Easter, the Gospel, and Liberty
May the following quotes, compiled by Mrs. Ruth Smith, enrich your study of liberty, Christ, and the Gospel this Easter season.
The Apostle Paul
Paul summarized the Gospel in I Corinthians 15: 3-4: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again according to the scriptures.”
Noah Webster
Noah Webster defined the gospel as “The history of the birth, life, actions, death, resurrection, ascension and doctrines of Jesus Christ . . .”
Matthew Henry
“The doctrine of Christ’s death and resurrection is at the foundation of Christianity. Remove this foundation, and the whole fabric falls, all our hopes for eternity sink at once. . . . . The crucifixion of our Redeemer and his conquest over death are the very source of our spiritual life and hopes.”
Matthew Henry, Commentary
Mrs. Ruth Smith
“When an individual receives the gift of the gospel, Christ dwells in his heart. The indwelling Christ is ready to direct and control each thought and action of his life. The individual must consent to this direction and control. This is Christian self government, the spirit of the law.” Ruth Smith, Self Government with Union
Recommended Reading
Christianity Turned the World Upside Down
Teaching Tips and Resources
Research, Reason, Relate, & Record
Teaching Resources & Student Page
Questions for Reflection
- How do the law and the gospel work together to govern the individual?
- How do external law and internal self government (the gospel) work together in America’s form of civil government?
Taken from Self Government with Union by Mrs. Ruth Smith, Teacher’s Guide
MRS. RUTH J. SMITH is co-founder and President of the Pilgrim Institute, author and master teacher. Her most recent publications are a series of elementary history student texts and teacher guides, entitled The Mighty Works of God. The first four volumes are Self Government, Liberty and Justice for All, Divine Providence and Self Government with Union. She is also co-author of the manual Restoring America’s Heritage of Pastoral Leadership and author of the section on “Teaching America’s Christian History in the Elementary School”, published in A Guide to American Christian Education for the Home and School by Mr. James B. Rose. Other publications include two elementary history guides, combined efforts with Lynn Meier and Jeanette Whittaker. Mrs. Smith assists American Christians through seminars, Rudiments of America’s Christian History and Government courses, Advanced Institutes, Conferences, and consultation for American Christian schools. Her example and faithful teaching efforts have benefited individuals, families, and schools nationwide. She has over 50 years of teaching and administrative experience in American Christian education, spanning the elementary, secondary, college, and adult levels. A mother of three grown daughters, she enjoyed the opportunity to assist in the education of eight grandchildren.