Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Sept. 1/62

Contributor - Henry T. Rozendaal.

Title - Savoring Christ

Topic - Witnessing

11 Cor. 2:16 - "To the one a savor from death unto death; to the other a savor from life unto Savoring Christ life".

There are three remarkable truths embodied in these words. First ; the same truth has strikingly different effect on different people : second ; the Christian is called to announce death to the ungodly : third ; it is the Christian calling to proclaim life to the living.

In the natural realm the same substance may be salutory when administered advisedly and intelligently ; but lethal when used ignorantly and unwisely. A drug may be used as a means of restoring health in the hands of a doctor but it may kill when used without due understanding. So the Gospel will comfort one while it makes another tremble. When it is proclaimed to the wise in Christ Jesus it will gladden him, and establish him, and instruct unto life. When the rebellious and perverse hear it, it may serve to harden his heart and increase his perversity. Sometimes the gracious message of life condemns and proclaims death to the dying. Jesus was set "for a fall and rising again of many in Israel," you know (Lk 2:34). And "to them that believe He is precious ; but to the disbelieving "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense". (I Pet. 2:7, 8). The difference is in the spirit of the reception.

The Christian is set to announce death to the dying. Being a "savor of Christ" he manifests Christ. He gives those who are acquainted with him an acquaintance with Christ. From him they learn what Christ is like. And even in the presence of God he bears the likeness of Christ. Doing that, he has a warning message to all those who are in the midst of death. As the Spirit was sent to "convict the world of judgment", the testimony of the Christian will speak too of judgement as well as of salvation. When Christ, and the Christian as a member of His body, proclaims to everyone in Christ the hope of eternal salvation, He proclaims the want of salvation to everyone who does not profit by that message. When He says "no man cometh to the Father but by Me" He shows how vain it is to extend our efforts without Him. The dying, if he comes to see Christ as He is, must be convinced again of his own great poverty. He is dead and, in default of a new life, will continue in death.

It is the calling of the Christian to proclaim life to the living. Those who become acquainted with the Christian will learn of him that there is life in fellowship with Christ. You see, he is a "savor of Christ". People, knowing him, become conscious of Christ. The great message of the Gospel is portrayed in the Christian. He is a living example of the truth that there is life for everyone that believeth. Hear Paul ; "for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ show forth all his longsuffering," (I Tim. 1:16). He shows how "there's life for a look at the crucified one". how does this message effect me ? It gives an undeniable testimony of life and peace to those who hear and heed : it gives an equally sure announcement of abiding death to those who will not hear and receive. I shall be able to learn from Him that I shall live ; or I may learn just as certainly of the damnation of my soul. It depends on the reception. If it's the former I shall become a glad promoter of the Truth and, while some will learn of death, there will be some who learn of eternal life through me.

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