The figure of the architect again.
And so it should be with all of us, were it not for the fact that to us God has revealed the "Book of Heaven." In the preceding lesson we used the figure of the architect superintending the erection of a large building. Let us continue that figure briefly. Naturally, the architect cannot be in every part of the building at the same time. While he is directing workmen in the basement, men laying up the wall of the second story must get along without him. But how shall they know, in the architect's absence, that they are doing the work right?
The answer is not hard to find. The foremen and the workmen have access to plans and specifications. The plans are minute, and the specifications in detail. The workmen may then see for themselves how the building is to be erected. If only they read right, and interpret correctly, they may go ahead indefinitely. It is because they are prone to misinterpret, and sometimes tempted to defraud the owners, that the architect has to make his regular rounds and watch carefully.
The plan of eternal life.
It is just so with those who are building life eternal. The Indian chief was right. He was looking for the plans and specifications of eternal life, furnished by the Great Architect. The Indian chief did not find them. He did not enquire at the right wigwam. The plans and specifications of eternal life constitute the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The presence and the practice of that Gospel—in fulness and in simplicity—in the Church of Christ, form the third mark of its divine authority.
The necessity of plans.
Why are plans and specifications necessary? Ordinary plans and specifications accomplish three very important things. First, they direct what is to be done and how it is to be done. Secondly, they furnish a basis of judgment whereby to determine whether or not the work of the contractors fulfills the terms of agreement. Thirdly, they furnish a standard of judgment whereby to determine whether or not the materials used, the proportions mixed, the measurements taken, and all else, are of the quality and fulness required by the builder, and agreed to by the contractor.
The application.
So also, the teachings of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ are necessary to man for very important reasons. It is through the Gospel, that we learn of God and His work—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. It is through the Gospel that we learn of Christ's wonderful atoning sacrifice. It is through the Gospel that we learn to know what is man's duty to God, and man's duty to man. The Gospel, too, then directs men what to do and how to do it. It furnishes a basis of judgment whereby to determine whether a man's actions are good or bad. It furnishes a standard of judgment whereby to determine the true and exact quality of the structure of eternal life which he has built up.
The principles of the Gospel.