called upon are ac
quaintances or strangers it matters not. Christ
would be presented to all. There is no "city or place
would"
whither he himself not "come." Every gen
eration of ambassadors for Christ has a great mis
sion, the spiritual results of which may be far-reach
ing.
As his ambassadors, we endeavor to win people
to faith in Him and to fellowship in His Church.
We seek to make clear how one becomes a Christian.
First, there must be an acknowledgment of sin.
Second, we must have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
who came "to take away and to "reconcile us
unto God." Third, there must be the will and resolve
that, by the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we
will lead a Christian life.
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