[483]When one first becomes a Christian he does not usually suffer so
much as later, when he is more developed. He is at first designated in
the Scriptures as a babe in Christ. As we deal with babes, so our
heavenly Father deals with his baby children. As earthly babies are fed
upon milk and other light diets, so is one when he first becomes a
Christian; and his experiences are in harmony therewith, as the apostle
Peter says: "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that
ye may grow thereby".--1 Peter 2:2.
[484]The Apostle then illustrates the growth of a Christian by likening
the entire new creation to a building, with Jesus as the chief
corner-stone and the other members of the body as built up in harmony
with him. He says: "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
[Those who have been begotten of the holy spirit have tasted that the
Lord is gracious.] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed
indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as living
stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up
sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is
contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone,
elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
Unto you therefore which believe he is precious; but unto them which be
disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made
the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense,
even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient.
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