Section 7
According to this verse, the principle of our con version and salvation is that we have been gained by Christ in order to gain Him. This principle must become a basic and governing element in our Christian walk.
Unfortunately, many of today's Christians do not follow this governing principle. Instead of pursuing God's unique goal, they seek other things. For example, those in the Pentecostal movement or charismatic movement may seek power or spiritual gifts. They may pursue speak ing in tongues, healing, or manifestations of other gifts. Those who have such pursuits are not fol lowing the basic principle of the Christian life. This principle is to pursue Christ that we may gain Him.
Christ has gained us not that we may gain gifts, but that we may gain Him. In one of his best hymns, A. B. Simpson says:
Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord… Once His gift I wanted, Now, the Giver own; Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.
(Hymns, #513)