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Sketches from the Life of Paul
should repent of their sins, and humble themselves before God, whose
holy law they had broken, and whose just wrath they had thus incurred,
they must exercise faith in the blood of Christ as their only ground
of pardon. The Son of God died as their sacrifice, and ascended to
Heaven to stand as their advocate before the Father. By repentance and
faith they might be freed from the condemnation of sin, and through
the grace of Christ be enabled henceforth to render obedience to the
law of God.
The apostle continued: “And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit
unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there, save
that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and
afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count
I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy,
and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify
the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all,
among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my
face no more.” Paul had not designed to bear this testimony; but while
he was speaking, the Spirit of inspiration came upon him, confirming
his former fears that this would be his last meeting with his Ephesian
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brethren. He therefore left with them his counsel and admonition as
his will and testament to be carried out by them when they should see
him no more.
“Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the
blood of all men; for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the
counsel of God.” No fear of giving offense, no desire for friendship
or applause, could lead him to withhold the words which God had
given him for their instruction, warning, or correction. The minister
of Christ is not to present to the people those truths that are most
pleasing, while he withholds others which might cause them pain. He
should watch with deep solicitude the development of character. If
he sees that any of his flock are cherishing sin, he must as a faithful
shepherd give them instruction from God’s word applicable to their
case. Should he permit them in their self-confidence to go on in sin
unwarned, he would be held responsible for their blood. The pastor
who fulfills his high commission must instruct his people in every
point of the Christian faith, all that they ought to be or to do, in order
to stand perfect in the day of God.