The Two Great Distinguishing Features of Christianity (2) - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we, the living who remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we shall be always with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

The Two Great Distinguishing Features of Christianity (2)
The blessings of the cross are not confined to this present period. Every saint of every age, whether past, present, or future, finds in the cross the righteous basis of all blessing. Nor can the coming of Christ be confined to the saints of the present period. This great event, in one form or another, will affect every saint of every dispensation.

But two great intermediate facts give to Christianity its unique character and distinguish the Christian period from all that went before and all that is yet to come. Never before in this world's history could it be said that there is a Man in the glory and a Divine Person on earth, and never again will it be true. These facts belong exclusively to the Christian period, and upon them the Church is established and by them the Church is maintained. Not until Christ was glorified as the risen, exalted Head, and the Holy Spirit come to baptize believers into one body could the Church be formed. In its pathway through this world, the Church is maintained by Christ in the glory and the Holy Spirit on earth. Even its last passage from the earthly journey to the heavenly home will be taken in answer to the voice of the Man in the glory and the quickening power of the Holy Spirit on earth (; Rom. 8:11).

If these then are the distinguishing marks of the Christian period, it should hardly surprise us if they become the unceasing object of the enemy's attack. The devil knows full well that if only he can prevent our being heavenly saints according to God's purpose for the present moment, he will succeed in robbing us of every true thought of Christ and the Church.

Hamilton Smith