is t h e r e a c a u s e ?
by Arthur L. Games, M.D.
F o r e v e r y e f f e c t there is a cause. We are living in a day when men are not satisfied to obtain informa tion. They want to know the causes of things. Govern ment and private agencies are engaged in extensive research in the effort to learn the causative factors behind many things. In the medical field much time, effort, and money are invested in our efforts to learn the causes of disease. This research is justified by the fact that if the cause of a disease is known, investi gators are in a better position to alter the course of the disease. As we view the world in which we live and the uni verse about us, certain contrasts are very evident: hap piness and unhappiness; wisdom and folly; order and disorder; love and hate; beauty and ugliness; joy and grief; and many others. What is the cause of this dis harmony? The Bible tells us that God is not the “ God of disorder.” 1 All of God’s works are perfect.2 Therefore, these contrasts must exist because there is a force act ing in opposition to God. This lack of conformity to the laws of God is called sin in the Bible. Some of the mani festations of sin are: “ Adultery, fornication, unclean ness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, wrath, strife, envy, murder, drunkenness,” etc. In contrast are listed the fruit of the Spirit: “ love, joy, peace, long- suffering, gentleness, faith, meekness, temperance.” 3 What can be done about the causative agent, sin? There are several possibilities. First, we can ignore or deny the existence of sin. The folly of such action is self-evident. Those who pursue this course are like the proverbial ostrich which buries its head in the sand. Nothing is solved by following this course. Secondly, we may seek to ameliorate or mollify the effects of sin; that is, we can deal with the symptoms Arthur L. Games, M.D. is a graduate o f Howard Univer sity Medical
or manifestations of sin while disregarding sin itself. This method is very much in use today. Efforts to im prove man’s environment instead of improving man himself are seen in such activities as improved hous ing; better schools; improved health facilities; the teaching of racial, social, and religious tolerance. All of these efforts are very laudable, but they do not affect the root and seed of the problem, i.e., sin. By these means the manifestations of sin may be “ contained,” but they are not “ controlled.” Thirdly, we may attack the problem at its source; that is, we may deal with sin itself. By eradicating the cause, we abolish the manifestations. The Bible deals with the problem at its origin. The Scriptures state that Jesus Christ came to redeem sinners, i.e., those under the control of sin.4 Christ Himself said that His blood was shed for the remission of sins.5 He indicated that this transaction would take place at Calvary where He died, not as a martyr, or as a good example, but “ to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” 6 How does one obtain that for which Christ died? According to the Bible, salvation from sin is obtained by believing in Jesus Christ.7 The Scriptures declare that this belief must be “ in the heart” and not “ in the head.” It involves more than a mere assent to the fact of sin and of the work of Jesus Christ in regard to sin. It involves committal to Jesus, total trust and reliance in Him, allegiance to Him. Some people say that they do not see how the blood of Christ can cleanse from sin. There are many things in this life, the workings of which we do not under stand, but we make use of them nevertheless. How many of us know what a virus is? Yet we make use of serums and vaccines prepared against such a virus. Do all of us know how transistors work? Yet we make use of them daily. There are many areas of life where we use to advantage things and principles which we do not understand. The important thing is that these things “work.” Medicine, to be effective, must be taken. A life saver is of no value to a drowning man unless he uses it. It is often said that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. David, in the Bible, expressed this same thought many years ago when he said: “ Taste and see the Lord is good.” 8 Why don’t you do just that? Don’t put it off. Act now. “ Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”9 Bible References: 1. I Cor. 14:33 (R .V .); 2. Deut. 3 2 :4 ; 3. Galatians 5:19-23; 4. I Tim. 1:15, Titus 2 :1 4 ; 5. Matthew 26 :28; 6. Hebrews 9 :2 6 ; 7. Romans 10 :9 ; 8. Psalm 3 4 :8 ; 9. A cts 16:31. Available in printed form from American Tract Society, Oradell, New Jersey. THE KING'S BUSINESS
School, a Fellow o f the American College o f Sur geons, and an Associate Sur geon at the Har lem Hospital Medical Center.
24
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs