Article May 27, 1944 Issue

Are You a Christian?

EDWARD H. HORSTMAN

It is generally admitted among Christians that Christ Jesus possessed certain divine qualities not common to mankind; that his life was the evidence of his understanding of God; that he knew more about the actual laws of existence than any other person who ever trod this globe. It is quite generally admitted that the Master put into actual practice and use those revealed truths pertaining to the nature of God and His creation. His conclusions as to what was right and true and what was not right and not true in human affairs were very different, and above the generally accepted theological views of his day. But Jesus proved his understanding to be correct by demonstration.

Unfortunately, among some of this generation there exists a belief that many of the Master's statements cannot be practically and effectively applied today; that they had to do with an idealistic state of thought not applicable to the needs of this age. If one accepts this view, one must then reject as impossible of repetition today those many occurrences recorded in the New Testament, where Jesus disregarded material law in order to restore health or harmony. There may be others who believe that there is some psychological explanation of these phenomena, but doubt his actual putting into use and practicing those profound yet simple truths which he taught. If Jesus did not actually do these recorded acts, then those commandments of his, to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and raise the dead, together with his prophecy, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do," are all meaningless. If his deeds did not substantiate his doctrine, then he was a mere theorist.

But his teachings are not transcendental or impractical for use in everyday life. Furthermore, they were definitely substantiated by his acts. Thus he established for all time the fact that his precepts were scientifically true, and therefore demonstrable, and not only for himself and his selected students but for all those who would learn of him. Any attempt to separate Christ Jesus' thoughts and deeds not only robs him of his true greatness, but also leads to a complete misinterpretation of his mission on earth.

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