Chapter 230—A Life-giving Atmosphere
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in
Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in
every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them
that are saved, and in them that perish.
2 Corinthians 2:14, 15
.
In the matchless gift of His son, God has encircled the whole world with
an atmosphere of grace as real as the air which circulates around the globe.
All who choose to breathe this life-giving atmosphere will live, and grow up
to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.
Not all the beauty of art can bear comparison with the beauty of temper
and character to be revealed in those who are Christ’s representatives. It is
the atmosphere of grace which surrounds the soul of the believer, the Holy
Spirit working upon mind and heart, that makes him a savor of life unto life,
and enables God to bless his work.
Transformation of character is to be the testimony to the world of the
indwelling love of Christ. The Lord expects His people to show that the
redeeming power of grace can work upon the faulty character and cause it to
develop in symmetry and abundant fruitfulness....
When the grace of God reigns within, the soul will be surrounded with
an atmosphere of faith and courage and Christlike love, an atmosphere
invigorating to the spiritual life of all who inhale it.... Those who are humble
in heart the Lord will use to reach souls whom the ordained ministers cannot
approach. They will be moved to speak words which reveal the saving grace
of Christ.
And in blessing others they will themselves be blessed. God gives us
the opportunity to impart grace, that He may refill us with increased grace.
Hope and faith will strengthen as the agent for God works with the talents
and facilities that God has provided. He will have a divine agency to work
with him.
A holy influence is to go forth to the world from those who are sanctified
through the truth. The earth is to be encircled with an atmosphere of grace.
329