Acts 17:26 And has made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times before appointed… I. THE NATURAL UNITY OF THE RACE. This is — 1. Taught in the Bible. 2. Corroborated by tradition. 3. Confirmed by science. (1) A chemist can prove the difference between the human and animal blood, but finds no difference between the blood of different races. (2) Philology has reduced languages into a few orderly classes, and these again into a common tongue.This doctrine offers the only solution to the problem of the origin of — (1) Universal depravity with its universal consciousness of guilt. (2) Sacrificial worship which men have always and everywhere practised. II. THE COMMON INTEREST OF OUR RACE IN THE PROVISIONS OF REDEMPTION. The doctrine implies — 1. Our common need of redemption as well as a common capacity for enjoying its benefits. "By one man sin entered into the world," etc. 2. That salvation for Adam and his fallen posterity must have been provided for all men. The race existed potentially in "the first man Adam"; when, therefore, redemption was extended to him it was intended to benefit his offspring. He who has "made of one blood all nations" has made our Redeemer a "Ransom for all." III. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHURCH IN RELATION TO THE RACE. 1. This springs out of the conscious brotherhood of man. If we fully believe that we share in the common evils of the Fall, and in the love of Christ, how can any who experience the great salvation avoid all sense of obligation to save others? 2. This is set forth authoritatively by Christ. "Go ye into all the world." 3. The successive openings for missions, and the growing resources of Christian nations are intended to quicken this. (W. Hansford.) Parallel Verses KJV: And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; |
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