Reference: Christianity
Fausets
(See JESUS CHRIST.) The law and Mosaic system, though distinct from the gospel, yet clearly contemplates the new dispensation as that for which itself was the preparation. The original promise to Abraham, "in thee ... and thy seed ... shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Ge 12:3; 22:16), still awaited its fulfillment, and the law came in as the parenthesis between the promise of grace and its fulfillment in Christ the promised "seed." Ro 5:20; "the law entered (as a parenthesis, incidentally, Greek) that the offense might abound." Ga 3:8-25; "the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith; but after that, faith is come we are no longer under a schoolmaster."
Jacob's prophecy contemplated the theocratic scepter passing from Judah, when Shiloh should come as the gatherer of the peoples to Himself (Ge 49:10). Many psalms (as Psalm 2; Psalm 72; Psalm 22; Psalm 67) and all the prophets (compare Isaiah 2; Isaiah 53) look forward to the Messiah as about to introduce a new and worldwide dispensation. Nay, even Moses himself (De 18:15, etc.) announces the coming of another Lawgiver like him, about to promulgate God's new law; for to be like Moses He must be a lawgiver, and to be so He must have a new law, a fuller development of God's will, than Moses' law, its germ. Psalm 110 declared that His priesthood should be one "forever, after the order of Melchizeded" (the king of righteousness and king of peace), to which the Levitical priesthood did homage in the person of Abraham their ancestor, paying tithes to Melchizedek (compare Hebrew 6-7).
The law was the type; the gospel was the antitype (Heb 10:1-10). Christ came not to destroy it (i.e. its essence) but to fulfill (complete) it (Mt 5:17). The letter gives place to the spirit which realizes the end of the letter (2Co 3:3-18). As also Jeremiah foretells (Jer 31:31-34; compare Heb 8:4-13; 10:15-18). If Christianity had not been of God, it could never have prevailed, without human might or learning, to supersede the system of the mightiest and most civilized nations (1 Corinthians 1-2). Its miracles, its fulfillment of all prophecy, and its complete adaptation to meet man's deep spiritual needs, pardon, peace, holiness, life, immortality for soul and body, are the only reasonable account to be given of its success.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And I will bless those who bless thee, and he who curses thee I will curse. And in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
And I will bless those who bless thee, and he who curses thee I will curse. And in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
and said, By myself I have sworn, says LORD, because thou have done this thing, and have not withheld thy son, thine only son,
and said, By myself I have sworn, says LORD, because thou have done this thing, and have not withheld thy son, thine only son,
The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and to him shall the obedience of the peoples be.
The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and to him shall the obedience of the peoples be.
LORD thy God will raise up for thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brothers, like me. Ye shall hearken to him
LORD thy God will raise up for thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brothers, like me. Ye shall hearken to him
Behold, the days come, says LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah,
Behold, the days come, says LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah, not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, {because they did not continue in my covenant, and I disregarded (LXX/NT)} them, says LORD
not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, {because they did not continue in my covenant, and I disregarded (LXX/NT)} them, says LORD But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says LORD: I will give my law{s (LXX/NT)} in their inward parts, and I will write {them (LXX/NT)} in their hearts. And I will be their God, and th
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says LORD: I will give my law{s (LXX/NT)} in their inward parts, and I will write {them (LXX/NT)} in their hearts. And I will be their God, and th And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know LORD, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will
And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know LORD, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will
Think not that I came to abolish the law or the prophets. I came not to abolish, but to fulfill.
Think not that I came to abolish the law or the prophets. I came not to abolish, but to fulfill.
And the law entered so that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace was more abundant,
And the law entered so that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace was more abundant,
being seen that ye are a letter of Christ, administered by us, written not in ink, but in the Spirit of the living God, not in stony tablets, but in fleshly tablets, in hearts.
being seen that ye are a letter of Christ, administered by us, written not in ink, but in the Spirit of the living God, not in stony tablets, but in fleshly tablets, in hearts. And we have such confidence toward God through Christ,
And we have such confidence toward God through Christ, not that we are sufficient of ourselves to reckon anything as from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
not that we are sufficient of ourselves to reckon anything as from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us qualified helpers of a new covenant, not of a document, but of a spirit, for the document kills but the spirit makes alive.
who also made us qualified helpers of a new covenant, not of a document, but of a spirit, for the document kills but the spirit makes alive. But if the administration of death in writings engraved on stones occurred in glory, so that the sons of Israel could not gaze upon the face of Moses because of the fading glory of his countenance,
But if the administration of death in writings engraved on stones occurred in glory, so that the sons of Israel could not gaze upon the face of Moses because of the fading glory of his countenance, how will the administration of the spirit not be more in glory?
how will the administration of the spirit not be more in glory? For if the administration of condemnation has glory, the administration of righteousness excels much more in glory.
For if the administration of condemnation has glory, the administration of righteousness excels much more in glory. For also that which has been glorified, has not been glorified in this regard, because of the glory that transcends.
For also that which has been glorified, has not been glorified in this regard, because of the glory that transcends. For if that which is abolished was through glory, much more that which remains is in glory.
For if that which is abolished was through glory, much more that which remains is in glory. Having therefore such a hope we use great boldness,
Having therefore such a hope we use great boldness, and are not as Moses. He put a veil over his face in order for the sons of Israel not to gaze on the end of the fading.
and are not as Moses. He put a veil over his face in order for the sons of Israel not to gaze on the end of the fading. But their minds were hardened, for to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old testament, not being uncovered, which thing is abolished in Christ.
But their minds were hardened, for to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old testament, not being uncovered, which thing is abolished in Christ. But to this day when Moses is read, a veil lays upon their heart.
But to this day when Moses is read, a veil lays upon their heart. But whenever it turns to Lord, the veil is removed.
But whenever it turns to Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of Lord is, there is liberty.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face seeing by reflection the glory of Lord, are transformed into the same likeness from glory to glory, just as from the Spirit of Lord.
But we all, with unveiled face seeing by reflection the glory of Lord, are transformed into the same likeness from glory to glory, just as from the Spirit of Lord.
And the scripture having foreseen that God makes the Gentiles righteous from faith, proclaimed the good-news in advance to Abraham: In thee all the nations will be blessed.
And the scripture having foreseen that God makes the Gentiles righteous from faith, proclaimed the good-news in advance to Abraham: In thee all the nations will be blessed. So then those from faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.
So then those from faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham. For as many as are from works of law are under a curse, for it is written, Cursed is every man who does not continue in all things written in the book of the law, to do them.
For as many as are from works of law are under a curse, for it is written, Cursed is every man who does not continue in all things written in the book of the law, to do them. But that no man is made righteous by law before God, is evident, because, The righteous man will live from faith.
But that no man is made righteous by law before God, is evident, because, The righteous man will live from faith. And the law is not from faith, but the man who does them will live in them.
And the law is not from faith, but the man who does them will live in them. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, Cursed is every man who hangs on a tree.
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, Cursed is every man who hangs on a tree. So that the blessing of Abraham might occur for the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through the faith.
So that the blessing of Abraham might occur for the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through the faith. Brothers (I speak according to a man), in the same way of a man, no man annuls or adds to a contract that has been ratified.
Brothers (I speak according to a man), in the same way of a man, no man annuls or adds to a contract that has been ratified. Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, And to the seeds, as of many, but as of one, And to thy seed, who is Christ.
Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, And to the seeds, as of many, but as of one, And to thy seed, who is Christ. And I say this, a covenant previously confirmed by God in Christ, the law, which happened four hundred and thirty years after, does not annul in order to make the promise useless.
And I say this, a covenant previously confirmed by God in Christ, the law, which happened four hundred and thirty years after, does not annul in order to make the promise useless. For if the inheritance is from law, it is no longer from promise. But God has given it to Abraham through promise.
For if the inheritance is from law, it is no longer from promise. But God has given it to Abraham through promise. Why then the law? It was added on account of transgressions, until the seed would come to whom it was promised, which was arranged through heavenly agents in the hand of a mediator.
Why then the law? It was added on account of transgressions, until the seed would come to whom it was promised, which was arranged through heavenly agents in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not of one, but God is one.
Now a mediator is not of one, but God is one. Is the law therefore against the promises of God? May it not happen! For if a law was given that could make alive, truly righteousness would be from law.
Is the law therefore against the promises of God? May it not happen! For if a law was given that could make alive, truly righteousness would be from law. But scripture confined all things under sin, so that the promise from faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
But scripture confined all things under sin, so that the promise from faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came we were kept in custody under law, having been confined for faith that was going to be revealed.
But before faith came we were kept in custody under law, having been confined for faith that was going to be revealed. So that the law became our schoolmaster for Christ, so that we might be made righteous from faith.
So that the law became our schoolmaster for Christ, so that we might be made righteous from faith. But faith having come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
For certainly if he were on earth, he would not even be a priest, there being the priests who offer the gifts according to the law,
For certainly if he were on earth, he would not even be a priest, there being the priests who offer the gifts according to the law, who serve for an example and shadow of the heavenly things. Just as Moses who was divinely warned while going to complete the tabernacle, for he says, See thou make all things according to the pattern that was shown thee on the mou
who serve for an example and shadow of the heavenly things. Just as Moses who was divinely warned while going to complete the tabernacle, for he says, See thou make all things according to the pattern that was shown thee on the mou But now he has obtained a superior ministry, by so much as he is also the mediator of a superior covenant, which has been enacted upon superior promises.
But now he has obtained a superior ministry, by so much as he is also the mediator of a superior covenant, which has been enacted upon superior promises. For if that first one was faultless, no place would have been sought for a second.
For if that first one was faultless, no place would have been sought for a second. For, finding fault with them, he says, Behold, the days come, says Lord, and I will perfect a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.
For, finding fault with them, he says, Behold, the days come, says Lord, and I will perfect a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by my hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. Because they did not continue in my covenant, and I disregarded them, says Lord.
Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by my hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. Because they did not continue in my covenant, and I disregarded them, says Lord. Because this is the covenant that I will ordain with the house of Israel after those days, says Lord, giving my laws into their mind, and I will write them on their hearts. And I will be to them for a God, and they will be to me fo
Because this is the covenant that I will ordain with the house of Israel after those days, says Lord, giving my laws into their mind, and I will write them on their hearts. And I will be to them for a God, and they will be to me fo And they will, no, not teach each man his fellow citizen, and each man his brother, saying, Know the Lord, because all will know me, from their small as far as their great.
And they will, no, not teach each man his fellow citizen, and each man his brother, saying, Know the Lord, because all will know me, from their small as far as their great. Because I will be merciful to their iniquities, and their sins and their lawlessness I will no, not further remember.
Because I will be merciful to their iniquities, and their sins and their lawlessness I will no, not further remember. In saying, New, he has made the first old. And what is becoming old and obsolete is near disappearance.
In saying, New, he has made the first old. And what is becoming old and obsolete is near disappearance.
For the law having a shadow of the good things that are coming, not the same substance of the events, with the same sacrifices that are offered continually each year, they are never able to fully perfect those who are approaching.
For the law having a shadow of the good things that are coming, not the same substance of the events, with the same sacrifices that are offered continually each year, they are never able to fully perfect those who are approaching. Otherwise would they not have ceased being offered, because of those who worship, once having been cleansed, to have no further conscience of sins?
Otherwise would they not have ceased being offered, because of those who worship, once having been cleansed, to have no further conscience of sins? But in them is a reminder of sins each year.
But in them is a reminder of sins each year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore when he comes into the world, he says, Sacrifice and offering thou did not desire, but thou prepared for me a body.
Therefore when he comes into the world, he says, Sacrifice and offering thou did not desire, but thou prepared for me a body. In whole burnt offerings, and for sin thou were not pleased.
In whole burnt offerings, and for sin thou were not pleased. Then I said, Lo, I come (in the volume of a book it is written about me) to do thy will, O God,
Then I said, Lo, I come (in the volume of a book it is written about me) to do thy will, O God, saying above, Sacrifice and offering and whole burnt offerings and for sin thou did not desire, nor were thou pleased with things that are offered according to the law.
saying above, Sacrifice and offering and whole burnt offerings and for sin thou did not desire, nor were thou pleased with things that are offered according to the law. Then he said, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He takes away the first, so that he may establish the second.
Then he said, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He takes away the first, so that he may establish the second. By which will we are sanctified through the one time offering of the body of Jesus Christ.
By which will we are sanctified through the one time offering of the body of Jesus Christ.
And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, after indeed foretelling, This is the covenant that I will ordain with them after those days, says Lord, giving my laws on their hearts, and on their minds I will write them,
This is the covenant that I will ordain with them after those days, says Lord, giving my laws on their hearts, and on their minds I will write them, and, Their sins and their lawlessness I will, no, not further remember.
and, Their sins and their lawlessness I will, no, not further remember. Now where there is remission of these, there is no more offering for sin.
Now where there is remission of these, there is no more offering for sin.
Hastings
When the name 'Christian' (see preceding art.) had come to be the specific designation of a follower of Jesus Christ, it was inevitable that the word 'Christianity' should sooner or later be used to denote the faith which Christians profess. The word does not occur in the NT, however, and first makes its appearance in the letters of Ignatius early in the 2nd century. But for 1800 years it has been the regular term for the religion which claims Jesus Christ as its founder, and recognizes in His Person and work the sum and substance of its beliefs.
Christianity presents itself to us under two aspects
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Then I said, Woe is me! For I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips. For my eyes have seen the King, LORD of hosts.
And she will bring forth a son, and thou shall call his name JESUS, for he will save his people from their sins.
And Jesus went around all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the good-news of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
Think not that I came to abolish the law or the prophets. I came not to abolish, but to fulfill.
Ye have heard that it was said to them in old times, Thou shall not murder, and whoever murders will be liable to the judgment.
Ye have heard that it was said to them in old times, Thou shall not murder, and whoever murders will be liable to the judgment.
Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shall not commit adultery.
Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shall not commit adultery.
Again, ye have heard that it was said to them in old times, Thou shall not swear falsely, but shall render to the Lord thine oaths.
Ye have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.
Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shall love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.
Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shall love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.
Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shall love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.
Ye therefore shall be perfect, even as your Father in the heavens is perfect.
So then from their fruits ye will know them. Not every man who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but he who does the will of my Father in the heavens.
And it came to pass, when Jesus finished these sayings, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching,
And Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the good-news of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
The queen of the south will rise up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
The Son of man will send forth his agents, and they will gather out of his kingdom all the stumbling-blocks, and those doing lawlessness,
And I also say to thee, that thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
And if he is heedless of them, speak to the church. But if he is also heedless of the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and the tax collector.
They say to him, Why then did Moses command to give a writing of divorcement, and to divorce her?
Teacher, Moses said, If some man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed to his brother.
Now the Pharisees having been gathered together, Jesus interrogated them, saying,
Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee proclaiming the good-news of God,
For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
He was the TRUE light coming into the world that enlightens every man.
Ye worship what ye do not know. We worship what we know, because salvation is from the Jews.
Jesus therefore said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread out of heaven, but my Father gives you the TRUE bread out of heaven.
Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world. He who follows me would, no, not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.
Are thou greater than our father Abraham who died? And the prophets died. Who do thou make thyself?
A new commandment I give to you, that ye should love each other, just as I loved you, so that ye also should love each other.
A new commandment I give to you, that ye should love each other, just as I loved you, so that ye also should love each other.
Jesus says to him, Have I been so long a time with you, and thou do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father. And how can thou say, Show us the Father?
Dwell in me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it dwells in the grapevine, so neither ye, if ye do not dwell in me.
By this my Father is glorified, that ye may bear much fruit, and ye will become my disciples.
This is my commandment, that ye love each other, just as I have loved you.
This is my commandment, that ye love each other, just as I have loved you.
These things I command you, so that ye may love each other.
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made him, this Jesus whom ye crucified, both Lord and Christ.
And Peter said to them, Repent ye, and be immersed each of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
And ye killed the Pathfinder of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
And more who believe were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women,
[This verse in not in the majority of the manuscripts.]
And the faithful men of circumcision were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because also on the Gentiles the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out.
And some of them were men, Cyprians and Cyrenians, who, having come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching good-news, the Lord Jesus.
and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass a whole year for them to be assembled in the congregation, and to teach a considerable multitude, and to call the disciples Christians, first at Antioch.
Be it known to you therefore, men, brothers, that through this man remission of sins is proclaimed to you.
But the disobedient Jews aroused the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil against the brothers.
although he did not leave himself without evidence, doing good and giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts of food and gladness.
And he came to Derbe and to Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain faithful Jewish woman, but of a Greek father,
And after bringing them outside, he said, Sirs, what must I do so that I may be saved? And they said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou will be saved, thou and thy household.
And having stood in the middle of the Areopagus, Paul said, Athenian men, I perceive you as deity-fearing in all things.
to search for the Lord, if indeed perhaps they might grope for him and find him, although being not far from each one of us. For in him we live, and move, and exist, as also some of the performers from you have said, For of him we are also offspring.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, both his eternal power and divinity, for them to be without excuse. Because, although knowing God, they did not glorify him as God, nor were they thankful, but became vain in their reasonings and their heart was darkened without understanding.
Who show the work of the law written in their hearts, testifying of their conscience, and their thoughts amidst each other accusing or also defending them
But God commends his love toward us, that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
For if, while being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more having been reconciled we will be saved by his life.
so we, the many, are one body in Christ, and each one body-parts of each other.
Owe no man anything except to love each other, for he who loves the other has fulfilled law.
Love works no evil to the neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of law.
Because it is God who said, Out of darkness light is to shine, who shone in our hearts for an enlightenment of the knowledge of the glory of God in the presence of Jesus Christ.
How that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not imputing to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation.
How that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not imputing to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation.
So that the law became our schoolmaster for Christ, so that we might be made righteous from faith.
But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born from a woman, born under law, so that he might redeem those under law, so that we might receive the sonship.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in the, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, according to the wealth of his grace,
And he subordinated all things under his feet, and appointed him head over all things for the church,
For the Christ to dwell in your hearts through faith,
But being truthful in love, we may cause all things to grow for him who is the head--the Christ--
Because a husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church, and himself the savior of the body.
so that he might present it to himself, the glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and unblemished.
Indeed have this way to think in you, that also was in Christ Jesus,
But when the kindness and philanthropy of God our Savior appeared,
Looking to Jesus the pathfinder and perfecter of the faith, who, against the joy set before him, endured a cross, having despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
And he carried me away in spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, holy Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
Watsons
CHRISTIANITY, the religion of Christians. By Christianity is here meant, not that religious system as it may be understood and set forth in any particular society calling itself Christian; but as it is contained in the sacred books acknowledged by all these societies, or churches, and which contained the only authorized rule of faith and practice.
2. The lofty profession which Christianity makes as a religion, and the promises it holds forth to mankind, entitle it to the most serious consideration of all. For it may in truth be said, that no other religion presents itself under aspects so sublime, or such as are calculated to awaken desires and hopes so enlarged and magnificent. It not only professes to be from God, but to have been taught to men by the Son of God incarnate in our nature, the Second Person in the adorable trinity of divine Persons, "the same in substance, equal in power and glory." It declares that this divine personage is the appointed Redeemer of mankind from sin, death, and misery; that he was announced as such to our first parents upon their lapse from the innocence and blessedness of their primeval state; that he was exhibited to the faith and hope of the patriarchs in express promises; and, by the institution of sacrifices, as a propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, so that man might be reconciled to God through Him, and restored to his forfeited inheritance of eternal life. It represents all former dispensations of true religion, all revelations of God's will, and all promises of grace from God to man, as emanating from the anticipated sacrifice and sacerdotal intercession of its Author, and as all preparatory to the introduction of his perfect religion; and that as to the great political movements among the nations of antiquity, the rise and fall of empires were all either remotely or proximately connected with the designs of his advent among men. It professes to have completed the former revelations of God's will and purposes; to have accomplished ancient prophecies; fulfilled ancient types; and taken up the glory of the Mosaic religion into its own "glory that excelleth;" and to contain within itself a perfect system of faith, morals, and acceptable worship. It not only exhibits so effectual a sacrifice for sin, that remission of all offences against God flows from its merits to all who heartily confide in it; but it proclaims itself to be a remedy for all the moral disorders of our fallen nature; it casts out every vice, implants every virtue, and restores man to "the image of God in which he was created," even to "righteousness and true holiness."
3. Its promises both to individuals and to society are of the largest kind. It represents its Founder as now exercising the office of the High Priest of the human race before God, and as having sat down at his right hand, a mediatorial and reconciling government being committed to him, until he shall come to judge all nations, and distribute the rewards of eternity to his followers, and inflict its never-terminating punishments upon those who reject him. By virtue of this constitution of things, it promises pardon to the guilty, of every age and country, who seek it in penitence and prayer, comfort to the afflicted and troubled, victory over the fear of death, a happy intermediate state to the disembodied spirit, and finally the resurrection of the body from the dead, and honour and immortality to be conferred upon the whole man glorified in the immediate presence of God. It holds out the loftiest hopes also to the world at large. It promises to introduce harmony among families and nations, to terminate all wars and all oppressions, and ultimately to fill the world with truth, order, and purity. It represents the present and past state of society, as in contest with its own principles of justice, mercy, and truth; but teaches the final triumph of the latter over every thing contrary to itself. It exhibits the ambition, the policy, and the restlessness of statesmen and warriors, as but the overruled instruments by which it is working out its own purposes of wisdom and benevolence; and it not only defies the proudest array of human power, but professes to subordinate it by a secret and irresistible working to its own designs. Finally, it exhibits itself as enlarging its plans, and completing its designs, by moral suasion, the evidence of its truth, and the secret divine influence which accompanies it. Such are the professions and promises of Christianity, a religion which enters into no compromise with other systems; which represents itself as the only religion now in the world having God for its author; and in his name, and by the hope of his mercy, and the terrors of his frown, it commands the obedience of faith to all people to whom it is published upon the solemn sanction, "He that believeth shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned."
4. Corresponding with these professions, which throw every other religion that pretends to offer hope to man into utter insignificance, it is allowed that the evidence of its truth ought to be adequate to sustain the weight of so vast a fabric, and that men have a right to know that they are not deluded with a grand and impressive theory, but are receiving from this professed system of truth and salvation "the true sayings of God." Such evidence it has afforded in its splendid train of MIRACLES; in its numerous appeals to the fulfilment of ancient PROPHECIES; in its own powerful INTERNAL evidence; in the INFLUENCE which it has always exercised, and continues to exert, upon the happiness of mankind; and in various collateral circumstances. Under the heads of Miracles and Prophecy, those important branches of evidence will be discussed, and to them the reader is referred. It is only necessary here to say, that the miracles to which Christianity appeals as proofs of its divine authority, are not only those which were wrought by Christ and his Apostles, but also those which took place among the patriarchs, under the law of Moses, and by the ministry of the Prophets; for the religion of those ancient times was but Christianity in its antecedent revelations. All these miracles, therefore, must be taken collectively, and present attestations of the loftiest kind, as being manifestly the work of the "finger of God," wrought under circumstances which precluded mistake, and exhibiting an immense variety, from the staying of the very wheels of the planetary system,
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Indeed therefore those who received his word gladly, were immersed. And there were added in that day about three thousand souls.
But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men became about five thousand.
And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a large company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
And Saul was approving the killing of him. And on that day there developed a great persecution against the church at Jerusalem. And they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
But Saul, still breathing threat and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, after going to the high priest,
And straightaway he proclaimed the Christ in the synagogues, that this man is the Son of God.
Now about that time Herod the king threw on hands to harm some of those from the church.
And when the men heard, they glorified God, having said to him, Thou see, brother, how many thousands there are of the Jews who have believed, and they are all zealots of the law.