CONTAINING ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-ONE READINGS SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED FOR HOME AND CLASS STUDY, AND ANSWERING NEARLY THREE THOUSAND QUESTIONS
by W. L. Emmerson
SIGNS PUBLISHING COMPANY
1950
WARBURTON, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA.
NEVER before have so many voices clamored for audience as in our day. From public platform, through the medium of the press, and over the ether, leaders of thought and action are insistently proclaiming their particular recipes for remedying the ills of mankind. Yet so diverse and mutually contradictory are they, that, instead of quieting man's fears and giving assurance and hope to a perplexed generation, the confusing Babel serves only to increase disquiet and deepen perplexity and despair.
Amid the darkness of earth's night of sin and woe, the hearts of men everywhere yearn for some authoritative Voice greater than mail's to guide their erring steps into paths of truth and righteousness and peace.
To those who have had "ears to hear" such a Voice has spoken through the centuries in the pages of Holy Writ. And no less in the crisis hours of history to which we have come, has it a message of hope and courage for every responsive soul.
For many, however, a very real problem presents itself as the pages of the Sacred Volume are turned with sincere desire to understand its message of life. "How can I find an answer to the particular problem about which I am exercised? I have my Bible, but I need some guide to lead me along its highways and byways and point out its glories and holy truths."
It is to help meet this commonly felt need that the present work is sent forth. Its plan is simple. In one hundred and forty-one readings carefully compiled in counsel with experienced ministers, Bible teachers, and other Christian workers, an endeavor has been made to set forth the whole range of Bible teaching about the world and man, sin and salvation, the meaning of history, and the ultimate purpose of God-not in the form of a fallible human commentary, but as God's own answers in His own words to the age-long questions in the minds of men. And those who will prayerfully apply themselves to their study will find, we confidently believe, within the sacred pages of God's Word, a perfect answer to every problem, whether concerning this life or the life to come.
In the compilation of these studies, consideration has been given to all relevant passages, and from them the most pointed texts have been chosen in order to present comprehensively, yet within reasonable compass, the fundamental teachings of the Bible. In many places reference is also made to supporting texts, and with the aid of the marginal references in his own Bible the diligent student will be able to develop each theme at will.
While the essential purpose of the volume is to let the Bible speak for itself, brief explanatory notes, often in the words of great preachers and teachers, have been added here and there to emphasize the message of the inspired Word. In selecting these comments, no account has been taken of denominational barriers. The only criterion has been the sincerity and truth of their witness to the Evangelist of God.
It is thus hoped that those who approach the Bible for the first time will here find clear and simple guidance as they seek to comprehend the great doctrines of Holy Scripture, and that those who have made the Bible a life-long study may be led into a deeper and more blessed understanding of the profundities of divine revelation.
One other feature deserves special mention-the fine selection of masterpieces of sacred art with which the work has been profusely embellished. There have of course, been false prophets wielding brush and chisel, just as there have been false prophets in the pulpit. But none can deny that consecrated art has given a powerful witness to the truths of the gospel. Conscious of this debt, we have associated with the Bible studies some of the most inspiring examples of modern religious art, in order that the message of the Scriptures may be seen with the eyes as well as perceived by heart and mind. In both home and class study this pictorial presentation of the gospel will be of particular value in the instruction of the young.
Besides the plates illustrating Bible teachings, many photographs, taken by the author during extensive travels through Bible lands, have been included to show how modern discoveries have vindicated the truth of the Bible record.
That many, through these pages, may gain a new love for the Book of books and hear more clearly the "still small voice" which is seeking to make itself heard amid the din and clash of earthly strife is the sincere prayer of
THE AUTHOR
1. The Scriptures
HOW WE GOT OUR BIBLE
IS OUR BIBLE COMPLETE?
CAN WE BELIEVE THE BIBLE?
A BOOK FROM HEAVEN
WHY WE NEED THE BIBLE
HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOUR BIBLE
2. God
A PERSONAL CREATOR
CAN WE KNOW GOD?
DOES GOD CARE?
THE DEMANDS OF HOLINESS
IS GOD IN CONTROL?
3. The World and Man
HOW THE WORLD BEGAN
WHAT IS MAN?
WHEN CAME EVIL?
DO WE NEED TO BE "SAVED"?
WAS JESUS DIVINE?
PROPHECIES THAT CAME TRUE
WHY CHRIST CAME
DID JESUS NEED TO DIE?
THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION
WHAT IS JESUS DOING NOW?
5. The Way of Salvation
GRACE MEETS THE SINNER'S NEED
WHAT IS PREDESTINATION?
CONVICTION OF SIN
WHAT IS CONVERSION?
BLESSINGS OF FORGIVENESS
JUSTIFIED BY FAITH
BORN FROM ABOVE
RECONCILED TO GOD
RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH
6. The Law and the Gospel
GOD'S TEN WORDS
THE LAWS OF SACRIFICE
WHICH LAW WAS NAILED TO THE CROSS?
GOD'S TWO COVENANTS
7. Man's Duty to God
WHY GOD CAN HAVE NO RIVAL
MAN'S MODERN IDOLS
THE HOLIEST NAME
GOD'S MEMORIAL
HOW OLD IS THE "WEEK"?
A TEST OF LOYALTY
THE SABBATH AND THE "SABBATHS"
DID JESUS KEEP THE SABBATH?
THE SABBATH AND THE RESURRECTION
HOW WAS THE SABBATH CHANGED?
BRITAIN'S EARLIEST FAITH
THE BIBLE SABBATH RECOVERED
HOW TO OBSERVE THE SABBATH
8. Our Duty to Man
GOD'S APPEAL TO YOUTH
THE SANCTITY OF LIFE
MODERN MORALS AND THE MORAL LAW
THE RIGHTS OF MAN
THE POWER OF THE TONGUE
DECEITFUL RICHES
9. The Christian Experience
IN HIS STEPS
LIVING BY FAITH
CHRISTIAN GROWTH
WALKING IN THE LIGHT
BIBLE PERFECTION
JOY IN THE LORD
ENDURING TO THE END
10. Why Death and Suffering?
IS GOD RESPONSIBLE?
WHY DO THE INNOCENT SUFFER?
THE DIVINE REFINER
SUFFERING FOR CHRIST'S SAKE
11. PRAYER
THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER
HOW TO PRAY
PRAYERS GOD WILL ANSWER
FOR WHOM SHOULD WE PRAY?
12. The Holy Spirit
THE HOLY SPIRIT
HAPPENED AT PENTECOST?
THE SPIRIT AND THE LIFE
THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
13. The Angels
WHO ARE THE ANGELS?
WHY ARE SOME ANGELS BAD?
SPIRITUALISM-ANCIENT AND MODERN
ANGEL MINISTRY
14. The Church
THE ISRAEL OF GOD
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
THE PRIVILEGE OF WORSHIP
THE MINISTRY OF SONG
THE FELLOWSHIP OF SAINTS
IS BAPTISM ESSENTIAL?
A LESSON IN HUMILITY
AT THE LORD'S TABLE
15. Christian Service
SAVED TO SERVE
THE GREAT COMMISSION
WHAT WE OWE TO GOD
FREEWILL OFFERINGS
MINISTRY TO THE NEEDY
16. The Home
A SACRED ORDINANCE
THE IDEAL HUSBAND
THE IDEAL WIFE
PRIVILEGES OF PARENTHOOD
THE HOME AND THE CHILD
BEST STORIES FROM THE BEST BOOK
A PATTERN FOR YOUTH
IDEALS OF WOMANHOOD
17. Healthful Living
THE GOSPEL OF GOOD HEALTH
THE BIBLE AND DIET
MENACE OF INTEMPERANCE
CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE
18. Community and State
THE POWERS THAT BE
PRIVILEGES OF CITIZENSHIP
MASTER AND SERVANT
19. World Destiny
DOES PROPHECY MATTER
LIGHT IN A DARK PLACE
CAN WE UNDERSTAND PROPHECY?
GOD'S BLUE-PRINT OF HISTORY
THE ANARCHY OF NATIONS
ANTICHRIST UNMASKED
THE BATTLE-GROUND OF EMPIRES
HEAVEN'S ZERO HOUR
20. The World in Prophecy
WILL CHRISTIANITY SURVIVE?
THE FUTURE UNSEALED
DISSOLVING EMPIRES
THROUGH TRIBULATION TO TRIUMPH
THE GREAT CONSPIRACY
AMERICA AND WORLD DESTINY
HEAVEN'S LAST APPEAL
MARKS OF THE REMNANT
THE TWO SEALS
WHEN THE STORM BREAKS
21. The Return of Jesus
THE "BLESSED HOPE"
WILL CHRIST REALLY COME?
IS THE END NEAR?
WHAT DO THESE THINGS MEAN?
WILL THE WORLD BE CONVERTED?
GOD'S STRANGE ACT
THE SAINTS' REWARD
SATAN'S LAST BATTLE
22. Life After Death
IS DEATH THE END?
ARE THE DEAD ALIVE?
WHEN WILL THE DEAD RISE?
23. The Judgment
WILL THERE BE A DAY OF RECKONING?
WHEN WILL THE JUDGMENT BEGIN?
THE DAY OF THE LORD
HOW WILL GOD PUNISH THE WICKED?
WILL HELL BURN FOR EVER?
24. The Kingdom of God
SHALL WE GO TO HEAVEN?
"THY KINGDOM COME"
GOD'S "NEW ORDER"
WHO WILL BE THERE?
Until the day of his death, Bede continued his work of translating the Scriptures into Anglo-Saxon.
1. How close was man's earliest fellowship with God?
"And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.... And the Lord God called unto Adam." Genesis 3:8, 9.
2. By what tragedy was this intimate communion broken?
"Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you." Isaiah 59:2.
3. After the entrance of sin what modified method of communication did God adopt?
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the Prophets." Hebrews 1:1.
4. In process of time what nation did God single out to be the special medium of His revelations?
"What advantage then has the Jew? ... Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God." Romans 3:1,2. (See also Romans 9: 4.)
5. What further provision did God make in order to keep a knowledge of His will before His chosen people?
"And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book." Exodus 17:14. (See also Exodus 24: 4.)
In His providence God gathered up the record of the past and communicated it to Moses, instructing him to write it in a book to form the nucleus of a written revelation which could be handed down from generation to generation without fear of corruption. By inspiration Moses wrote the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, which became known as "the book of Moses" (2 Chronicles 25: 4), "the book of the law of Moses" (Joshua 23:6), and in later times the Pentateuch. Moses undoubtedly also wrote the Book of Job.
6. Who was commissioned to continue the sacred record after the death of Moses?
"And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God." Joshua 24: 26.
7. When Israel settled in Canaan through whom did God give further guidance and reproof to His people?
"The Lord testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers." 2 Kings 17: 13.
During the period of the monarchy there were added to the books of Moses and Joshua, the books of Samuel, the earlier parts of Kings and Chronicles, the psalms of David, Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, and the writings of the earlier `prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, Joel, and Amos.
8. During the captivity of Israel and Judah or immediately after the return what new books were incorporated into the Scriptures?
Ezekiel, Daniel, Obadiah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and perhaps the latter parts of the books of Kings and Chronicles.
9. How did the returned captives indicate their desire to understand the words of the Lord?
"And all the people gathered themselves together; ... and they spoke unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel." Nehemiah 8:1. (Read verses 1-8.)
10. What remaining books were added in post-captivity days to complete the Old Testament as we now have it?
Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.
With the Book of Malachi, written about 400BC, the canon of the Old Testament was completed, having been in process of formation for over 1,000 years.
11. How did Jesus refer to the Scriptures in His day? "These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me." Luke 24:44.
This threefold division was the customary classification of the Old Testament books in the days of Jesus, the "Law of Moses" -including the five books of the Pentateuch; "the prophets" comprising Joshua, judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve minor prophets. While the third division was called "the psalms" because these were first in order, but it included also Proverbs, Job, Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra (including Nehemiah), and 1 and 2 Chronicles.
12. What form did the earliest writings of the New Testament take?
"I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren." 1 Thessalonians 5:27; (See also Colossians 4: 16.)
As time passed it became more and more difficult for the apostles personally to visit all the groups of Christian believers which were springing up. So in order to meet the need of further instruction in the faith, to combat prevailing error, and to warn against strange and heretical teachers, they were led to send forth messages of warning and exhortation. (See 1 Corinthians 1:1,2; Galatians 1:1,2; Ephesians 1:1; James 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1, etc.)
13. W.hat portions of the New Testament were next written?
"Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us . . . it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou might know the certainty of those things, wherein thou has been instructed." Luke 1: 1-4.
Some thirty-five years had passed since Jesus was taken away, and persecution was decimating the ranks of the disciples. Soon there would be no one who had been with Jesus to tell the story of His life and teachings. So several were led to prepare authoritative accounts, and the Gospels came into being. The earliest was written by Mark; Matthew wrote his Gospel soon after, followed by Luke. John's Gospel came much later, and was perhaps the last of the New Testament books to be written.
14. In addition to his Gospel what further record was Luke inspired to set down in writing?
The "Acts of the Apostles" as they went forth to fulfil the great commission given them by Jesus. (See Acts 1: 1.)
15. With what wonderful prophetic communication was the New Testament completed?
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John." Revelation 1:1.
By AD 100 all the books of our present New Testament had been written. That this was in the providence of God is clearly evident, for not one of the apostles, save perhaps John only lived to see the beginning of the second century. The believers now began systematically to copy out and circulate the apostolic writings with the Old Testament Scriptures. From the middle of the second century, testimony is forthcoming from every part of the Roman Empire to the general acceptance of the whole Bible, as we know it, as the inspired Word of God.
16. How did God intend that the Bible should be used?
a. It was to be read publicly in the assemblies of God's people. "Go thou, and read in the roll, which thou has written from My mouth, the words of the Lord in the ears of the people in the Lord's house." Jeremiah 36: 6. (See also Nehemiah 8:8.)
b. It was to be earnestly studied by the individual believer. "Stitdy to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." 2 Timothy 2:15.
17. What blessed result would follow the wholehearted acceptance of the Word?
"These are written, that yemight believe that.jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through His name." John 20:31.
1. Do all Bibles contain exactly the same books as our Authorized and Revised Versions?
No, the Douay Bible'of the Roman Catholic Church contains what is known as the Apocrypha. This comprises seven extra books in the Old Testament, namely: Tobit, Baruch, Judith, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, together with seven additional chapters to the Book of Esther and sixty-six extra verses in'the third chapter of Daniel called, "The Story of the Three Children."
2. What does the Roman Catholic Church say with reference to the contents of her Bible?
"If anyone does not receive the entire books with all their parts as they are accustomed to be read in the Catholic Church, and in the Old Latin Vulgate Edition, as sacred and canonical . . . let them be anathema."Decree of the Council of Trent, 1546.
3. Can we ascertain what books there were in the Old Testament as used in the days of Christ?
"The books which are definitely enumerated [by the Jews] as part of the collection of Holy Scripture are exactly the same as those books of the Old Testament which are now received. And there is no trace of any explicit difference of opinion on the subject, or of any attempt to extend the collection by the addition of later writings." -Bishop Westcott in "The Bible in the Church," page 49.
4. From what Old Testament books did Christ and the apostles quote?
While Christ and the apostles quoted from practically every book in the Protestant canon they never quoted any of the apocryphal books as Scripture, nor even recognized their existence. This indicates conclusively that they did notregard any-of these latter as of divine origin.
5. Did the early church accept the apocryphal writings?
"The apocryphal books were not admitted into the canon of Scripture during the first centuries of the Christian church. As Bishop Barnet well observes, We have the concurring sense of the whole church of God in this matter." - Thomas Hartwell Horne, B.D., in "An Introductiow to the Critical Study and Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures," pages 458, 459.
6. Have any Roman Catholics ever questioned the inclusion of the Apocrypha in their Bible?
Yes. The great Roman Catholic scholar jerome, when instructed by Pope Damasus about AD 400 to prepare the standard Latin Vulgate version, wanted to exclude the Apocrypha as having no place in Scripture. He was prevented from doing so however, and under pressure allowed them to remain to be "read for purposes of edification." Thus the Roman Catholics cannot even claim the support of their chief translator for the Apocrypha.
7. What other Catholic authorities have pronounced against the authority of the apocryphal writings?
Augustine followed Jerome in recognizing a difference between the canonical and apocryphal books. The Spanish and Trans-alpine churches rejected the Apocrypha. The British Catholic scholars Bede, John of Salisbury (1180), and William Ockharn (1347) all separated the apocryphal books. Cardinal Ximenes, in his magnificent Polyglot Bible, separated the Apocrypha from the rest of Scripture in the sixteenth century.
Even after the Council of Florence in 1442 and the Council of Trent in 1546 had pronounced the apocryphal books equally as inspired as the other books, Sixtus of Siena (1566) insisted on separating the Apocrypha from the rest of the canon, and Bernard Lamy declared, "Nevertheless they are not of the same authority."
8. Why then does Rome insist on retaining the Apocrypha?
Because the apocryphal books can be quoted in support of some of the false doctrines of the church.
a. Prayers for the dead are advocated. "If he had not hoped that they that were slain should have risen again, it had been superfluous and vain to pray for the dead." 2 Maccabees 12:44.
b. The dead are represented as praying for themselves. "O Lord Almighty, Thou God of Israel, hear now the prayers of the dead Israelites, and of their children, which have sinned before Thee." Baruch 3: 4.
c. The meritorious value of almsgiving is emphasized. "For alm's does deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin. Those that exercise alms and righteousness shall be filled with life." Tobit 12:9.
d. The doctrine of purgatory is suggested. "The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment touch them." - Wisdom 3: 1.
"The apocryphal books prove by contrast that the books of the Hebrew canon, as a whole, are generically distinct from the ordinary religious literature of the Jews; and establish more clearly than anything else the absolute originality of the gospel." - Bishop Wescott in "TheBible in the Church," Page 291.
9. To what conclusion must we therefore come with respect to the Apocrypha?
That it has no place in the canon of divine revelation.
10. What solemn warnings should be heeded by those who seek to add to or detract from Holy Writ?
"You shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish ought from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." Deuteronomy 4:2.
1. WHAT claim does the psalmist make for the Scriptures?
"Thy Word is true front the beginning." Psalm 1-19: 160.
The "higher critics" dispute this statement, declaring that they have discovered many historical, geographical, chronological, scientific, and other "mistakes" in the Scriptures. They therefore contend that if the Bible is not accurate in details which can be tested by outside evidence, it certainly cannot be "infallible" in its spiritual teaching.
2. How important is it that we be certain as to the basis of our faith?
"If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" Psalm 11:3.
3. How should Christians prepare themselves to meet these attacks upon the Bible?
"Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." 1 Peter 3: 15.
4. To what do the Scriptures direct us to turn for evidence in support of their trustworthiness?
"Ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee." Job 12:7, 8.
5. How do the heavens witness to the truth of the Bible?
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork." Psalm 19: 1.
"Everything points with overwhelming force to a definite event, or series of events, of creation at some time or other. The universe cannot have originated by chance out of its present ingredients, and neither can it always have been the same as now." - Sir James jeans in "Eos," pages 52-55.
6. What witness do all created things give to their Maker and to the truth of the Bible record?
"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead." Romans 1:20.
"Today scientists of the first rank have almost unanimously declared that science demands the intervention of a Creator." Reverend E. J. Gill before the British Association.
"The exquisite structure of the sun, the planets, and the comets could not have had their origin but by the plan and absolute dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being." - Isaac Newton.
7. Mention some striking facts of the natural world which were actually anticipated in the Bible long before they were discovered by the scientists.
a. "He . . . hangs the earth upon nothing." Job 26: 7.
The suspension of the earth in space was discovered by Copernicus in 1475.
b. "He looks to the ends of the earth, to make the weight for the winds." Job 28:24, 25.
Galileo (1630) was the first to affirm that air had weight.
c. "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?" Isaiah 40:12.
Only in recent years has it been realized how important are the proportions and balance of the land masses and oceans on the earth's surface.
d. "They [the heavens and the earth] shall perish; but Thou remains; and they all shall wax old as does a garment." Hebrews 1: 11.
Not, until the twentieth century was the progressive aging and disintegration of matter by radioactivity discovered. Nature is going down the steps; any upward step is impossible." - Sir James Jeans in "The Universe Around Us," Page 306.
e. "For the life of all flesh is the blood thereof." Leviticus 17:14.
The circulation and function of the blood was discovered by William Harvey in 1615.
"Tested by cosmogony, astronomy, geology, and zoology, physiology and comparative anatomy, natural philosophy and sanitary science, etc., this Book evinces superhuman knowledge and wisdom. Hence the Bible is a scientific marvel. It belongs to the oldest class of literature, yet it is the youngest and newest in adaptation to scientific discovery, and perpetually keeps abreast of human progress." - Dr. Arthur T. Pierson in "Many Infallible Proofs."
8. How have men spoken "to the earth" and what has it taught?
Buried civilizations of earlier days have yielded their treasures to the spade of the archeologist.
9. What are some striking examples of Bible facts once denied by the critics, but which have been completely confirmed by modern archeological discoveries?
a. They declared that Abraham was a half -savage nomad quite incapable of the activities credited to him in the Biblical record. But in recent years it has been proved by Professor Leonard Woolley that a high state of civilization existed in the Near East long before the days of Abraham. (Read Woolley's "Ur of the Chaldees.")
b. They ridiculed the account of the capture of Jericho by Joshua until Professor Garstang of Liverpool University excavated the site and declared: "Set side by side with the Biblical narrative the material evidence is seen to bear out, in every essential detail, the record of the capture and destruction of Jericho by the Israelites under Joshua." - Joshua, Judges.
c. They once denied the existence of the Hittites. But Professor Wm. Sayce of Cambridge proved the existence and extent of the Hittite Empire by excavating thousands of remains from all over Asia Minor and Northern Syria. (Read Sayce's "Monument Facts and Higher Critical Fallacies.")
d. They denied that there ever was a king of Babylon called Belshazzar. Today more than 500 tablets mentioning his name are known. (Read Dougherty's "Nabonidus and Belshazzar.")
e. They, asserted that the Book of Acts was entirely untrustworthy in its history and geography. Sir William M. Ramsay, however, after years of travel in Asia Minor, conclusively declared, "Luke's history is unsurpassed in respect of its trustworthiness." (Read "Luke the Historian," by A. T. Robertson.)
10. What testimonies have noted excavators borne respecting the results of archeological research?
"The Higher Criticism is bankrupt whenever tested by the facts of modern discovery and scientific archeology. The rout is complete." - Professor. Sayce in a letter to the Reverend A. H. T. Clarke of Devizes, quoted in the Church of England Newspaper.
"A little dose of archeology is a wonderful corrective to the fertile imagination, and furnishes a wholesome check to speculative criticism." - Canon Girdlestone in a Foreword to "Biblical Discoveries in Egypt, Palestine, and Mesopotamia."
"Modern criticism, neither on internal nor on external grounds has been able to throw any doubt on the authenticity of a single book of our New Testament. Their authenticity, accuracy, and honesty are super-vindicated by every new investigation. "-Professor B. B. Warfield, in "New Testament Criticism."
11. In what striking prophecy did a noted scientist foreshadow the vindication of the Bible by scientific research?
"When science makes its next attack upon theology, if indeed that shall ever be again, it will find an armament, largely furnished by itself, which has made the Bible as impregnable as nature." - Professor Henry Drummond in he "Expositor," Third Series, Volume I.
12. In what Biblical terms may we therefore express our confidence in 1 the trustworthiness and accuracy of the Scriptures?
"Thy Word-is very pure: therefore Thy servant loves it." Psalm 119: 140.
1. WHAT terms applied to the Biblical record affirm its divine origin?
"The Book of the Lord." Isaiah 34: 16. "The Gospel of God." Romans 1:1. "The Oracles of God." Romans 3:2. "The Word of God."- Hebrews 6:5. "The Word of Christ." Colossians 3:16.
2. From whom do the Bible writers claim to have received their messages?
"And God spoke all these words." Exodus 20:1. "The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was in my tongue." 2 Samuel 23:2. "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John." Revelation 1:1.
3. How explicitly do they disclaim credit for their compositions?
a. They specifically disavow responsibility for their revelations. "I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Galatians 1:11, 12.
b. They often did not understand their writings. "I heard, but I understood not." Daniel 12: 8.
4. Do the Bible writers claim inspiration only for the general thought or teaching of Scripture or for the actual Words?
"He said unto me, Son of man, all My words that I shall speak unto thee receive in your heart, and hear with your ears." Ezekiel 3:10. "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches." 1 Corinthians 2:13.
5. How do they acknowledge each other's inspiration?
"I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the, Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolation of Jerusalem." Daniel 9:2. "Our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him has written unto you." 2 Peter 3:15.
6. What seal does Jesus set on the inspiration of the Scriptures?
"All things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me." Luke 24: 44. "The Scripture cannot be broken." John 10:35.
7. Are there any evidences apart from the claims of Scripture that the Bible is an inspired Book?
Yes, there are many, of which may be specially mentioned: (a) its marvelous unity, (b) its superhuman range of teaching, (c) its perpetual freshness and universal appeal, (d) its transforming power upon the individual, (e) the fulfillment of its prophecies, and (f) its indestructibility.
8. Why is the Bible's unity of doctrine so remarkable?
The Scriptures comprise sixty-six books written by some forty or more authors over a period of one and a half millenniums. Yet there is one system of doctrine, one rule of faith, and running from Genesis to Revelation there is one dominant theme, redemption through the cross of Christ. The unity and plan exhibited on every page of the Scriptures testify to an activity more than human guiding the pens of the writers and guiding the church in gathering the books which had been so written.
9. How completely is human wisdom eclipsed by the teachings of the Bible?
"Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" 1 Corinthians 1: 20.
The Scriptures offer a clear solution to all the problems of life. They treat upon God and man, the meaning of sin and suffering and death, of origin and destiny, in a manner understandable to the simplest and yet inexhaustible in their profundity. They exhibit a coherence and a sense of proportion not found elsewhere. How did the Hebrews, surrounded by nations steeped in polytheism and nature worship, come to possess so unique a body of doctrine if not by divine revelation?
10. What is notable about the perpetual freshness and universal appeal of the Scriptures?
"The Word of God lives." 1 Peter 1: 23.
Though this Book has neither been added to nor detracted from for nearly two thousand years it meets the needs of men today as fully as it met the needs of those who were contemporary with the original writers. It appeals not to one class of society, but to every sort and condition of men from highly civilized peoples to savages in the darkest corners of the earth. Nor is even this all. Its message never palls. The oftener it is read, the more it is enjoyed. The deeper the mine is dug the broader grows the vein and the richer the ore. These are not the marks of merely human genius.
11. What remarkable power upon the individual does the Bible possess?
"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when you received the Word of God which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectively works also in you that believe." 1 Thessalonians 2:13. (See also 1 Peter 1:23.)
The Bible is something more even than a unique system of religion and ethics. It is possessed of a power which is not paralleled by any human composition. The Bible comes to men sunk in degradation and sin, arrests them in their downward course, and builds up characters of righteousness. Those who have experienced its transforming power have no need to be convinced by argument. They know that the Bible is not a human book.
The original "Bounty" Bible and Prayer Book used by John Adams on Pitcairn Island. As sole survivor of the "Bounty" mutineers, he used this treasured Book to educate the children and to administer the island. It is now back on Pitcairn after having been carefully repaired.
"I cannot argue with you," said an old Highlander to Claudius Buchanan; "I cannot present theological facts or reasons; I cannot explain the philosophy of revelation. But I know this, that when I was a man of evil character the Bible got hold of me and quelled the tiger in me."
12. Who only could have inspired the marvelously accurate prophecies of Scripture?
"I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done." Isaiah 46:9, 10.
"The revelations of prophecy are facts which exhibit the divine Omniscience. So long as Babylon is in heaps; so long as Nineveh is empty, void, and. waste; so long as Egypt is the basest of kingdoms; so long as Tyre is a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea. So long as the great empires of the world march on in their predicted course-so long have we proof that one omniscient Mind dictated the predictions of that Book." H. L. Hastings in "Will the Old Book Stand?" Page 19.
13. How has the Bible been able to survive the constant persecution to which it has been subjected through the ages?
"Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away." Luke 21:33. "The Word of God lives and abides for ever." 1 Peter 1:23.
No book has lived through such fierce and relentless persecution. Antiochus Epiphanes vented his wrath against the Old Testament Scriptures, and the Roman emperors, especially Diocletian, against the New. In the subsequent centuries there has hardly been an hour's cessation of attack upon it. Yet in spite of all the assaults of infidelity, pseudo-science, and higher criticism, this wonderful Book is still the "best seller" of all. The reason can only be that the Mind which inspired its contents has also preserved it from every attack, that the world might never lack a sure Guide to this life and the life to come.
14. Surveying all these evidences what must be our verdict concerning the Bible?
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Timothy 3:16. "Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21.
"The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6: 63.
1. WHAT knowledge is unattainable by human wisdom?
"Can thou by searching find out God?" Job 11: 7. "How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!" Romans 11:33.
2. How only can we attain unto this knowledge?
"The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever." Deuteronomy 29:29.
"The Scriptures are the only records in which God has been pleased to consign His truth to perpetual remembrance." - Calvin.
3. What confidence may we have in the knowledge which comes to us through the Word of God?
"Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, that I might make thee know the, certainty of the words of truth; that thou might answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?" Proverbs 22:20, 21.
"There is no sure doctrine but such as is conformable to the Word of God. This Word is the only truth; it is the sure rule of all doctrine and of all life, and can never fail or deceive us." - Protest of the Princes, cited in DAubigne's "History of the Reformation," Volume 1V, page 75.
4. To a world alienated from God through sin what assurance does the Bible bring?
"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believes." Romans 1:16.
"The Christian religion has news about God and man; and its first news-yes, let us admit the fact- is bad news, the news of man's sin and God's wrath against sin, but the Christian religion has not only bad news: it has-and this is the important thing about it-good news." - Revelation A. H. Rees, MA, in the Church Times.
5. What spiritual transformation is made possible through the Word?
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which lives and abides forever." 1 Peter 1:23.
6. How does the Word continue to bless the transformed life?
a. It gives understanding. "The entrance of Thy words gives light; it gives understanding unto the simple." Psalm 119: 130.
b. It keeps from sin. "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." Psalm 119: 11.
c. It guides in the way of life. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119: 105.
d. It builds up. "And now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." Acts 20:32.
e. It gives hope. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4.
7. How completely does the Bible meet human needs?
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may he perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." - 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
"The object is not merely to convince and to convert him; it is to furnish all the instruction needful for his entire perfection. There is no deficiency in the Bible for man in any of the situations in which he may be placed in life; and the whole tendency of the Book is to make him who will put himself fairly under its instructions absolutely perfect." - Albert Barnes.
8. What value therefore does Job place upon the Word?
"Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my, necessary food." Job 23:12.
9. What supreme gifts come to us through the Word of God?
"These things have I written unto you that you may know that you have eternal life." 1 John 5:13. "He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thessalonians 2:14.
10. Where will the Bible lead those who take it as their guide?
"O send out Thy light and Thy truth; let them lead me; let them bring me unto Thy holy hill, and to Thy tabernacles." Psalm 43:3.
"I want to know one thing-the way to heaven; how to land safe on that happy shore. God Himself has condescended to teach the way. He has written it down in a book. Oh, give me that Book! At any price, give me that Book of God!" - John Wesley.
The sterling qualities in Timothy's character were developed because of his interest and diligence in studying God's Word.
11. On the other hand, what dire results will follow its neglect?
"Who so despises the Word shall be destroyed." Proverbs 13: 13.
"There is Jehovah's revelation of Himself to men. Receive it or be lost. Reject it and perish!" - C. H. Spurgeon.
12. What then should-be our attitude to the Word?
a. Seek after it. "Seek you out of the Book of the Lord, and read." Isaiah 34: 16.
b. Give earnest heed to it. "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." Hebrews 2:1.
c. Obey it. "Be you doers of the Word, and not hearers only." James 1: 22.
A message of life and comfort from the Book that never grows old.
1. WHAT is the Apostle Paul's desire for all believers?
"I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him." Ephesians 1:15-17.
2. How early in life may the study of the Bible be profitably begun?
"From a child thou has known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation." 2 Timothy 3: 15.
Catherine Booth had read the Bible through eight times before she was twelve years of age.
3. How constant thereafter should be, our study?
"These [in Berea] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17: 11.
"Do not believe me simply unless you receive proof of what I say from Holy Scripture." - Cyril of Jerusalem, in "Catechumen," 4, 17, 33 (AD 348).
4. In what spirit should we approach the Word?
a. As God's Word to us. "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when you received the Word of God which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectively works also in you that believe." 1 Thessalonians 2: 13.
b. Ready to obey its precepts. "If any man will to do His will, he shall know of the doctrine." John 7: 17.
5. What attitude is fatal to profitable Bible study?
"You reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition." Mark 7: 9.
T. H. Huxley's fine statement on studying the book of nature is equally applicable to the study of the written Word. "Sit down before fact [and the Bible] as a little child, be prepared to give up every preconceived notion, follow humbly wherever nature [and the Bible] leads, or you shall learn nothing."
6. Is lack of education a bar to the understanding of the Word of God?
"I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou has, hid these things from the Wise and prudent, and. has revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in Thy sight." Matthew 11:25, 26.
7. Why is human wisdom no help in comprehending the Word?
"The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. (See also 1 Corinthians 2:11)
8. Whence' may we obtain the necessary spiritual discernment?
"We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." 1 Corinthians 2: 12. (See also verse 10.)
9. Is all Scripture equally understandable?
"Our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him has written unto you; in which are some things hard to be understood." 2 Peter 3:15, 16.
10. How then should we begin our Bible study?
"Desire the sincere milk of the Word." 1 Peter 2: 2.
11. Having mastered the fundamental principles of the gospel, to what should we proceed?
"Strong meat belonged to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Hebrews 5:14.
12. How did the Apostle Paul reprove certain believers for lack of progress in study?
"For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat." Hebrews 5:12.
How many are there today in the same spiritual condition, old in association with the faith and yet babes in understanding! Such is not the Father's plan for His children. The Christian life should be an Advance, a growing day by day in grace and in the knowledge of God.
13. What admonition does he give to those who have failed to dig deep into the- mine of truth?
"Leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto Perfection." Hebrews 6:1.
Not forsaking or abandoning them, but leaving them as a child leaves the letters of the alphabet, or as a plant lifts its head above the ground and presses upward toward the sun, yet ever drawing sustenance from its root.
14. What principles should govern our study of the Word?
a. Associate relevant Scriptures. "Comparing spiritual things with spiritual." 1 Corinthians 2:13.
b. Synthesize and build up. "Precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little." Isaiah 28:10.
"The infallible rule of `interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself; and, therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly." - Westminster Confession of Faith (1647).
15. How much of the Bible may we profitably study?
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16. "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27.
"Guard against favorites in the Word of God. Take the Bible as a whole; reverence every part of it. Study every portion of it. You will find none unprofitable. The more your mind is enlarged to grasp and come in contact with revelation as a whole, the more will your tone of piety be healthy, and the more will your principles be fixed, broad, and firm." - Revelation H. Stowell.
16. To what portions of Scripture should we give special attention?
"Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them, and be established in the Present truth." 2 Peter 1:12.
The message of Noah was urgent "present truth" to the generation before the Flood. The books of Daniel and the Revelation together with other prophecies of the latter days" and the last time" are equally urgent and important to Christians today. (See Daniel 12:4; Revelation 1:1-3.)
17. What beneficent results come from a diligent study of the Word?
a. It points the way to personal salvation. "The Holy Scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. " 2 Timothy 3:15.
b. It equips for the service of God. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed." 2 Timothy 2:15.
c. It gives sure hope of future glory. "The hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel." Colossians 1:5.
1. WITH what affirmation does the Bible open?
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1.
"How tremendous are the implications of this simple statement! It denies atheism by declaring that there is a God. It denies agnosticism by implying that God may be known. It denies pantheism by distinguishing between the Creator and the creation. It denies polytheism by revealing that God is One.
Indeed, there is no false `ism' which is not condemned by this statement." - Dr. W. Graham Scroggie, in "The Christian."2. In what other ways doles the Bible teach that God is a personal Being?
a. He is described as "living." "He is the living God." Jeremiah 10:10.
b. Personal faculties and actions are attributed to Him. "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." 1 Peter 3: 12.
c. Jesus is declared to be the "Son" of God and Jesus claims God as His "Father." "God sent forth His Son . . . to redeem them that were under the law." Galatians 4: 4, 5. "And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice9 He said, Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit." Luke 23:46.
d. He is called the "Father" of man and the righteous are described as His "sons." "But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things." 1 Corinthians 8:6. "You are the children of the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 14:1.
3. What testimony does nature bear to the existence and personality of God?
"The invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made even His eternal power and Godhead." Romans 1:20.
"There is nothing between absolute scientific belief in a creative Being and the acceptance of the theories of the fortuitous concurrence of atoms. If you think strongly enough you will be forced by science to the belief in God, which is the foundation of all religion. "-Lord Kelvin.
"What a thunderstorm of facts! But what do they all signify? Is it all a meaningless maze of materialistic facts, or is it one syllable in God's explanation of Himself to men, so that the `meanest flower that blows' and the merest hint of design, show the working of the mind and power of One whom a son may call Father?"-Revelation Leslie D. W. Weatherhead in "The Eternal Voice."
4. How do the Scriptures therefore regard those who deny His existence?
"The fool has said in his heart, There is no God." Psalm 53:1.
"Posterity will one day laugh at the foolishness of the modern materialistic philosopher. The more I study nature, the more I stand amazed at the works of the Creator. I pray while I am engaged in my work at the laboratory," - Louis Pasteur.
"Atheism, unlike agnosticism, with which it should not be confused-Atheism, the denial of God, is not a system of philosophy fit for intelligent people; seeing that it totally fails to account for the universe, life, and human experience. And also is generally rejected by scientific opinion, at least in this country."- Dr. Heywood, Bishop of Ely, in the Church Times.
5. How do the Scriptures emphasize the unity of the Godhead?
"God is one." Galatians 3: 20.
6. What does the Bible say of God in contrast with other alleged gods?
"Though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him." 1 Corinthians 8:5, 6.
7. What title does the Lord take to distinguish Himself from all other claimants?
"The Lord is the true God." Jeremiah 10:10.
8. What difference is there between the personality of God and of man?
a. He is invisible to mortal eyes. "Lo, He goes by me, and I see Him not: He passes on also, but I perceive Him not." Job 9: 11.
b. He is not subject to the limitations of human personality. "God is a spirit." John 4: 24.
c. His attributes are inherent in Him, whereas man's are derived from God. "The Father has life in Himself." John 5: 26.
d. In all things He infinitely transcends His creatures. "His understanding is infinite." Psalm 147:
e. "With God all things are possible." Matthew 19: 26. "There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside Thee." 1 Samuel 2: 2.
9. How enduring is the being of God?
"Even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God." Psalm 90:2.
10. What Bible statements indicate that God has a definite dwelling-place?
"The Lord's throne is in heaven." Psalm 11:4. "Hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling-place." 1 Kings 8: 39. (See also Psalm 103:19.)
11. Though dwelling in heaven, is He limited thereto?
"Am I a God at hand, said the Lord, and not a God afar off? Do not I fill heaven and earth?" Jeremiah 23: 23, 24.
12. How close does He seek to come to His creatures?
"I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit." Isaiah 57: 15.
13. What should the majesty and love of God evoke from us?
"O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." Psalm 95: 6.
14. What are the essential factors in acceptable worship?
"God is a spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24. "Without faith it is impossible to please Him." Hebrews 11:6. "Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." Psalm 29: 2.
15. For what are the ungodly condemned?
"The God, in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, has thou not glorified." Daniel 5: 23.
16. In what tragic way has their worship been diverted through sin?
"Who changed the, truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever." Romans 1:25.
17. What appeal, therefore, does Paul make to the wicked?
"We preach unto you that you should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein." Acts 14:15.
18. What, in fact, will be the theme of the last gospel appeal to the world?
"Fear God, and give glory to Him; and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Revelation 14: 7.
"It may well be that this announcement of God as the Creator is the very thing that our own generation needs most to consider, if it would retrace its steps from the broad road leading to destruction which evolution and modernism have opened up. The more thoughtful thinkers are warning us that the only escape from the paths of error is for mankind to return to the first words of the. Bible, that God is the Creator." - Sir William Dawson in "The Bible Confirmed by Science."
1. IN what tragic state of ignorance did Paul find the people of Athens?
"As I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD." Acts 17: 23.
2. By contrast what striking affirmation did Paul make?
"I know whom I have believed." 2 Timothy 1: 12.
"The heart of religion is not an opinion about God such as philosophy might reach as the conclusion of its argument it is a personal relationship with God." - Dr. W. Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury, in "Nature, Man, and God," page 54.
3. How does he express his desire for others?
"I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him." Ephesians 1:15-17.
The only knowledge which is of any avail in the light of eternity is a personal, intimate knowledge of God. Christianity is not merely belief in certain facts about a Person; it is rather a knowledge of that Person. Only this can transform lives and solve the problems of humanity. Christianity is not a philosophy, but a life -not a knowledge of abstract principles, but a personal knowledge of faith and love of God in Christ."-Dr. Barry in Ellicott's "Commentary."
4. Can unaided human reason attain to a knowledge of God?
"Touching the Almighty we cannot find Him out." Job 37:23.
Skilled as man may be in the elucidation of the mysteries of the universe, he cannot find out God. Elihu spoke truly when he said, "Behold, God is great, and we know Him not, neither can the number of His years be searched out." Job 36:26.
5. Why cannot we search out God in the same way that we study natural phenomena?
a. Because He cannot be apprehended by the physical faculties. "You have neither beard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape." John 5: 37.
b. Because the finite mind cannot comprehend the infinite. "That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?" Ecclesiastes 7: 24.
c. Because sinful man cannot approach unto God. "Thou can not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live." Exodus 33: 20.
6. Though man cannot find out God, what does God offer to do for man?
"I will make known My words unto you." Proverbs 1: 23. "He opened the ears of men, and sealed their instruction." Job 33: 16.
7. Through what channels does God make Himself known to man?
a. Through His works. "The invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead." Romans 1:20. (See also Psalm 19:l.)
b. Through inspired men. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets." Hebrews 1:1.
c. Through Jesus. "We know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding,- that we may know Him that is true." 1 John 5:20. (See also John 1:18)
d. Through the Spirit in personal experience. "You have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things." "You need not that any man teach you." 1 John 2: 20, 27.
8. Why do many fail to apprehend God?
"The natural man received not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.1 Corinthians 2:14.
9. On what conditions is this spiritual perception given?
a. Spiritual desire. "Yea, if thou cried after knowledge, and lifted up thy voice for understanding; if thou seek her as silver, and searched for her as for hid treasures; then shall thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2: 3-5.
b. Faith. "He that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6.
c. Readiness to obey. "His secret is with the righteous." Proverbs 3: 32.
10. What are some of the blessings which a knowledge of God brings to the believer?
a. Peace. "Acquaint now thyself with, Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee." Job 22: 21.
"God has made us for Himself and we are restless until we find our rest in Him." - Augustine.
b. Joy. "Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Psalm 16: 11.
The world is full of pleasure, but how little joy! The appearance of happiness is but a cloak to conceal an aching heart, a feeble attempt to escape from the sorrow which is sapping the life of mankind. How different is the joy of knowing Him! It is not superficial and transient, but deep and enduring.
c. Understanding. "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord." Hosea 6:3. "For the Lord gives wisdom." Proverbs 2:6. (See also James 1:5.)
d. Comfort. "Who comforted us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Corinthians 1:4.
e. Confidence and hope. "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." 2 Timothy 1:12.
11. What supreme blessing does the knowledge of God bring to the believer?
"This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou has sent." John 17: 3.
12. What urgent call therefore comes to us?
"Seek you the Lord while He may be found, call you' upon Him while He is near." Isaiah 55:6.
God is infinitely willing and desirous of bestowing His companionship upon us. Tenderly He pleads for us to come to Him. He will not force an entrance into the sanctum of the soul if we do not wish to know Him, but He knocks at our heart's door, and if we will open to Him, He will come in and abide with us.
13. How should we respond to the call of God?
"When Thou said, Seek you My face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek." Psalm 27:8.
To know Him; to talk with Him; to tell Him all our joys and sorrows, and to hear His words of comfort; to walk with Him in the daily tasks of life and to feel the support of His powerful arm -what a glorious privilege! Shall we refuse such an invitation?
14. What benediction does Peter pronounce upon believers?
"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18. "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord." 2 Peter 1:2.
"He leads me beside the still waters."
1. WHAT do the Scriptures teach concerning the character of God?
"God is love." 1 John 4:8. "Good and upright is the Lord." Psalm 25:8.
2. How was God's goodness expressed in creation?
"And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good." Genesis 1:31.
3. Though tarnished by sin what witness does nature still bear to His love?
"The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." Psalm 33:5.
4. How does God feel toward mankind alienated from Him through sin?
"I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." Jeremiah 31:3.
5. By what act is God's love toward man supremely revealed?
"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him." 1 John 4: 9.
"Love is the `Alpha and Omega' of redemption, the love of God to man. Read it in the journey of the Mediator from heaven to earth! Read it in His pilgrimage through the land of sorrow! Behold Him `nailed to the shameful tree!' See the blood and water gushing from His side! Hear the sound of the waterspouts, as the floods of wrath roll over Him! Then ask the reason. The answer is: `God is love.' " "Evangelistic Cyclopedia," pages 290, 291.
6. To how many is the message of the gospel extended?
"The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:12,13.
7. How patiently does God wait for a response?
"The L6rd is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness but is long-suffering to us ward not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.
8. What does He promise to those who return to Him?
"I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away from him." Hosea 14:4. (See also Jeremiah 3:12.)
9. Into what intimate fellowship with Himself does He admit them?
"Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." 1 John 3:1.
10. Are there any limits to the goodness of God to His children?
"He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32.
11. May we count on His goodness at all times?
"The Lord will command His loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me." Psalm 42:8. "The mountains, shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee." Isaiah 54:10.
12. What loving control does He exercise over all the circumstances of our lives?
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.
13. How comprehensive is His promise of help?
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." Corinthians 9: 8.
14. Assured by such promises what are we urged to do?
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." Psalm 55: 22.
"If you tell your troubles to God, you put them into the grave: they will never rise again when you have committed them to Him. If you roll your burden anywhere else, it will roll back again, like the stone of Sisyphus." - C. H. Spurgeon.
15. How do we know God's goodness will be even more strikingly manifest toward His children in the future?
"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9.
"The biggest thing with which the mind can cope is the infinite love of God; and all our sanctified powers, and all the ministries of holy fellowship, and all the exploration of eternity will never reach a limit in its unsearchable wealth. The biggest thing you and I will ever know is the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord." -Dr. J. H. Jowett.
16. In what appropriate way may we acknowledge the goodness of the Lord?
"Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" Psalm 107: 8.
1. BESIDES perfect love and omnipotent power, what is another of the fundamental attributes of God?
"The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works." Psalm 145:17.
2. By what name is His holiness declared?
' the midst
"I am God, and not man; the Holy One in of thee." Hosea 11:9.
3. What qualification, therefore, is absolutely essential?
"Follow holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14.
4. What, therefore, was the inevitable consequence of the entrance of sin?
"Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear." Isaiah 59: 2.
5. Is this separation final?
"He retained not His anger for ever, because He delights in mercy." Micah 7:18.
6. What promise of restoration does God make to those who will respond to His plan of mercy?
"You shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy." Leviticus 19: 2. (See also 1 Peter 1:16.)
"The conditions of eternal life, under grace, are just what they were in Eden-perfect righteousness, harmony with God, perfect conformity to the principles of His law. God has made provision that we may become like unto Him, and He will accomplish this for all who do not interpose a perverse will, and thus frustrate His grace." - E. G. White in "Thoughts front the Mount of Blessing," page 116.
7. By what process may we recover God's righteousness and the privilege of fellowship?
"The righteousness of God is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference." Romans 3:22.
"The power of working does not spring out of ourselves, but from God, and therefore cannot have any intrinsic merit in it, for which we can claim salvation as a due. We are created anew in Christ Jesus, and were admitted into a state of salvation not because we have done good works, which merited salvation thereby. But we were admitted into that state by God's free grace, in order that we might do good works, which God before prepared for us as our appointed path to lead us to heaven." - Bishop C. Wordsworth.
8. What confession is necessary as a preliminary to the reception of God's righteousness?
"O Lord, righteousness belongs unto Thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day." Daniel 9: 7.
9. If we confess our unrighteousness what will God do for us through Christ?
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
It is the will of God to cleanse us from sin, to make its His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. So we may ask for these blessings, and believe that we receive them, and thank God that we have received them. It is our privilege to go to Jesus and be cleansed, and to stand before the law without shame or remorse." - E. G. White in "Steps to Christ," pages 55, 56.
10. How is the reconciliation of God's justice and His mercy through Christ described?
"That He might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus." Romans 3:26.
11. When will God finally decide who may be restored to eternal association with Him, and what will be the basis of selection?
"He has appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He has ordained." Acts 17:31.
12. How complete will be the knowledge on which God's judgment is based?
"The Lord looks from heaven; He beholds all the sons of men. From the place of His habitation He looks upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He considers all their works." Psalm 33: 13-15.
13. How will God deal with persistent sinners in the judgment?
"He shall say depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity." Luke 13:27.
14. What will be the blessed reward of those who, through Christ, accept the righteousness of God?
"Henceforth there is laid up for mea crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only but unto all them also that love His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8.
15. In order, therefore, to attain unto eternal fellowship with God, what must we diligently seek?
"Seek you first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness." Matthew 6: 33. Proud and self sufficient Nebuchadnezzar had to learn the lesson that "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men."
1. HAD God a definite purpose in creating the earth?
"He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited." Isaiah 45: 18.
"If it is, from God that our life derives its meaning then in His will is the one final principle by which all human ends can be measured. In His will is the true goal of all endeavor, the one absolute standard of righteousness, the reward and crown of all moral striving. Here is the ultimate standard and conviction beyond all the contingencies of history, which must be the pole-star of the human pilgrimage. "- Canon F. R. Barry in "What Has Christianity to Say?" page 163.
2. How completely are the plans of God laid for the outworking of His purpose?
"Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world." Acts 15:18.
3. How perfect are the counsels of the Lord?
"With Him is wisdom, He has counsel and understanding." Job 12:13. "His understanding is infinite." Psalm 147:5.
4. In whom does the divine purpose center?
"Who has saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was- given us in Christ Jesus before the world began." 2 Timothy 1:9.
5. How has God emphasized the immutability of His counsels?
"God, wilting more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath." Hebrews 6: 17.
6. Though men may plan wisely, what all too often frustrates their desires?
"To will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not." Romans 7:18.
7. By what attribute, however, is God's wisdom reinforced?
"God has spoken once; twice have 1 heard this; that power belongs unto God." Psalm 62:11. "He is strong that executes His word." Joel 2:11.
8. Is there any doubt then as to God's ability to bring His counsels to fruition?
"Who works all things after the counsel of His own will." Ephesians 1:11. "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure." Isaiah 46:10.
"God is omnipotent. He can do anything and all things. There is absolutely nothing too hard for Him. There are countless blessed and glorious applications of, and inferences from, this great truth; it will take you your entire lifetime to discover them all, and you will rejoice in them throughout all eternity."-R. A, Torrey.
9. By what name does God declare His omnipotence?
"I am the Almighty God." Genesis 17:1.
10. How was God's omnipotence demonstrated in creation?
"He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast." Psalm 33:9. "Thou has made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee." Jeremiah 32:17.
11. How is His power continually manifest in nature?
"While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." Genesis 8:22. "Upholding all things by the word of His power." Hebrews 1:3.
Commenting upon the frequent references to the sustaining power of God in the psalms, A. C. Welch says: "The psalmist does not conceive the universe as owing its existence to the fiat of the Almighty, but then left to go its own way. To him the same divine care which brought it into being is needed if it is to be maintained.... The world became an ordered place through the divine wisdom; it continues in its seemliness because this is never withdrawn." "The Psalter in Life, Worship, and History."
12. To whit does God draw attention in order to inspire confidence in His activity among men?
"If you can break My covenant of the day, and My covenant of the night, then may also My covenant be broken with David My servant." Jeremiah 33:20, 21.
13. What authority does He exercise in the kingdoms of men?
"The Most High divided to the nations their inheritance." Deuteronomy 32:8. "He changed the times and the seasons. He removes kings, and sets up kings." Daniel 2:21. "The Most High ruled in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever He will." Daniel 4:17.
"World events which shape the lives and destinies of millions do not too obviously bear the mark of divine plans, Yet when we have realized the fact of man's free will do we not see in all history, past and contemporary, His story." - Revelation Leslie D. Weatherhead in "The Eternal Voice."
14. How does God make even the acts of wicked men work out His will?
"As for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good." Genesis 50:20. "Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee: the remainder of wrath shall Thou restrain." Psalm 76:10. "Through the greatness of Thy power shall Your enemies submit themselves unto Thee." Psalm 66:3.
"All that is memorable in the annals of history; all the rising and fall of empires; all the turns in human life, take place according to His plan. In vain men contrive and combine to accomplish their own counsels; unless they are parts of His counsel likewise, the efforts of their utmost strength and wisdom are crossed and reversed by the feeblest and most unthought of circumstances." - Isaac Newton.
"We believe that behind all this [present] welter of suffering and death-struggle there stands One who slowly, but unerringly, is working out His great purpose, of love for His children."-Dr. Lunt, Bishop of Ripon.
"The happiest people today are those who are convinced that ultimately man's destinies are with God, that behind terror and destruction, perplexity and darkness, God is supreme."-Dr. E. W. Barnes, Bishop of Birmingham.
15. Can anything. prevent the fulfillment of God's will in the lives of those who yield themselves to Him?
"I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38, 39. (See also John 10:29.)
16. Though, in His all-seeing purpose, He may permit evil for a time to hold sway, how complete will be His final triumph?
"He will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness." Romans 9: 28.
"This world had its beginning for a purpose; it will be brought to its conclusion when that purpose shall have been accomplished; and then the after-world will start upon its eternal course."-Canon Girdlestone in "Dies Irae," page 239.
17. What song of triumph will be raised in that day?
"The Lord God omnipotent reigns." Revelation 19:6.
18. For what then should we earnestly pray?
"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." "For Your is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory." Matthew 6:10,13.
1. WHERE does our knowledge of the world begin?
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1.
"Only one key can open the universe, that key is the living God." - Dr. Parker.
2. By what agencies did God create the worlds?
a. Through Christ. "God, who created all things by Jesus Christ." Ephesians 3:9. (See also John 1:1-3.)
b. With the aid of the Holy Spirit. "And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." Genesis 1:2.
3. What purpose had God in creating the earth?
"He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited." Isaiah 45:18.
4. How did God prepare the earth as the abode of living creatures?
"And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called He Seas: and God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:9,10.
"The Bible recognizes no long ages in which the earth was slowly evolved from chaos. Of each successive day of creation, the sacred record declares that it consisted of the evening and the morning, like all other days that have followed." - E. G. White in "Patriarchs and Prophets," Page 112.
"If the word day in these chapters does not mean a period of twenty-four hours, the interpretation of Scripture is hopeless." - Professor Marcus Dods in "Genesis," Page 4.
5. What forms of life did God first create upon the earth?
"And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree." Genesis 1: 11.
6. Having clothed the earth with vegetation, what orders of creation did God next bring into existence?
"And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that has life, and fowl that may fly above the earth. Let the earth bring forth the living creature, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth." Genesis 1:20-24.
7. How is the doctrine of evolution expressly contradicted in Scripture?
"And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind." Genesis 1:12. "And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind." Genesis 1:25.
"In all this great [British] museum there is not a particle of evidence of the transmutation of species. The theory is not founded on observation, and is wholly unsupported by facts." Dr. Etheridge.
"The first leaf of the. Mosaic record has more weight than all the folios of men of science and philosophers." - Jean Paul.
8. What further statement proves conclusively that man was directly created and is not the result of evolution from lower orders of life?
"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." Genesis 2: 7.
"There is a gulf between animal and man that no evolution hypothesis has been able to bridge." - Sir Ambrose Fleming in the British Weekly.
"I know nothing about the origin of man except what I am told in Scripture-that God created him. I do not know anything more than that, and I do not know anybody who does." - Sir William Dawson in "The Christian Commonwealth."
9. What attributes of God were specially manifested in creation?
"He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, and has stretched out the heavens by His discretion." Jeremiah 10:12. "The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." Psalm 33:5.
10. How long was God occupied in the work of creation?
"In six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is." Exodus 20:11.
11. What did God do on the seventh day?
"And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made." Genesis 2:2.
12. For all future time what high honor was give into this day?
"And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made." Genesis 2:3.
"God Himself measured off the first week as a sample for successive weeks to the close of time. Like every other, it consisted of seven literal days. Six days were employed in the work of creation; upon the seventh God rested, and He then blessed this day and set it apart as a day of rest for man."-E. G. White in "Patriarchs and Prophets," Page 111.
13. Of what was His holy day to be a continual reminder?
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. For in, six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is." Exodus 20:8-11.
Assembling fossil bones. Man is not an evolutionary jig-saw puzzle, but the product of God's creative act.
1. WHAT does God claim with reference to man's origin?
"I have created him.... I have formed him; yes, I have made him." Isaiah 43: 7.
2. What physical nature has he in common with other living creatures?
"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground." Genesis 2: 7. "He gives to all life, and breath, and all things." Acts 17:25. "They have all one breath." Ecclesiastes 3: 19.
3. How does man differ from the lower orders-of creation?
a. God communicated to man a nature akin to His own. "In the image of God made He man." Genesis 9:6.
b. He intended man for communion with Himself. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4: 4.
4. With what faculties are we able to apprehend God and His will?
"With my soul have I desired Thee ... with my spirit within me will I seek Thee early." Isaiah 26:9.
5. Of what three parts is man thus composed?
"I pray God your whole spirit and soul [mind] and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5: 23.
6. Having given men the capacity for communion what invitation does the Creator extend to them?
"Seek Him that makes the seven stars and Orion, and turned the shadow of death into the morning, and makes the day dark with night." Amos 5:8.
7. How are we encouraged to avail ourselves of the privilege of communion?
"He rewards them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6.
8. How does God desire us to regard Him?
"Have we not all one Father? has not one God created us?" Malachi 2: 10.
"God is universal Sovereign-Father, and all men are by nature His children. The age-long tragedy of mankind springs from the fact that, though the Fatherhood abides, the son ship is broken. Mankind does not live in the spirit of son ship or in the fellowship of sons. The Christian message is that men may enter into the consciousness and experience of son ship through Jesus Christ." H. M. Hughes in "The Christian Idea of God," page 139.
9. What harmonious relation should likewise obtain between man and man?
"Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself." Mark 12:31. "A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13:34.
10. What authority did God give man on the earth?
"Thou made him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands; Thou has put all things under his feet." Psalm 8: 6.
11. Though God has made man His steward, how doles He declare His ownership?
"Whatsoever is under the whole heaven is Mine." Job 41:11.
12. What is required of a steward?
"It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." 1 Corinthians 4:2.
13. Will God call man to account for his stewardship?
"Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor." 1 Corinthians 3:8.
14. What is required of a faithful steward?
"Therefore glorify God in your body, and in you spirit, which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6: 20.
15. What will the unfaithful steward forfeit?
"If thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity." Ezekiel 33:9.
16. How just will be God's apportionment of reward and punishment?
"The soul that sins, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him." Ezekiel 18:20.
17. Will God take pleasure in withdrawing life for ever from the sinner?
"I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn you, turn you from your evil ways; for why will you die?" Ezekiel 33:11.
18. What gracious offer, therefore, is made to those who repent and seek to fulfil the divine intention?
"Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin." Ezekiel 18:30.
1. HAD evil any part in God's original creation?
"And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold it was very good." Genesis 1:31.
2. With whom, then, did sin originate?
"He that committed sin is of the devil; for the devil sinned from the beginning." 1 John 3:8.
3. Who is the devil?
"That old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which deceived the whole world." Revelation 12:9.
"If ever an idea was Biblical, it is the existence of a personal devil." - Goethe.
4. What was his original name and from what high estate has he fallen?
"How art-thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!" Isaiah 14:12.
5. What was Lucifer's original character?
"Thou was perfect in thy ways from the day that thou was created." Ezekiel 28:15.
6. What sinful thought arose in Lucifer's mind?
"Your heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou has corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness." Ezekiel 28:17.
7. Who associated themselves with Satan in his opposition to God?
"The angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation." Jude 1:6.
8. What was the result of Lucifer's rebellion?
"And there was war in heaven: Michael and His angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven." Revelation 12:7, 8.
9. Where was Satan exiled?
"I beheld Satan fall from heaven." Luke 10:18.
"Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath." Revelation 12:112.
10. By what means did-he deceive our first parents?
"The serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety." 2 Corinthians 11: 3. (Read Genesis 3: 1-6.)
"All the problems that perplex us, all the pain that pursues us, and all the yearnings of the soul that drive us-every great problem is answered in Genesis."-Revelation Dr. J. C. Massie.
11. How has Satan since been occupied in the earth?
"The devil, as a roaring lion, walked about, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5: 8.
"And now I will ask a strange question: who is the most diligent bishop and prelate in all England, that passes all the rest in doing his office? I will tell you-it is the-devil. He is the most diligent preacher of all others; he is never out of his diocese; he is never far from his cure; you shall never find him unoccupied; he-is ever in his parish; he keeps residence at all times; you shall never find him out of the way. He is the most diligent preacher in all the realm."-Bishop Latimer in a sermon entitled "Sermon of the Plough."
12. Who volunteered to defeat Satan's designs?
"For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that J-1ernight destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8. (See also Hebrews 2:14.)
13. On what occasion was the overthrow of Satan first foreshadowed?
"I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her Seed. It shall bruise thy head, and thou shall bruise His heel." Genesis 3:15. (Compare Romans 16:20, RV.)
Of the third chapter of Genesis, R. C. Trench, Dean of Westminster, declared: "It is the only chapter which, if we could conceive it as being withdrawn, would leave all the rest of Scripture unintelligible. Take this away, this record of the fall, and of the provision which God so graciously made to repair these consequences, to build up the breach which Adam had made, take this away and you take away the key of knowledge to all the rest of the Bible. Nor is it the Bible alone which would thus become unintelligible, but the whole condition of the world around us, of man and of nature, of our own selves above all, would present itself to us as an inexplicable riddle. What a riddle indeed does it evermore continue to be to all those who refuse to accept the solution of it here offered! There are indeed in this chapter almost as many mysteries as there are words." "Sermons Preached in Westminster Abbey," pages 48, 49.
14. How was Christ's power over Satan and his evil agents manifested during His earthly ministry?
"When the even was come, they brought unto Him many that were possessed with devils: and He cast out the spirits with His word." Matthew 8:16.
15. In the hour of' death what reference did Jesus make to the shortness of Satan's power?
"This is your hour, and the power of darkness." Luke 22:53.
16. How had He previously foretold, the end of Satan's dominion?
"Now shall the prince of this world be cast out." John 12:31.
17. After His ascension, whom did Jesus commission to continue His controversy with Satan?
"I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness; to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God." Acts 26:16,18. "You shall be witnesses unto Me." Acts 1:8.
18. What struggle is the lot of the children of God in all ages?
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12.
19. How may we obtain full protection against Satan?
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11.
20. What assurance of triumph is given to every child of God?
"He that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one touched him not." 1 John 5:18.
21. What seeming triumph will Satan achieve in the last days, and why?
"Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." 1 Timothy 4: 1.
22. Yet in spite of Satan's apparent 1 victories, how fearfully do the evil angels contemplate the. coming judgment?
"The devils also believe, and tremble." James 2:19.
23. To what end will Satan ultimately come?
"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone." Revelation 20:10.
24. What end did Paul predict also for the evil angels?
"Whose end shall be according to their works." 2 Corinthians 11:15.
25. What " assurance are we given that the tragic story of rebellion will never again be repeated?
"Affliction shall not rise up the second time." Nahum 1:9.
1. WHAT high privilege was vouchsafed to man in the beginning?
"So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them." Genesis 1:27.
2. How was man's loyalty to God put to the test?
"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou may freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shall not eat of it: for in the day that thou eats thereof thou shall surely die." Genesis 2:16, 17.
3. How did, Satan subvert our first parents from allegiance to God?
"The serpent beguiled Eve ` through his subtlety." 2 Corinthians 11:3. (Read Genesis 3:1-6.)
4. What tragic change came in the relations between men and God as a result of the fall?
a. They became sinners in His sight. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all Men, for that all have sinned." Romans 5:12.
b. They lost the privilege of open communion with God. "Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden." Genesis 3: 23.
c. They were doomed to die. "Dust thou art, and unto dust shall thou return." Genesis 3:19.
5. What heritage did the fall thus confer upon the whole human family?
"Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." Psalm 51:5.
"If there be any truth in the Bible, it is this: that sin is not a stage in upward evolution, a mere survival of animal tendencies which is gradually being outgrown, nor a mere' result of untoward circumstances, or a lack of education or experience. But a lawlessness of the human will, a perpetually renewed rebellion against God, which disorders human nature by depriving it of the fellowship of God."- Bishop Charles Gore.
6. How sadly has man been marred by sin?
a. His understanding is darkened. "Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from' the life of God through the ignorance that is in them." Ephesians 4: 18.
b. His heart is full of evil. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jeremiah 17: 9.
c. His conscience is defiled. "Unto the . . . unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and con-, science is defiled." Titus 1: 15.
d. He is spiritually dead. "You, being dead in your sins." Colossians 2: 13.
"Total depravity," means, as Principal Denney says, "the depravity which sin has produced in human nature extends to the whole of it."
7. How completely is he alienated from God?
"The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Romans 8:7.
8. Are any excluded from condemnation?
"But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: the Scripture has concluded all under sin." Galatians 3:11-22. "The whole world lies in wickedness." 1 John 5:19.
9. How impotent is the sinner to work righteousness?
"Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Then may you also do good, that are accustomed to do evil." Jeremiah 13:23.
"Sin has so affected his nature that he cannot do anything that is good without the grace of God."- Dr. Griffith Thomas.
10. How hopeless is his condition apart from God?
"At that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world." Ephesians 2: 12.
11. To what end, therefore, must unaided man inevitably come?
"To be carnally minded is death." Romans 8:6. "How can you escape the damnation of hell?" Matthew 23:33.
"There is nothing, I believe, which at the present time needs more to be insisted on than the reality of guilt. It is not an illusion, which we should be taught to disregard in view of God's infinite love; it is as real as life or death, a gigantic problem alike for God and man. His condemnation of sin, His wrath repelling sin, resting over sin, are not figments of our ignorance and fear; they are absolutely real things, to which our conscience bears a true though awfully inadequate testimony."-Principal Denney.
12. What cry of despair may well come from his lips?
"O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Romans 7:24.
13. Because of man's impotence to save himself, whit is his only hope?
"Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God." 1 Chronicles 22:19. (See also Jeremiah 29:12-14.)
14. How has Go d demonstrated His desire to restore man to fellowship with Himself?
"Yet does He devise means, that His banished be not expelled from Him." 2 Samuel 14:14.
15. Through whom has the possibility of restoration come?
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.
16. How universal is God's offer of mercy?
"For God has concluded them all in unbelief, that He might, have, mercy upon all." Romans 11:32.
17. In what striking way is the comprehensiveness of redemption emphasized?
"Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him." Hebrews 7:5.
18. Is there any other way of escape than God's?
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4: 12.
19. What should be the sinner's response?
"Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me- from my sin." Psalm 51:2. "Create in me a clean heart, O God," Psalm 51:10.
20. How is redemption compared with God's creative work?
"If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation." 2 Corinthians 5: 17 (RV, margin).
21. In what scripture does God claim to be both Creator and Redeemer?
"But now thus said, the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed, thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee." Isaiah 43:1.
22. What satisfaction does a knowledge of salvation bring?
"Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." Romans 4:7,8.
1. WHAT challenging question must every soul answer for himself?
"What think you of Christ?" Matthew 22:42.
2. How do the Scriptures help us in settling this vital problem?
"These are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God." John 20:31.
There are two absolutely essential elements in historic Christianity. One is a personal God. The other is the incarnation of God in Jesus.
3. What definite statement does the Bible make concerning the. nature of Christ?
"Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh." 1 Timothy 3:16. "The Word was God." John 1:1.
4. How did Jesus emphasize His oneness with the Father?
"I and My Father are one." John 10:30. (`See also John 17:11, 21, 22.)
5. What other claims are made by or for Jesus which compel us to recognize Him as God incarnate?
a. Omnipotence. "All Power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." Matthew 28:18.
b. Omniscience. "In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:3.
c. Perfect holiness. "In Him is no sin." 1 John 3:5. (See also Hebrews 4:15.)
d. Eternal existence. "He is before all things." Colossians 1:17. "Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." Micah 5:2.
e. The sum of divine attributes. "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." Colossians 2:9.
"I personally have traced over 500 passages which affirm or imply the deity of Jesus."-Dr. W. Graham Scroggie, DD, in "The Christian."
6. Because He revealed in their entirety the attributes of the invisible God how could He well be described?
"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature." Colossians 1: 15.
7. While truly God, how truly was He also man?
"But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman." Galatians 4: 4. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14.
"This blessed union is incapable of dissolution. As there ever has been, and ever will be, the eternal Son of God, so will there ever remain the eternal Son of man." Archbishop Butler's "Sermons," Series 1, page 73.
8. When was the incarnation of the Son of God decided upon?
"Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you." 1 Peter 1: 20.
9. To whom was the first intimation of the incarnation made?
To the serpent in Eden. "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her Seed. It shall bruise thy head, and thou shall bruise His heel." Genesis 3: 15.
10. How did the news come to Mary that God was to become incarnate in human flesh?
"The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that Holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." Luke 1:35.
Was Jesus divine? The Roman centurion voiced his conviction: "Truly this Man was the Son of God." Mark 15:39.
"If our Lord had entered the race by natural generation, it would be extremely difficult for us to believe that the Child of Mary was the Word incarnate. We should have been almost compelled to think of Him as a mere man, who, in an unusual degree, had received the indwelling of the divine life. He might thus appear to us as the First-born among many brethren, but He could not be our Redeemer."-Dr. D. M. MacIntyre, DD, in "Christ the Lord."
11. By what act did the wise men from the east recognize the divinity of Jesus?
"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him." Matthew 2:11.
12. How did God testify to Jesus' divinity at the commencement of His ministry?
"For He received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 2 Peter 1:17.
13. How was Jesus' divinity manifest in His life?
a. By His miracles. "The power of the Lord was present to heal them." Luke 5:17.
b. By His authoritative teachings. "His word was with power." Luke 4:32. "Never man spoke like this man." John 7:46.
14. What divine prerogative did He exercise?
"But that yd may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto your house." Matthew 9:6.
15. What paramount gift did He claim ability to confer?
"For as the Father raised up the dead, and quickened them; even so the Son quickened whom He will." John 5:21.
"Jesus knows no more sacred task than to point men to His own person. The Jesus who thinks thus of Himself, and who looks on humanity with such a confidence in His power to redeem them from the terrible misery in which He sees every one round about Him, stands as a fact before us, a fact that has no equal." - Hermann in "Communion with God."
16. What testimony did the disciples bear' to His divinity?
"Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God." John 20:28. "Simon Peter answered and said. Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:16.
17. Who else during Christ's life on earth recognized His true nature?
"And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God." Luke 4: 41.
18. To whom did Jesus declare He would return?
"I came forth from the Father, `and am come into the world: again, I leave the World, and go to the Father." John 16:28.
19. What position does He now occupy in heaven?
"Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him." 1 Peter 3:22.
20. When will Christ's divinity be manifest to all?
"In the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory." Matthew 19:28.
21. What confession will all men then make?
"That every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:11.
22. How vitally important is the acceptance of the doctrine of the incarnation?
"Hereby know you the Spirit of God. Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confessed not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come. And even now already is it in the world." 1 John 4:2, 3.
1. How did the woman of Samaria testify to the Jewish expectation of the Messiah, or Christ?
"The woman said unto Him, I know that Messiah comes, which is called Christ." John 4: 25.
"In the New Testament the name Christ is used as equivalent to the Hebrew, Messiah [Anointed], the name given to the long promised Prophet and King whom the Jews had been taught by their prophets to expect."-William Smith's Dictionary of the Bible, Article, "Jesus Christ," page 307.
2. What declaration did Jesus make to her concerning Himself?
"Jesus said unto her, I that speak unto thee am He." John 4: 26. (See also Matthew 26:63, 64.)
3. What evidence did Jesus offer His disciples in support of His claim?
"O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets, have spoken: and beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24: 25-27.
4. How was the Messiah to be manifested?
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given." Isaiah 9:6 (Matthew 1:22, 23).
5. Along what human line of descent would He come?
"There shall come forth a Rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots." Isaiah 1:1 (Matthew 1:1).
6. Where would Messiah be born?
"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be Ruler in Israel." Micah 5:2 (Matthew 2:4-6).
7. In what miraculous way would He be conceived?
"Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son." Isaiah 7:14 (Matthew 1:20).
8. What danger would threaten His early years?
"Thus said the Lord; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not." Jeremiah 31:15 (Matthew 2:16-18).
9. Where would He be temporarily exiled?
"When Israel was a child, then 1 loved him, and called My Son out of Egypt." Hosea 11:1 (Matthew 2:13-15).
10. By whom would His ministry he announced?
"The voice of him that cries in the wilderness, Prepare you the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." Isaiah 40:3 (Luke 3:4).
11. What would be the nature of Messiah's blessed ministry?
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted." Isaiah 61:1 (Luke 4:16-19).
12. Before His passion what symbolic exaltation would He receive?
"Behold, thy King comes unto thee: He is just, and halving salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."' Zechariah 9:9 (Luke 19:35).
13. By whom would Messiah be betrayed?
"Yes, Mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of My bread, has lifted up his heel against Me." Psalm 41:9 (Luke 22:3; John 13:2, 21-26).
14. For what price would He be sold?
"And I said unto them, If you think good, give Me My price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for My price thirty Pieces of silver." Zechariah 11: 12 (Matthew 26: 14-16).
15. In what spirit would He endure His sufferings?
"He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth." Isaiah 53:7 (Mark 15:3-5).
16. How was Messiah's vicarious suffering foretold?
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:4, 5 (Matthew 8:17).
17. How exactly were the details of the crucifixion foretold?
"They pierced My hands and My feet." "They Part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture." Psalm 22:16, 18 (John 19:24).
18. Where would Messiah rest in death?
"And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death." Isaiah 53:9 (Matthew 27:57-60).
19. In what words was His resurrection foreshadowed?
"For Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Your Holy One to see corruption." Psalm 16: 10 (Acts 2: 25-27).
20. In view of His minute fulfillment of messianic prophecy how confidently did Paul witness that Jesus was the Christ?
"And Paul reasoned with them out of the Scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ." Acts 17:2, 3.
1. WHY cannot God reveal Himself directly to sinful man?
"Thou can not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live." Exodus 33:20.
2. What means did He adopt to make known His will after the entrance of sin?
"God at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the father's by the Prophets." Hebrews 1:1.
3. How did men treat the revelation of God through the prophets?
"But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised His words, and misused His prophets." 2 Chronicles 36:16. (See also Nehemiah 9:30, 31; Jeremiah 7:25, 26. )
4. Through whom did He finally decide to speak to man?
"God has in these last days spoken unto us by His Son." Hebrews 1:2.
"Because men rejected the messages which God sent, through human instrumentalities," says Dr. A. W. F. Blunt, Bishop of Bradford, "it becomes at least not inconceivable that God might seek a way of showing to man all of Himself that could be apprehended by man, and that He might choose to do so by living a human life, by Himself becoming incarnate, and not, as before, by merely inspiring human agents." Recall to Religion," page 265.
5. What did God primarily seek to reveal in Jesus?
"No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He bath declared Him [made Him known, Weymouth]." John 1:18. (See also Matthew 11:27; Luke 10:22.)
6. How perfectly did He make known the character of God?
"He that has seen Me has seen the Father." John 14:9. "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." Colossians 2:9.
"I recall an occasion in my parochial experience when I was visiting a nurse who was ill; and in speaking of prayer I took occasion to ask her how she thought of God when she said her prayers. Her reply was: I think of Him as Someone like ourselves, only perfect. In fact, I think of Jesus Christ." - Dr. B. Heywood, Bishop of Ely, in "This Our Faith," page 81.
7. Beside revealing God to man, what example did Jesus set of submission to the will of God?
"I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yes, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40:8. "We always those things that please Him." John 8:29.
8. How did He demonstrate the possibility of a life of victory over sin?
"In all points tempted like as we are yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15.
9. By His sinless life what did He condemn?
"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh." Romans 8:3.
10. Having revealed by His life what man was intended to be, what blessed gift did Jesus offer through His death on Calvary?
"For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one Man, Jesus Christ, has abounded unto many." Romans 5:15. (See also verse 17.)
11. What will the acceptance of His gift of grace effect?
"The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.
12. How complete a deliverance from sin did He make possible?
"Thou shall call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21. came not to judge the world, but to save the world." John 12:47.
13. What glorious prospect has He set before saved sinners?
"For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:11.
14. Is there any way back to God other than by Jesus Christ?
"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man comes unto the Father, but by Me." John 14:6 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.
"Upon some mountain peaks there is only one solitary path and he who will not climb through this narrow place cannot reach the summit and must fall to his death. So, too, there is only one way to eternal life-Christ."-Emil Brunner in "Our Faith."
15. How should we respond to such a Savior?
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved." Acts 16:31.
"The acceptance does not accrue to the individual till he believes and so receives. The gift is not put into the hand till it is open and empty. But the gift has been bought ready for the recipient long before he kneels to receive it. It was his, in provision, from the moment of the purchase; and the glorious Purchaser came up from the depths where He had gone down to buy, holding aloft in His sacred hands the golden gift, ours because His for us." H. C. G. Moule in "Romans," Page 127.
16. What feelings should a knowledge of salvation evoke in us?
"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15.
1. WHEN was Jesus chosen to be the world's Redeemer?
"Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for .You." 1 Peter 1:20.
2. To what lengths did God know His Son would need to go in order to save man?
"The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Revelation 13:8.
3. How certain was Jesus of the predestined course of His life?
"This that is written must yet be accomplished in Me, And He was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning Me have an end." Luke 22:37.
"Christ's death was not simply a fitting conclusion to a life of self-sacrifice and obedience to the uttermost, but He was born to die, and His death effected something vital for our salvation, which His earthly incarnation, had it ended in some other way, could not have secured for us."-Dr. Chavasse in "The Atonement in History and in Life," edited by Canon L. W. Grenstead.
4. In what words did Jesus testify to His willingness to suffer for men?
"Therefore does My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again." John 10:17, 18.
5. What did the death of Christ thus reveal?
"God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.
"There was a cross in the heart of God before there was one planted on the green hill outside Jerusalem. And now that the cross of wood has been taken down, the one in the heart of God abides, and it will remain as long as there is one sinful soul for whom to suffer."-Dr. Dinsmore in "The Atonement in History and in Life," edited by Canon L. W. Grenstead.
6. Beside manifesting the extent of the love of God and of Christ for man, what further purpose did the cross serve?
It indicated the immutability of the law of God. "Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God." Romans 3:25.
"Repentance was not enough. His [man's] sin had to he adequately dealt with. It demanded expiation; and expiation mean open confession and full reparation. In this stern and inexorable law lies the necessity of an atoning sacrifice for the sin of the world." - Dr. David Smith.
7. What penalty had man incurred through sin?
"The wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Romans 5:12.
8. Could God abolish the penalty of the law?
"It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail." Luke 16:17.
9. What, therefore, was necessary for the salvation of man?
A sinless man, not involved in the penalty, and possessed of life, inherent and underived, must vicariously accept it on behalf of the race.
10. Who only could fulfil the requirements of such a vicarious sacrifice?
"God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law." Galatians 4: 4, 5. "Who did no sin." 1 Peter 2:22.
"Though God is the Author of the atonement, and without Him fallen humanity would have been unable to offer it, yet it was made by man, acting in the true conditions of man's nature." Mason in "The Faith of the Gospel," page 209.
11. How does Paul state the doctrine of vicarious atonement?
"For He has made Him to be sin for its, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21.
12. What divine dilemma, did Jesus thus resolve?
"To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus." Romans 3:26.
13. As a result of Christ's paying the penalty of transgression what privileges are offered to man?
a. Deliverance from Satan. "Who has delivered us from the power of darkness." Colossians 1:13.
b. Revocation of our sentence to death. "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." Romans 5:18.
c. Forgiveness of sin. "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins." Acts 13:38.
d. Reconciliation to God. "All things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself." 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19.
e. New status of son ship. "The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." Romans 8:16, 17. f. Sanctification. "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Hebrews 10:10.
g. Eternal life. "Whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:15. "He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him." John 3:36.
14. How complete is the restoration made possible through the sacrifice of Christ?
"He is able also to save them to the utter-most that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25.
15. In what way do the wicked regard the preaching of the cross?
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness." 1 Corinthians 1:18.
16. On the other hand, what does the cross mean to the repentant sinner?
"But unto us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1: 18.
"Never you be ashamed of the blood of Christ. I know it is not the popular religion of the day, but the whole Bible from cover to cover is saturated, reddened with the blood of Christ. You are blood-bought Christians. The uniform we Christians wear is scarlet. If you are ashamed of your uniform, man, for goodness sake leave the service. Oh, never be ashamed of Christ." -Father Stanton of St. Albans, Holburn.
17. How will our salvation be consummated?
"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Hebrews 9:28.
18. What reward will Jesus receive in that day for all His sacrifice on our behalf?
a. Satisfaction. "He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied." Isaiah 53:11.
b. Universal adoration. "Wherefore God also has highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee, should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth." Philippians 2:9,10.
1. How short did Jesus declare His, sojourn in the tomb would be?
"The Son of man, shall be betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill Him, and the third day He shall be raised again." Matthew 17: 22, 23.
2. By whom was the resurrection of Christ foretold in the Old Testament?
By David. "My flesh also shall rest in hope. For Thou wilt not leave My soul in bell; neither wilt Thou suffer Your Holy One to see corruption." Psalm 16: 9, 10.
3. What happened when the predicted time limit expired?
"There was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it." Matthew 28:2.
"He was dead! His enemies thought they had done for Him, and they were glad. His friends thought He was done for, and they were sad. But Heaven watching was preparing the music that should ring around the world declaring the defeat of evil, and the mastery of sin, and the ransom of the race."-Dr. G. Campbell Morgan in "the Gospel According to John."
4. To whom was the resurrection of Jesus first announced?
"And the angel answered and said unto the women. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." Matthew 28:5, 6.
5. To whom did Jesus show Himself after His resurrection?
"He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that. He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep." 1 Corinthians 15: 5, 6
"It has been well said, "While the literal bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian doctrine it is also the Gibraltar of Christian evidence and the Waterloo of infidelity and, rationalism."
6. For how long was Jesus seen by His disciples?
"To whom also He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." Acts 1:3.
7. What power was manifest in the resurrection of Jesus?
"Though He was crucified through weakness, yet He lives by the power of God." 2 Corinthians 13:4. "Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father." Romans 6:4.
The resurrection "takes God out of the realm of speculation and theory, and brings Him down into the realm of history and of fact. He is no impersonal or semi-personal principle or abstract force; He is a Person; He is a Doer. The resurrection of Jesus is His deed."-Dr. W. T. Conner.
8. What did the resurrection confirm?
Jesus was "declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the- resurrection from the dead." Romans 1:4. (See also Acts 13:33.)
9. What did it also convincingly demonstrate?
"Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?" 1 Corinthians 15:12.
10. As a result of His resurrection what did Jesus claim?
"I am He that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of bell and of death." Revelation 1:18.
11. What proof of this was given immediately after He had risen?
"And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many." Matthew 27:52,53.
12. Of what then may believers be assured?
"This is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have everlasting life: and 1 will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40. (See also 1 Corinthians 15:23,52.)
13. What triumphant acclamation will be upon the lips of the redeemed in that day?
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" 1 Corinthians 15:55.
14. How vital is the resurrection in the plan of salvation?
"If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain. And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; you are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished." 1 Corinthians 15:14-18.
15. What prominence, therefore, did Paul give to the resurrection in his preaching?
"And Paul, as his manner was, reasoned with them out of the Scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom, said he, I preach unto you, is Christ." Acts 17:2,3 (margin). (See also Acts 26:22, 23.)
16. What attitude to this great truth should we share with him?
"I count all things but loss ... that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection; if by any means 1 might attain unto the resurrection of the dead." Philippians 3:8-11.
1. WHEN Jesus had fulfilled His purpose on earth, where did He go?
"God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." 1 Timothy 3:16.
2. In what circumstances did the ascension of Jesus take place?
"He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven." Luke 24:50,51. (See also Acts 1:9.)
3. Where is Jesus now?
"Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God." 1 Peter 3:22. (See also Hebrews 10:12.)
4. For what reasons did Jesus return to heaven?
a. That the Holy Spirit might be given. "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you." John 16: 7.
b. That He might begin His intercessory work for us. "It is Christ that died, yes rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us." Romans 8:34. (See also Hebrews 7:25.)
c. That He might prepare a home for His people. "I go to Prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself. That where I am, there you may be also." John 14:2,3.
5. What special name is given to Christ in His office as Intercessor?
"We have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God." Hebrews 4:14. (See also Hebrews 8:l.)
6. How superior, however, is our High Priest to any earthly ministrant?
"For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens." Hebrews 7:26.
7. To what order of priesthood is the priesthood of Christ likened?
"Called of God an High Priest after the order of Melchisedec." Hebrews 5:10.
8. Why was this comparison appropriate?
"He shall be a Priest upon His throne." Zechariah 6: 13. "Melchisedec, king of Salem, Priest of the Most High God." Hebrews 7:1.
9. In what sanctuary does Christ now minister?
"A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man." Hebrews 8:2.
10. What Bible writer was privileged to look into this heavenly sanctuary?
John the revelator. "And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament." Revelation 11:19. (See also Revelation 8:3, 4; 15:5.)
11. Is a sacrificial offering necessary in the heavenly sanctuary as in the earthly?
"For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this Man have somewhat also to offer." Hebrews 8: 3.
12. What sacrifice does our High Priest offer to the Father on our behalf?
"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." Hebrews 9:12. (See also Ephesians 5:2.)
13. For whom does the present intercessory ministry of Christ avail?
a. For the repentant sinner. "Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him." Hebrews 7:25. (See also 1 John 1:9.)
b. For the believer who falls into sin. "If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." 1 John 2:1.
c. For all in every time of need. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16. (See also Hebrews 10:19, 22.)
14. How continuous is Christ's intercession on our behalf?
"This Man, because He continues ever, has an unchangeable priesthood. He ever lives to make inter cession." Hebrews 7:24, 25. (See also verse 16.)
" `He ever lives,' is the supreme inspiration of the individual Christian and of the whole church. In His life we live, hold fellowship with God, receive grace for daily living, and rejoice in victory over sin, sorrow, and death."-Dr. Griffith Thomas in "Our Lord's Work in Heaven."
15. What should Christ's constant mediation inspire us to do?
"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us bold fast our profession." Hebrews 4:14. (See also Hebrews 10:23.)
1. WHAT question relating to salvation did a certain young man ask of Jesus?
"Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that 1 may have eternal life? Matthew 19: 16.
2. How did Jesus reply?
"If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Matthew 19: 17.
3. How perfect an observance of the commandments is necessary, however, to gain salvation by works?
"Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one Point, he is guilty of all." James 2:10.
4. Can any claim that he has earned life, and salvation according to this standard?
"But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident." Galatians 3:11.
5. To what, therefore, are all condemned through sin?
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23.
6. What attributes of God come to the aid of the condemned sinner?
"But Thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." Psalm 86:15.
7. What loving provision has He made available to man in Christ?
"I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:4.
8. What is the grace of God in Christ able to effect on our behalf?
"That as sin has reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal. life by Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 5:21.
"The help man needs must come from without and from above. God alone can undo that which by his fall man has inflicted on creation and on himself. The great message of the gospel is that God is not only able so to do, but willing also; and that He has, in fact, done it in the person of His Son Incarnate." - Mason in "The Faith of the Gospel," Page 121.
9. To how many is this saving grace available?
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men." Titus 2:11.
10. How may the sinner appropriate it?
"By grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8, 9.
11. What is the new basis of our acceptance with God?
"To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He has made us accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6.
12. How did Paul acknowledge the operation of the grace of God in his own life?
"By the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:10.
13. Being saved by grace, what is our relation to the law?
Paul clearly made known to the Greeks the necessity of seeking the one whose grace was manifested through His Son, rather than trust in the works of their hands.
"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under [the condemnation of ] the law, but under grace." Romans 6:14.
14. Does this mean that we are thereby freed from responsibility to the law?
"What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid." Romans 6:15.
15. What does Jesus look for in those whom He has redeemed?
"Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2:14.
16. How is this made possible?
"Now the God of peace, make you Perfect in every goo work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through, Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever." Hebrews 13:20, 21.
17. What will the continued operation of the grace of God effect in us?
"And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is' able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." Acts 20:32.
"Grace is not simply a kindly feeling on the part of God, but a positive boon conferred on man. Grace is a real and active force illuminating the intellect, warming the heart, strengthening the will of redeemed humanity." - Liddon's "University Sermons," First Series, Page 644.
18. What is the ultimate purpose of the bestowal of the grace of God?
"The God of all grace, has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus." 1 Peter 5:10.
God gives "grace in this world as a preparation for glory, and glory in the other world as the perfection of grace; both are God's gift, His free gift."- Matthew Henry.
1. How many are included within the scope of the saving love of God?
"The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all." Psalm 145: 8, 9.
2. What is His desire toward all men?
"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:4.
(See also verses 5, 6.)
3. For how many did Jesus, die?
"That He by the grace of God should taste death for every man." Hebrews 2:9. "We know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world." John 4:42. (See also 1 John 4:14.)
4. To how many, therefore, was the gospel to be announced?
"Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15.
5. How is this universal offer of salvation appropriated by the individual?
"He that believes shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned." Mark 16:16.
"It is the privilege of all who comply with the conditions to know for themselves that pardon is freely extended for every sin. Put away the suspicion that God's promises are not meant for you. They are for every repentant transgressor. Strength and grace have been `provided through Christ to be brought by ministering angels to every believing soul. None are so sinful that they cannot find strength, purity, and righteousness in Jesus, who died for them. He is waiting to strip them of their garments stained and polluted with sin, and to put upon them the white robes of righteousness; He bids them live, and not die."-E. G. White in "Steps to Christ," Page 57.
6. What justifiable condemnation is therefore pronounced upon those who refuse the gospel message?
"He that believes on Him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he bath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:18.
"The gifts of His grace through Christ are free to all. There is no election but one's own by which any may perish. God has set forth in His Word the conditions upon which every soul will be elected to eternal, life-obedience to His commandments, through faith in Christ. God has elected a character in harmony with His law, and anyone who shall reach the standard of His requirement, will have an entrance into the kingdom of glory." E. G, White in "Patriarchs and Prophets," page 207.
7. While the offer of salvation is freely accepted or rejected by man, what does God's infinite wisdom enable Him beforehand to know and do?
"According as He bath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him-in love." Ephesians 1:4.
8. What term, therefore, may appropriately be applied to the saints?
"Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God." 1 Thessalonians 1:4.
9. In what sense, however, is this "election" to be understood?
"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father." 1 Peter 1:2.
10. How is this same truth expressed in the Book of Acts?
"And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed." Acts 13:48.
11. How does God collectively, regard His elect?
"You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people." 1 Peter 2:9.
12. What plans has God laid for those who are responsive to His call and who, in consequence, are His "elect"?
a. They are predestined to son ship. "For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." Romans 8:29.
b. They are predestinated to righteousness. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10.
c. They are predestinated to glory. "Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified." Romans 8:30.
d. They are predestinated to inherit the kingdom. "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will." Ephesians 1:11.
13. Just as God has laid plans for the eternal blessing of those who respond to His call, what fate has He determined upon the wicked?
"The Lord has made all things for Himself: yes, even the wicked for the day of evil." Proverbs 16:4. "Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner." Proverbs 11:31. (See also Psalm 37:9.)
14. What personal responsibility, however, will the wicked have for their fate?
"Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me: for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: they would none of My counsel: they despised all My reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices." Proverbs 1: 28-31.
15. Can God's elect be wrested from His hand?
"And this is the Father's will which has sent Me, that of all which He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day." John 6: 39. "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." John 10: 28.
16. What admonition, however, clearly teaches that it is possible by our own failure to lose the divine blessings offered to us?
"Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." 1 Corinthians 10:12. (See also Romans 11:18-2l.)
17. What care did the Apostle Paul exercise that he might not fall from grace?
"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." 1 Corinthians 9: 27.
18. How earnestly did he labor that the elect might not lose their reward?
"Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." 2 Timothy 2:10.
19. How does Peter counsel those who have been "called" and chosen?
"Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure." 2 Peter 1:10.
20. What three characteristics will be manifest in those who are with Christ in the day of His triumph?
"They that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful." Revelation 17: 14.
1. How anxious is God to deliver man from the consequences of transgression?
"Lo, all these things works God oftentimes with man, to bring back his soul from the pit." Job 33:29,30.
2. What appeal, therefore, does He make to the sinner?
"Thus said the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways." Haggai 1:7.
"Have you ever been able to trace the conversion of anyone directly to a single sentence you uttered?" a ministerial friend once asked C. H. Spurgeon. "Never," he answered, `so far as 1 can remember, to any special sentence of my own; but often to a verse from the Word of God. In my experience that has always been the arrow of conviction." - Quoted in "The Life of Faith."
3. What part has the Spirit of God in convincing men of sin?
"And when He [the Spirit] is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness,' and of judgment." John 16: 8.
4. For what response does He look?
"I will be sorry for my sin." Psalm 38:18.
C. F. Andrews describing his conversion in boyhood days says: "Then without warning the strong conviction of sin and impurity came upon me with such overpowering strength that every shred of false conviction was torn aside and I knew myself as I really was."
5. In what way does godly sorrow differ from that of the world?
"For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to he repented of: but the sorrow of the world works death." 2 Corinthians 7:10.
6. How does God relate Himself to those who truly sorrow for sin?
"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit." Psalm 34:18.
7. What will godly sorrow further evoke from the sinner?
"I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord." Psalm 32:5.
"Confession of sin should be free, particular, full, penitential, earnest, accompanied with heartfelt hatred to sin, supplication for mercy, forsaking sin, and an implicit faith in Christ for the forgiveness of the same." - John Bute.
8. To whom else beside God should confession be made?
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed." James 5:16.
"A revival of religion may be expected when Christians begin to confess their sins to one another. When there comes an ingenuous breaking down, and a pouring out of the heart in-confession of sin, the flood-gates will soon burst open, and salvation will flow over the place." - Dr. Finney.
9. How specific should be the sinner's confession?
"And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he has sinned in that thing." Leviticus 5:5.
10. By what will true confession be accompanied?
a. Restoration where possible. "Then it shall be, because he has sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he has deceitfully gotten." Leviticus 6:4.
b. Forsaking of evil. "He that covered his sins shall not prosper: but who so confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy." Proverbs 28:13.
11. What is God willing to do for those who truly confess and forsake their sins and invoke the Savior?
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1: 9.
12. How foolish are those who, in spite of all the efforts of God, remain not convicted of sin?
"If a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceived himself." Galatians 6:3.
13. What do those who fail to heed the Lord's appeal despise?
"He that refused instruction despised his own soul." Proverbs 15:32.
14. Whit fate do they invite upon themselves?
"He, that being often reproved hardened his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." Proverbs 29: 1.
15. What admonition, therefore, should we earnestly heed?
"See that you refuse not Him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused Him that spike on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaks from heaven." Hebrews 12:25.
16. Because we know not when our probation may close, how urgent is the gospel call?
"Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." ("Today is the day of loving welcome." Weymouth's translation.) Hebrews 4: 7.
"Hand over to Him all your sins and all your sorrows. He takes away the sin of the world. Do not wait till your sins have accumulated into a cloud or a mountain. Do not tarry till the time has come for evening prayer. Do not delay till you are alone. But as swiftly as you are conscious of any burden, pass it on to Jesus.... So soon as you give, He takes; and what He takes He also undertakes; and will see it made right for you, to your rejoicing and to His glory."-F. B. Meyer in "Israel," Page 157.
1. WHAT universal call does God make to sinners?
"God commanded all men everywhere to repent." Acts 17:30.
2. For what purpose did Jesus come among men?
"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Luke 5: 32.
3. What was the constant theme of His preaching?
"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4: 17. "Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3.
4. How may repentance be defined?
"Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions." Ezekiel 18: 30.
"A mere emotional outburst in itself is not worthy of the title `conversion,' neither is a simple change of opinion. Religious conversion manifests itself in a redirection of the will, and the forming of a new pattern of behavior."-Revelation L. E. Elliott Binns, D.D.
"In conversion what matters is not the rate of speed with which you turn, but the angle through which you turn, and the direction in which you are left facing." - Dr. T. R. Glover.
5. Why must the turning from sin to God be clear and uncompromising?
"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24.
6. How wholehearted, therefore, must- the repentance of the sinner be?
"Therefore also now, said the Lord, turn you even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God." Joel 2:12, 13.
"I saw it as a flash of electric light: and what you see you can never not see. There must be full surrender before there can be full blessedness. God admits you by the one into the other."-Frances Ridley Havergal.
7. What appropriate words does the Lord suggest the returning sinner should bring to Him?
"O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto Him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips." Hosea 14: 1, 2.
8. In whose name may the sinner confidently present his plea?
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." Acts 2: 38.
9. Of what does God further assure the repentant sinner?
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:7.
10. Beside revoking the punishment, what new spiritual power will He bestow on those who turn again to Him?
a. A new heart. "I will give them an heart to know Me, that I am the Lord: and they shall be My people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto Me with their whole heart." Jeremiah 24:7. (See also Ezekiel 36:26, 27.)
b. The Holy Spirit. "Repent, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38.
11. How will true repentance manifest itself in the life?
"Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance." Matthew 3:8.
"There can be no repentance without reformation. Repentance is a change of mind; reformation is a corresponding change of life." Dr. Raleigh.
"All preachers and others concerned in `revivals,' should not forget to demand, not merely an emotional repentance, but the solid fruits-which alone guarantee the worth of the emotion." Dr. Ian Maclaren.
"It seems to me that a great deal of what is called, and in a sense is, evangelical teaching, fails to represent the full counsel of God, in the matter of man's redemption, because it puts a one-sided emphasis on faith, and slurs over the accompanying idea of repentance." - Alexander Maclaren.
12. How widely did Jesus intend the gospel of repentance to be preached after His departure?
"Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Luke 24:47.
13. How earnestly did the Apostle Paul fulfil the gospel commission?
"Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 20:21.
14. What reward had he for his labor?
"Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you sorrowed to repentance." 2 Corinthians 7:9.
15. What are God's ministers today exhorted to do?
"In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth." 2 Timothy 2:25.
1. WHO only has the right to remit punishment and forgive sin?
"I, even I, am He that blotted out thy transgressions." Isaiah 43:25.
2. How ready is God to exercise His mercy toward the sinner?
"And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, . . . keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving, iniquity and transgression and sin." Exodus 34: 6, 7.
3. What necessity did God's holiness impose upon His mercy?
"Without shedding of blood is no remission." Hebrews 9:22.
4. By whom have the conditions of forgiveness been met?
"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man [Jesus] is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins." Acts 13:38.
5. How did Jesus make forgiveness possible?
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." Ephesians 1:7. "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin," 1 John 1:7.
"It is not enough to rely upon God's grace in general; we must build upon the grace of God in the blood of Jesus." - Count Zinzendorf.
6. By virtue of the sacrifice of Christ what is God willing to do for those who are convicted of sin?
"He looked upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light." Job 33:27,28.
7. How completely is God prepared to remove the guilt of sin?
"Come now, and let us reason together, said the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18.
"The pardon of a believer's sin is an entire pardon. It is the full pardon of all his sins. It were no pardon to him if it were not an entire pardon. If it were but a partial blotting out of the thick cloud-if it were but a forgiveness of some sins only-then the gospel were no glad tidings to his soul. Tell him that the atonement which Jesus offers is a full satisfaction for his sins." O. Winslow in "The Atonement."
8. How far Will He remove our transgressions from us?
"As far as the east is from the west so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12.
9. What does He further say concerning the remembrance of sin?
"I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." Hebrews 8: 12.
"So fathomless are the depths of the sea of atoning blood, which Christ has poured out, that in it are cast, never to be found again, all the sins of the believer." O. Winslow in "The Atonement."
10. How supremely blessed, therefore, is the forgiven sinner?
"Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." Romans 4:7, 8. (See also Psalm 32: 1, 2.)
11. Believing the promises of God, for what did the psalmist pray?
"Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to Thy mercy remember Thou me for Thy goodness' sake, O Lord." Psalm 25:7. (See also verse 18.)
12. How did he testify to the forgiveness of his sins?
"I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and Thou forgave the iniquity of my sin." Psalm 32:5.
13. For what does Jesus encourage believers confidently to pray?
"And forgive us our sins." Luke 11:4.
14. Is there any sin which God will not forgive?
"Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall he forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto, men." Matthew 12:31. (See also verse 32.)
15. What makes this sin unpardonable?
"And when He [the Spirit of God] is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." John 16: 8.
If the sinner refuses to be convicted of sin by rejecting the Spirit's pleading, obviously there can be no pardon; for there is no other messenger of mercy to follow.
16. If we claim forgiveness from God how should we relate ourselves to those who wrong us?
"Be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32. (See also Colossians 3:12, 13.)
17. Should there be any limit to our forgiveness of others?
"Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus said unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." Matthew 18:21,22.
1. WHAT solemn charge is made against all men without exception?
"All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23. (See also Romans 3:10-12.)
2. To what penalty, therefore, are all subject through transgression?
"The wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23.
3. In view of man's inability to justify himself in the. sight of God's law, what wonderful provision has God made available?
"Therefore is by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." Romans 5: 18.
"All the heathen religions teach men to work their way up to God; but the religion of Jesus Christ is God coming down to men to save them, and to lift them up out of the pit of sin." D. L. Moody.
4. Through whom does this imputed righteousness come?
"You are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:11. "In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory." Isaiah 45:25.
5. To what name is Jesus, therefore, entitled?
"In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." Jeremiah 23:6.
6. How did Jesus effect this wonderful transaction on behalf of the sinner?
"By His knowledge shall My righteous Servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities." Isaiah 53:11.
7. By what act in particular is the sinner justified?
"Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Romans 5:9.
8. Through the merits of Christ's righteousness what is God prepared to impute to the sinner?
"Even as David also described the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputed righteousness without works." Romans 4:6.
9. How may we avail ourselves of this proffered salvation?
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved." Acts 16: 3 1. "But to him that worked not, but believes on Him that justified the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Romans 4:5. (See also Romans 1:17.)
10. Why do many who hear the offer of grace fail' to appropriate its blessings?
"The Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." Hebrews 4: 2.
11. How impossible is our justification apart from faith?
"But without faith it is impossible to Please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11: 6.
12. Through what medium does this faith come?
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17.
13. Have works, then, any place in the obtaining of salvation?
"Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. . Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." Romans 3: 27, 28.
"If the article of justification be once lost, then is all true Christian doctrine lost." "He then that strayed from this `Christian righteousness,' must needs fall into the `righteousness of the law'; that is to say, when he has lost Christ, he must fall into the confidence of his own works." "Luther on Galatians," Pages 136, 148.
14. Is the law then set aside by faith?
"Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yes, we establish the law." Romans 3:31.
15. What purpose does the law serve in the plan of salvation by faith?
"By the law is the knowledge of sin." Romans 3:20. "The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." Galatians 3:24.
16. What is the only work we can do?
"Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that you believe on Him whom He has sent." John 6: 28, 29.
"Faith is not our righteousness, it is accounted to us in order to righteousness, but not as righteousness; for in that case it would be a work like any other doing of man, and as such would be incompatible with the righteousness of the Son of God; the `righteousness which is by faith.' Faith does not justify us as a work, or as a moral act, or a piece of goodness, nor as a gift of the Spirit, but simply because it is the bond between us and the substitute." - Dr. Horatius Bonar.
17. Who is the chief example of justification by faith?
"For what said the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." Romans 4:3. (See also verses 11, 16.)
18. With whom do believers, therefore, associate themselves?
"Know you therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham." Galatians 3: 7.
19. From what is man delivered by justification?
"Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hanged on a tree." Galatians 3: 13.
20. How completely is the sinner freed from the condemnation of the law?
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk `not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1.
21. Need the justified sinner fear condemnation from any source?
"Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justified." Romans 8:33.
22. Into what happy state are we brought through justification?
a. Peace with God. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1.
b. Son ship. "For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:26.
c. Right of access to God. "In whom we have boldness and access [to God] with confidence by the faith of Him." Ephesians 3: 12.
23. What further glorious possibilities does justification open up to us?
a. Eternal life. "Being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:7.
b. Eternal glory. "Whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified." Romans 8:30.
c. Eternal inheritance. "That they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me." Acts 26:18. (See also Hebrews 9:15.)
24. For what, therefore, should we earnestly seek?
"And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." Philippians 3:9.
"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by
night." And to his prejudiced but inquiring mind was opened the all-important fact of the new birth.
1. WHAT qualification is absolutely essential to an entrance into the kingdom of God?
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3: 3.
2. How incredible did regeneration appear to Nicodemus?
"Nicodemus said unto Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" John 3: 4.
3. By what illustration did Jesus explain the nature of the new birth?
"The wind blows where it lists, and thou hears the sound thereof, but can not tell whence it comes, and whither it goes: so is everyone that is born of the Spirit." John 3:8.
4. How does Paul describe the process of death and regeneration?
a. Crucified with Christ. "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:6.
b. Raised with Him. "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has He quickened, together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses." Colossians 2:13.
5. What terms are used of the new birth to indicate the various co-operating factors by which it is brought about?
"Born of God." 1 John 3:9. "Born of the Spirit." John 3:8. "Quickened [made alive] together with Christ." Ephesians 2:5. "Born again by the Word of God." 1 Peter 1:23.
6. By what is this regeneration of the believer symbolized?
"Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Romans 6:3,4.
7. How completely is the believer's new life in Christ dissociated from the old life of sin?
"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17.
8. Of what new nature do we become partakers through regeneration?
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4.
9. In what vivid way does Paul describe the new life of the believer?
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2: 20.
Years after the conversion of Augustine, he was met by an associate of his earlier dissolute days. "It is l," said the temptress to Augustine. "But it is not I," Augustine replied. He had been born again. The old "I" was dead. He was a new man in Christ.
10. How is the Spirit associated with the regenerated life?
"But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you." Romans 8: 9. (See also verses 10-14.)
11. What profound -changes are effected in the life of the regenerated believer?
a. A new heart and spirit. "I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you." Ezekiel 11: 19.
b. A new mind. "Be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12: 2.
12. In what ways will the new nature Manifest itself?
a. New affections. "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit." Romans 8:5.
b. New love for the law of God. "I delight in the law of God after the inward man." Romans 7:22.
c. New love for fellow men. "We know' that we have passed from. death unto life, because we love the brethren." 1 John 3: 14.
13. What purpose has God in mind in regenerating the sinner?
"And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall keep My judgments, and do them." Ezekiel 36:27.
14. For what, therefore, does God look in the-life of the regenerated sinner?
"We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2: 10. (See also Romans 8:4.)
"If I am to follow such as He, I must be born again and born different. A new birth is a necessary beginning for this new life." Stanley Jones in "The Christ of the Indian Road," page 197.
15. By what visible test may we determine whether we are born of God?
"If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone that does righteousness is born of Him." 1 John 2:29. "And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." 1 John 2:3. (See also verses 4-6.)
1. WHAT is necessary to fellowship?
"Can two walk together, except they be agreed." Amos 3:3.
2. Why is fallen man separated from God?
"Thou has hid Thy face from us, and has consumed us, because of our iniquities." Isaiah 64:7.
3. How did God associate Himself with Jesus in seeking to bring about a reconciliation with man?
"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them." 2 Corinthians 5:19.
4. By what act was reconciliation made possible?
"And you, that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has, He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamable and unreprovable in His sight." Colossians 1: 21, 22.
5. On what basis is the sinner received back again into fellowship with God?
"To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He has made us accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1: 6.
6. What other term is applied to this work of reconciliation?
"And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." Romans 5:11.
7. Having provided in Christ the Mediator, how has God made known His gracious offer?
"All things are of God, who has reconciled us, to Himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5: 18. (See also verse 19.)
8. What appeal, therefore, does Paul make to his readers?
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be you reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20.
9. Into what close relationship with God does reconciliation bring us?
"I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, said the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6: 17, 18.
10. By adoption into the family of God what new relationship obtains between us and Christ?
"For both He that sanctified and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren." Hebrews 2: 11.
11. To what does Paul compare this fellowship of believers?
"Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." Ephesians 2: 19.
12. What witness have we that we have been adopted into the family of God?
"The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Romans 8: 16.
13. Because the family relationship does not fully suggest the union between Christ and the believer, what further illustration does Paul use?
"Know you not that your bodies are the members of Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:15. (See also Ephesians 5: 30.)
"Everything depends upon a man's union with a living, present Savior. In the absence of that union, even the gospel of the cross loses its saving efficacy. Atonement remains impersonal and largely irrelevant until we make contact with the One who atones." - J. S. Stewart in "A Man in Christ."
14. Being united with God and Christ, what relationship obtains between individual believers?
"We, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." Romans 12:5.
(See also 1 Corinthians 12: 20, 25-27.)15. What will characterize the life of the reconciled sinner?
"And he that keeps His commandments dwells in Him, and He in him." 1 John 3: 24.
"I am now one with Christ, that is to say, Christ's righteousness, victory, and life are mine."- Luther.
16. What would belie our fellowship with God?
"If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth." 1 John 1: 6.
"Continuance in sin is impossible for the justified man, because of our union with Christ in His death and life." - Dr. Griffith Thomas.
17. If we continue faithful, how fully will our union with God and with Christ be made manifest?
"At that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you." John 14: 20.
18. What glorious prospect will then open up to us through son ship?
"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ." Romans 8:17.
1. IN what striking words does Paul summarize the two essential features of the plan of salvation?
"Who gave Himself for us, that He, might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2:14.
2. To what high standard of righteousness are the redeemed to rise?
"Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:11. (See also Colossians 1: 28.)
3. In what other striking way has God declared His high aim for the redeemed?
"You shall be holy; for I am holy." Leviticus 1l:44. (See also 1 Peter 1:16.)
"Our main doctrines which include all the rest, are repentance, faith, and holiness. The first of these we account, as it were, the porch of religion; the next, the door; the third, religion itself." John Wesley, quoted in "Makers of Freedom," by S. Eddy, Page, pages 137, 138.
4. Who only may hope to inherit eternal blessedness?
"Not everyone that said unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of My Father which is in heaven." Matthew 7:21.
5. Why is righteousness so necessary to association with God?
"Righteousness and judgment are the habitation of His throne." Psalm 97:2.
6. Can the justified believer hope to attain unto this righteousness of life in his own strength?
"Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?" Galatians 3: 3.
7. Tot whom, then, must he look for its attainment?
"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." Philippians 2:12, 13.
It has been well said, "Man needs a power outside of and above himself to restore him to the likeness of God. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before man can be changed from sin to holiness."
8. How is this divine righteousness appropriated?
"And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." Philippians 3: 9.
9. By what process does God implant His own righteousness in the believer?
a. By writing the law in the heart. "But this shall be the covenant that 1 will make with the house of Israel; after those days, said the Lord, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts." Jeremiah 31:33. (See also Hebrews 8:10.)
b. By implanting divine power for its observance. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature." 2 Peter 1:4. (See also Galatians 2: 20; 1 Corinthians 6: 19.)
"The precious theme of `Christ in us' should be preached as well, as `the glory of Christ for us.' "- Bishop Moule.
10. How will the law written in the heart of the believer express itself through the indwelling power of Christ?
"What the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:3,4.
"It never can be that this efficacy and life of faith can be in anyone, without its causing him to continue in good works, and to bring forth fruit unto God." "Faith works so effectively, is such a living spring and powerful energy in the heart, that it cannot remain inactive, but must break forth into works."- Luther.
11. Of what is this righteousness in the Christian's life an evidence?
"Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." 1 John 2:3.
"Tell us not merely what a man says in religion: tell us rather what he does." - Bishop J. C. Ryle.
12. Of what will transgression be an evidence?
"Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, has not God." 2 John 9.
"The demand for righteous living, as the only test of religious emotion is fully Christian." - Dr. Ian Alaclaren.
13. What two apparently contradictory statements are thus shown to be entirely in harmony?
"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." Romans 3:28 "You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." James 2:24.
We are justified by faith only, for there is nothing that we can do to commend ourselves to God. But becoming thereby partakers of the "divine nature" the "righteousness of the law" is "fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit," and the works of the Spirit bear witness to the regeneration which has taken place. If such "works" are not manifest, doubt is cast upon the reality of the claim to inward change. "We are not justified by keeping the law; we keep the law because we are justified."-H. M. Hughes in "Christian Foundations," Page 169,
14. How does James say Abraham's faith was made manifest?
"See thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made Perfect." James 2:22.
15. What reply does he make to those who claim to have faith and yet do not reveal it visibly in their lives?
"What does it profit, my brethren, though a man say he has faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?" James 2:14. "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." Verse 26.
16. For what did Paul look as a result of his preaching?
"But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith." Romans 16:26.
This expression is in other versions rendered, "For obedience to the faith," and "unto obedience of faith." "Obedience of faith is the obedience which characterizes and proceeds from faith." Vincent.
17. Were such results forthcoming?
"And the Word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7.
18. What two marks are particularly mentioned as characteristic of the remnant people of God in the last days?
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:12.
19. To whom only will access be given to the tree of life in the heavenly Jerusalem?
"Blessed are they that de His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Revelation 22:14.
SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON. Gave Him both to feel our need and to be the channel through which the Father's love could reach and rescue us.
Our PHYSICAL need touched His heart, and He "went about doing good, and healing all that wore oppressed of the devil." Acts 10:38.
Our SOCIAL ills were ministered to when at the home of Mary and Martha He placed spiritual and material things in right perspective. "Seek you first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you, was again revealed as the foundation of happy relationships in the home and society. Luke 10:38-42; Matthew 6:33.
And our SPIRITUAL need, closely linked with physical and social, was abundantly supplied when, "while we wore yet sinners, Christ died for us." Now, "much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." Romans 5:8,10.
1. WHAT threefold authority does God exercise over mankind?
"For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us." Isaiah 33:22. (See also James 4:12.)
2. How has He summarized the principles of His moral government?
"And the Lord spoke unto you out of the midst of the fire: you heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only you heard a voice. And He declared unto you. His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even Ten Commandments." Deuteronomy 4:12, 13. (Read Exodus 20:2-17.)
"The first table containing the first, second, third, and fourth commandments, and comprehending the reverence we owe, and the religious service, we should render to Him. The second, containing the six last commandments, and comprehending a complete system of ethics, or moral duties which man owes to his fellows. By this division, the first table contains our duty to God; the, second, our duty to our neighbor." - Dr. Adam Clarke.
3. In what way did God distinguish the Ten Commandments from the other laws He later gave to Moses?
a. Written on tablets of stone. "He wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me." Deuteronomy 5:22.
b. Placed in the ark. "And thou shall put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee." Exodus 2 5: 16. "And thou shall-put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shall put the testimony that I shall give thee." Verse 21.
4. By what special names are the Ten Commandments designated?
a. His law. "And the Lord said unto Moses, will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and, commandments which I have written." Exodus 24:12.
b. His testimony. "And He gave unto Moses two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God." Exodus 31:18.
c. His covenant. "And He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even Ten Commandments; and He wrote them upon two tables of stone." Deuteronomy 4:13.
5. What further statement indicates that the Ten Commandments were a complete and indivisible code?
"These words the Lord spoke unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and He added no more." Deuteronomy 5: 22.
6. How perfect an expression are they of the will of God?
"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. Psalm 19:7, 8. "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." Romans 7:12.
"The law of God is a, divine law-holy, heavenly, perfect. There is not a command too many; there is not one too few; but it is so incomparable that its perfection is a proof of its divinity." -Spurgeon's "Sermons," page 280.
7. How complete an epitome of man's duty to God do they provide?
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13.
"It is so brief that our children can easily learn it by rote, yet so complete that it includes all duty, the combination of religion with morality in thought, word, and deed." - H. E. Govan, MA, in "Ten Imperishable Words," page 13.
8. What reward does God promise to the obedient?
"In keeping of them there is great reward." Psalm 19: 11. (See also Psalm 119:165.)
9. Conversely how does He regard the breach of His commandments?
As sin. "Whosoever commits sin transgressed also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." 1 John 3: 4.
10. What purposes. then does the law serve?
a. Standard of righteousness. "And knows His will, being instructed out of the law." Romans 2:18. (See also Psalm 119:142, 172.)
b. Reveals any lapse from obedience. "By the law is the knowledge of sin." Romans 3:20.
"There is a power of life and death in them. They either quicken the sin and kill the sinner, or quicken the sinner and kill the sin. And the quickening, for the sinner is through Christ and His cross." - H. E. Govan, MA, in "Ten Imperishable Words," page 15.
11. Of what commandment is the first recorded sin in the Bible a breach?
Covetousness (tenth commandment). "And when the-woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant, to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the' fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat." Genesis 3: 6.
12. For what was Cain condemned?
Murder (sixth commandment). "Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother," 1 John 3: 12. (See Genesis 4: 7, 10, 1 l.)
13. What conspicuous sin of the antediluvian world is specially mentioned?
Adultery (seventh commandment). "The sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose." Genesis 6: 2.
14. What sins are singled out for particular mention in patriarchal days?
Lying (ninth commandment) Genesis 12:13; stealing (eighth commandment) Genesis 30:33; dishonor to parents, (fifth commandment) Genesis 44:25-34; idolatry and image-worship (first and second commandments) Genesis 31:19.
15. Who, however, received the approbation of God for obedience?
"Because that Abraham obeyed My voice, and kept My charge. My commandments, My statutes, and My laws." Genesis 26: 5.
16. What commandment did some of the Israelites flagrantly break before the giving of the law at Sinai?
Sabbath (fourth commandment). "And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather [manna], and they found none. And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse you to keep My commandments and My laws?" Exodus 16: 27, 28. From these instances it is clear that the Ten-Commandment code has been God's standard of judgment from the very beginning. At Sinai it was written down in permanent form and given into the keeping of Israel to be passed on by them to succeeding generations.
17. Did Jesus intend the gospel to supersede the Ten Commandment code?
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he' shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:17-19.
"Jesus never condemned the law and the prophets, but He did condemn those who did not obey them. Because He gave new commandments, it does not follow that He abolished the old. Christ's explanation of them made them all the more searching. In His sermon on the mount, He carried the principles of the commandments beyond the mere letter. He unfolded them and showed that they embraced more, that they are positive as well as prohibitive." - Revelation Dwight L. Moody in "Weighed and Wanting," page 15.
18. What did He declare to be the only way of life?
"If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Matthew 19:17.
19. In what striking way did Jesus summarize and re-emphasize the Ten Commandments?
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:37-40.
"If you love God with all your heart, you must keep the first table; and if you love your neighbor as yourself, you must keep the second table."-C. H. Spurgeon.
"Every breach of the Ten Commandments is a violation of love. Every breach of law is due to a lack of love." - Dr. G. Campbell Morgan in "The Ten Commandments," pages 120, 126.
20. How did Paul emphasize the continued obligation of obedience to God's moral law by the Christian?
"Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid, yes, we establish the law." Romans 3:31. "Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of' God." 1 Corinthians 7:19.
"The law of God, in its great and solemn injunctions, should be distinctly set forth. Our congregations should be gathered as around the base of Mount Sinai, while from its summit is heard the voice of God in those commandments which are unalterable and eternal in their character."-Bishop Matthew Simpson in "Lectures on Preaching," Lecture 4, page 128.
21. What did James regard as the supreme standard of the Christian life?
"So speak you, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty." James 2:12. "If you fulfil the royal law you do well: but if you have respect to persons, you commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors." James 2:8,9.
22. What special marks will characterize the remnant church of God in the last days?
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:12.
"There must be many who agree with me that. the kind of revival which we need supremely is a revival of the Ten Commandments."-Dr. John Hutton in the British Weekly.
"I think that a large part of our trouble today is due to the fact that we neglect the, commandments' of God."-Revelation H. R. L. Sheppard.
"What we need today is an inculcation of the immortal lessons of the Ten Commandments and the sermon on the mount. This is the surest antidote to stem the rising tide of lawlessness." - J. Edgar Hoover, America's G-men chief, in New York Herald Tribune.
"The plight of our times is due to the breaking of the commandments, and only when men order their social and individual lives in accordance with God's law, as revealed in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the incarnate life of Jesus Christ, will peace, justice, and reason be established in the earth."- John Drewett in "The Ten Commandments in the Twentieth Century," page 13.
23. Against whom does Satan manifest special enmity?
"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Revelation 12: 17.
24. Who only will be permitted to partake of the tree of life in the paradise of God?
"Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Revelation 22:14. (See also Matthew 7:2l.)
25. Why will the wicked be excluded from the privilege of salvation?
"Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not Thy statutes." Psalm 119: 15 5.
26. How long will God's moral code continue to be a standard of righteousness?
"All His commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever." Psalm 111:7,8. (See also Matthew 5:18; Luke 16:17.)
1. BESIDE the Ten-Commandment code, what other laws did God give to ancient Israel?
"Be you therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that you turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left." Joshua 23:6. (See also Deuteronomy 5:31,32.)
2. Of what did these other laws consist?
"Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offerings for sin which are offered by the law." Hebrews 10: 8.
3. In what way did the ceremonial laws differ from the moral law of the Ten Commandments?
"For the law [of sacrifices] a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things." Hebrews 10:1.
4. To what did these sacrifices point forward?
"Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." Colossians 2:17. "The next day John sees Jesus coming unto him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away- the sin of the world." John 1:29.
"What the ceremonial law obscurely typified, the prophets more plainly predicted. Both pointed to the coming Messiah. The daily sacrifices of the one, and the successive utterances of the other, pointed to `the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.' " - H. Grattan Guinness, DD, in "Creation Centered in Christ," pages 31, 32.
5. In contrast with the moral law, how transient were the ceremonial ordinances to be?
"Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation." Hebrews 9: 10.
6. How was the difference in permanency between the ceremonial and moral laws emphasized?
"Moses made an end of writing the words of this law in a book." Deuteronomy 31:24. "And He gave unto Moses two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God." Exodus 31:18. (See also Exodus 32: 15, 16.)
7. As a further distinction between them and the Ten Commandments, where were the ceremonial laws deposited?
"Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee." Deuteronomy 31:26. (Compare Deuteronomy 10:1-8.)
8. Who definitely foretold the end of the ceremonial laws?
Daniel. "And He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease." Daniel 9:27.
9. On what occasion' did Jesus also expressly state that the temple service would one day end?
"Jesus said unto her, Woman, believe Me, the hour comes, when you shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father." John 4:21.
10. How was the ceremonial system brought to an end?
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way nailing it to His cross." Colossians 2:14. "Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace." Ephesians 2:15.
In his Shorter Catechism, Luther writes:
"Question. Are we under obligation to keep the ceremonial or church law of the Jews? "Answer. No; the ordinances which it enjoined were only types and shadows of Christ; and when they were fulfilled by His death, the ceremonial law was abolished, because it was no longer necessary." - Edition 1834, page 16.
11. By what startling event was its termination indicated?
"Jesus, when He had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent." Matthew 27:50,51.
12. How did the Apostle Peter urge believers to recognize the abolition of the ceremonial law?
"Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them, and be established in the present truth." 2 Peter 1:12.
13. Because the apostles taught that the ceremonial law was abrogated by the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God, what charge did the priests make against them?
"And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceases not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us." Acts 6:13,14. "This fellow persuaded men to worship God contrary to the law." Acts 18:13.
14. What did Paul declare to be the only law to which the believer now owes a debt of obedience?
"Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God ["obedience to God's commandments is everything." Weymouth's translation]. 1 Corinthians 7: 19.
Through the centuries before the death of our Lord, the sacrificial lambs testified to God's promise in Christ the Lamb of God: "Though your sins be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18; John 1:29.
1. How was Christ's attitude to the law of God prophetically revealed?
"He will magnify the law, and make it honorable." Isaiah 42:21. (See also Psalm 40:7, 8.)
2. By what declaration did Jesus fulfil this and other prophecies concerning His relation to the law?
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." Matthew 5: 17. (Read verses 18-48.)
"It is worthy of observation that the Hebrew word gamar among the Rabbins, signifies not only to fulfil, but also to teach. And, consequently, we may infer that our Lord intimated that the law and the prophets were still to be taught or inculcated by Him and His disciples; and this He and they have done in the most pointed manner." - Dr. Adam Clarke.
3. How are those who depreciate the law of God regarded by Jesus?
"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:19.
4. On the other hand who are approved in God's sight?
"But whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:19.
5. What standard of righteousness did Jesus actually demand of His disciples?
"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:20.
6. Did Jesus also urge obedience to the ceremonial law?
"And Jesus said unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them." Matthew 8:4.
7. How did He regard those who set up the commandments of men in place of the laws of God?
"But He answered and said unto them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" Matthew 15:3. (See also verses 4-6.)
8. While Jesus taught the obligation of both moral and ceremonial laws during His ministry, what was it prophetically declared He would do on the cross?
"He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease." Daniel 9:27.
9. What comment does Paul make on the termination of the sacrificial system?
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross." Colossians 2: 14.
10. What evidence have we that some Christian teachers failed to recognize that Christ brought the ceremonial laws to an end?
"And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, and said, Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved." Acts 15: 1.
11. How did the apostles correct this false teaching?
"Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, You must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment." Acts 15:24.
12. When Jesus ended the ceremonial system by His death on the cross, did He also abrogate the moral law?
"Do we then make void the [moral] law through faith? God forbid: yes, we establish the law." Romans 3:31.
"Neither of them supersedes the other, but they agree perfectly well together. There is, therefore, the closest connection that can be conceived between the law and the gospel. On the one hand the law continually makes way for, and points us to, the gospel; on the other, the gospel continually leads us to a more exact fulfilling of the law." "Sermons of John Wesley," Volume I, page 223.
13. What does the moral law still demand of the believer?
"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." Romans 6:22.
"The ritual or ceremonial law, delivered by Moses to the children of Israel, containing all the injunctions and ordinances which related to the old sacrifices and service of the temple, our Lord indeed did come to destroy, to dissolve, and utterly abolish. But the moral law contained in the Ten Commandments, and enforced by the prophet, He did not take away. It was not the design of His coming to revoke any part of this. This is a law which never can, be broken, which stands -fast as the faithful witness in heaven. The moral law stands on an entirely different foundation from the ceremonial or ritual law. Every part of this law must remain in force upon all mankind and in all ages. As not depending either on time, or place, or any other circumstance liable to change: but on the nature of God, and the nature of man, and their unchangeable relation to each other." - John Wesley in "Sermons on Several Occasions," Sermon 25, pages 221, 222.
14. How perfect a conformity to the moral law is required of the Christian?
"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." James 2:10.
"Men are apt to think that if there be Ten Commandments, of which they obey nine, such obedience will be put to their credit, even though they break the tenth. That, however, is to misunderstand God's purpose of perfection for man, and the consequent perfection of His law. The Ten Words of Sinai were not ten separate commandments, having no reference to each other. They were ten sides of the one law of God. The teaching of Jesus reveals the fact that these commandments are so interrelated that if he offends in one point he breaks the unity of the law." - G. Campbell Morgan in "The Ten Commandments," page 11.
15. How is this righteousness made possible in the life of the forgiven sinner?
"God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:3,4.
16. How will the believers love to God be made manifest?
"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5:3.
"The moral law is still regulative for the life of the man to whom divine grace has brought forgiveness. He has now a new spirit inborn which makes obedience sweet, and a new moral strength to which the commandments of God are no longer grievous; and to that extent there is a vast difference between the standpoint of grace and the standpoint of mere law. But nothing that happens in heaven or in earth can ever bring about a state of things in which the law of God, the moral law, shall have ceased to be the rule of a man's life. So we, being none the less men now that we have become Christians have still to do with the Ten Commandments, the Ten Words of Sinai. They are the conduct of morals. They are the alphabet of duty. They are the Abiding Law." - J. Aitken, MA, in "The Abiding Law," page 12.
God's new covenant is not based on the fallible promises of men.
1. WHAT term is used of God's relations with His children?
"This is My covenant unto them." Romans 11:27.
2. Upon what fundamental basis is God's covenant relationship with man established?
"Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments." Deuteronomy 7: 9.
3. What special test, therefore, did God give our parents in Eden?
"Of every tree of the garden thou may freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shall not eat of it: for in the day- that thou eats thereof thou shall surely die." Genesis 2:16,17.
4. When sin separated man from God what new covenant basis did He promise?
"I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her Seed; It shall bruise thy head, and thou shall bruise His heel." Genesis 3:15.
In this sentence pronounced on the serpent, God promised through Christ to restore that which man had lost through disobedience.
5. Because mankind, as a whole, refused God's covenant of grace, what was He compelled to do?
"And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repented Me that I have made them." Genesis 6:7.
6. Who found grace in His sight and what promise was made to him?
"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." Genesis 6:8. "And, behold, I establish My covenant with you, and with your seed after you." Genesis 9: 9.
7. To whom, in a later day, did God confirm His covenant of grace?
"The Lord appeared to Abraham, and said unto him, I will establish My covenant between Me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant." Genesis 17:1-7.
8. What was the basis of this covenant between God and Abraham and to whom would it ultimately be extended?
"That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we Might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." Galatians 5:14. (See also Genesis 22:16-18.)
9. By what name, therefore, was the covenant of grace described?
"And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed." Galatians 3:8.
10. At the beginning of Israel's national existence how did God announce the basis of His covenant with them?
"And He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even Ten Commandments; and He wrote them upon two tables of stone." Deuteronomy 4:13.
11. Upon what was the continuance of this covenant relationship dependent?
"Now therefore, if you will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then you shall be' a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine." Exodus 19:5.
12. Did God intend, however, that Israel's obedience should be in their own strength?
"And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ [that is, the covenant with Abraham], the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect." Galatians 3:17.
In other words, Israel from the beginning might have been under the covenant of grace, keeping the commandments of God through the power of faith.
13. What serious mistake, however, did the great majority of Israel make?
"For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." Romans 10:3.
"The people did not realize the sinfulness of their own hearts, and that without Christ it was impossible for them to keep God's law; and they readily entered into covenant with God. Feeling that they were able to establish their own righteousness, they declared, `All that the Lord has said `we will do, and be obedient.' Exodus 24: 7." - R G. White in "Patriarchs and Prophets," page 358.
14. How was this covenant with Israel ratified?
"When Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, This is the blood of the testament which God has enjoined unto you." Hebrews 9: 19, 20.
15. How quickly was the frailty of Israel's promises revealed?
Within forty days. "UP, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him." Exodus 32:1. (See also Deuteronomy 9:11,12.)
16. What statement of Jeremiah's centuries later in the history of Israel, reveals that the nation as a whole never did learn the lesson of faith?
"They have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them." Jeremiah 22: 9.
17. How reluctant, however, was God to abandon Israel?
"And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break My covenant with them: for I am the Lord their God." Leviticus 26: 44.
18. Because it was useless to give Israel further opportunity on the old self-imposed basis, what became necessary?
"For if that first covenant had been faultless then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, He said, Behold, the days come, said the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah." Hebrews 8: 7, 8. (Read also verse 6.)
The fault was in the frailty of Israel's promises. God therefore established the new covenant upon "better" promises, namely, God's promises in Christ.
| Attribute | The Ten Commandments | The Ceremonial Law |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Spoken By | God, Deuteronomy 4:12 | Moses, Leviticus 1:1-3 |
| 2. Written By | God, Exodus 31:18 | Moses, Deuteronomy 10:3,4; 31:9 |
| 3. Written On | Stone, Exodus 31:18 | Paper, Deuteronomy 10:3,4; 31:24 |
| 4. Inside Ark | Yes, Deuteronomy 10:1-5 | No, Deuteronomy 31:26 |
| 5. Complete? | Yes, Deuteronomy 5:22 | No, Leviticus 1:1-3, 4:1-3 |
| 6. Eternal? | Yes, Psalm 111:7,8 | No, Hebrews 7:12 |
| 7. Good? | Yes, Romans 7:12 | No, Colossians 2:14 |
| 8. Points Out? | Sin, 1 John 3:4 | Savior, Leviticus 4:27- 31, John 1:29 |
| 9. Obey? | Yes, Matthew 5:19 | No, Acts 15:24 |
| 10. Spiritual? | Yes, Romans 7:14 | No, Hebrews 7:16 |
| 11. Perfect | Yes, Psalm 19:7 | No, Hebrews 7:19 |
| 12. Liberty | Yes, James 2:11,12 | No, Galatians 5:1 |
| 13. Delight | Yes, Psalm 119:17,77 | No, Acts 15:10 |
| 14. Christ Upheld | Yes, Isaiah 42:21 | No, Ephesians 2:15 |
| 15. Till Eternity | Yes, Matthew 5:18 | No, Galatians 3:19 |
| 16. Our Standard? | Yes, James 2:8-12 | No, Colossians 3:16,17 |
| 17. Sabbath Began | Creation, Exodus 20:8-11 | Sinai, Leviticus 23:24 |
| 18. Sabbath Began | Before Sin, Genesis 2:1-3 | After Sin, Leviticus 23:24 |
| The Law Of God | The Law Of Moses |
| 1 Chronicles 16:40, 22:12. | Joshua 8:31,34; 22:5; 23:6 |
| 2 Chronicles 12:1; 17:9; 31:3,4 | 1 Kings 2:3 |
| Ezra 7:10,12, 21, 26 | 2 Kings 14:6; 21:8; 23:25 |
| Nehemiah 8:18; 10:28,29 | 2 Chronicles 23:18; 25:4; 30:16 |
| Psalm 1:2; 19:7; 37:31; 40:8 | Ezra 3:2; 7:6 |
| Psalm 78:1; 81:4; 89:30; 119:1-176 | Nehemiah 8:8 |
19. What, therefore, did God offer to do for the responsive ones?
"Behold, the days come, said the Lord, that 1 will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God." Jeremiah 31: 31-33.
20. Was this "second" covenant "new" in the sense of being different from any previous covenant?
No, it was the covenant of grace in Christ made with our first parents in Eden and renewed to Noah and to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but set aside by Israel through self-confidence at Sinai.
21. In view of this new covenant how is the Sinai covenant henceforth designated?
"In that He said, A new covenant, He has made the first old. Now that which decayed and waxed old is ready to vanish away." Hebrews 8:13.
22. To whom was the new covenant extended in harmony with the promise to Abraham?
"That at that time you [the Gentiles] were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of Promise, now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Ephesians 2:12.
23. To whom, therefore, is the new covenant relationship now common?
"For He is our peace, who has made both [Jew and Gentile] one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us; now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." Ephesians 2:14-19.
24. Why is the new covenant so much better than the old?
"He [Jesus] is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." Hebrews 8: 6.
It is based not on the fallible promises of man but upon the sure promises of God which are "yes and amen in Christ Jesus."
25. By what better sacrifice was the new covenant ratified?
"And [He took] the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in MY blood, even that which is poured out for you." Luke 22:20, RV.
26. What better provision did God offer whereby the new covenant relationship might be maintained?
"Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart." 2 Corinthians 3:3.
27. What does the new covenant in Christ make possible to all who receive it?
a. Perfect conformity with the will of God. "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ." Hebrews 13:20, 21.
b. The reception of an eternal inheritance. "For this cause He [Christ] is the Mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament [covenant], they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." Hebrews 9:15.
1. WITH what affirmation does God preface the Ten Commandments?
"And God spoke all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God." Exodus 20:1, 2.
2. Over how many does He claim sovereignty?
"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh." Jeremiah 32:27.
3. What can He not, therefore, tolerate?
"Thou shall have no other gods before Me." Exodus 20:3.
"The first commandment, `Thou shall have no other gods before Me,' is the keynote of the Christian religion. God must have no rivals in the life of the people. This is no academic question today."- Dr. John A. Mackay, president of Princeton Theological Seminary, in the New York Times.
4. On what grounds did God claim Israel's exclusive allegiance?
"I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage." Exodus 20: 2.
5. On what wider basis does God claim man's worship in a later (the fourth) commandment?
"For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is." Exodus 20:11. (Read verses 8-11.)
6. Beside His creative and sustaining activity in the earth, are there any other grounds on which God has a right to demand worship?
"Exalt you the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool; for He is holy." Psalm 99:5. "I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy loving-kindness and for Thy truth." Psalm 138:2.
7. How wholehearted, then, should our worship be?
"And thou shall love the Lord thy God with all your heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." Deuteronomy 6:5. (See also Matthew 22:37.)
8. In spite of the fullness of God's revelation of Himself what perversions of worship have arisen?
"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things." Romans 1:21-23. "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever." Verse 25.
9. To what else beside created things upon the earth have men rendered worship?
"And lest thou lift up your eyes unto heaven, and when thou sees the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, should be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the Lord thy God has divided unto all nations under the whole heaven." Deuteronomy 4:19. (See verses 16-19.)
10. In what other way has worship also become perverted?
"Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind." Colossians 2:18.
With angel worship we may associate the worship of the Virgin Mary so `prominent in the Roman Catholic Church.
"The church, assisted-and instructed by the Holy Spirit, gives to Mary titles which resemble those given to her divine Son. Jesus is our King; Mary is our Queen. Jesus is our Advocate and Mediator; Mary is also our Advocate and Mediatrix. Jesus is our hope, our refuge, our consolation; we say the same of Mary. Jesus is the Way which leads to heaven; Mary is the gate of heaven." "Devotion of the Sacred Heart," page 43.
11. Though men may scorn the worship of the heavenly bodies, angels, saints, and the lower orders of creation, what may they make into gods?
a. Riches. "You cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6: 24.
"For mammon, we can write the name of any other god, or idol, or ideal, that we are in danger of worshipping, the god of power, or of wealth, or of security, or of pleasure, or of the praise of men."-Canon L. W. Grensted.
b. Desire for temporal things. "Covetousness, which is idolatry." Colossians 3:5.
"Every scheme of thought, every object of affection, which is not of Him, is a rival of His empire, a false god, a delusive appearance only, without solidity or truth."-Archdeacon Sinclair in Bishop Elliott's "Commentary."
c. Appetite. "Whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things." Philippians 3:19.
d. Worldly pleasures. "Lovers of Pleasures more than lovers of God." 2 Timothy 3:4.
e. Lust of power. "Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, but in his estate-shall he honor the god of forces." Daniel 11:37,38.
"In the utter misery and disintegration which has fallen upon post-war Central Europe, the superimposed Christian foundations seem to have settled into the abyss, and the ancient cults have come back from the depths, the cults of Blood and Race and Virility, the worship of Folk-hero, even the horrible glorification of cruelty." - Canon F. R. Barry in "What Has Christianity to Say?" page 69.
f. False philosophies. "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Colossians 2: 8.
The modern revolutionary political theories are essentially religions which have displaced the worship of the true God, As Dr. Keller,says: "As well as having their myths, these revolutions have their symbols, their prophets, their creeds, their rites, their martyrs, their mystical fascinations, their soteriology, their eschatology, the coming of judgment and a better world. - "Church and State on the European Continent," page 40.
12. Of what is all false worship a denial'?
"This also were an iniquity to be punished for I should have denied the God that is above." Job 31:28.
13. Having clearly revealed Himself to men, is there any admissible excuse for false worship?
"They are without excuse." Romans 1:20.
14. What estimate does Paul place upon the intelligence of the worshippers of created things?
"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." Romans 1:21, 22.
15. What special manifestations of idolatry would be seen in the last days?
"Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." 1 Timothy 4: 1.
16. In what will the idolatrous worship of the last days be finally concentrated?
"And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast?" Revelation 13: 4.
17. To counter this terrible apostasy what final appeal is to go forth to mankind?
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Revelation 14: 6, 7.
Today other idols are worshipped besides those in lands called heathen.
1. WHAT does the Bible declare concerning the nature of God?
"God is a Spirit." John 4: 24.
2. How only may He be worshipped?
"They that Worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." John 4: 24.
3. What is expressly forbidden in the second commandment?
`Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in-the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shall not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them." Exodus 20: 4, 5.
4. How do we know that the second commandment was not intended as a prohibition of sacred art?
"And thou shall make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shall thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat." Exodus 25: 18.
5. Wherein lay the breach of the commandment?
"Thou shall not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them." Exodus 20:5.
6. Have the true children of God found His invisibility a hindrance to worship?
"By faith Moses, endured, as seeing Him who is invisible." Hebrews 11: 23-27.
7. How utterly inadequate is any visible representation of God?
"As we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device." Acts 17: 29.
8. In making an image on what are the idol maker's thoughts really centered?
"He fits it with planes, and he makes it out with the compass, and makes it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man." Isaiah 44:13.
9. How much more impotent are idols than their makers?
"Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: they have ears, but they bear not: noses have they, but they smell not: they have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat." Psalm 115: 4-7.
10. How valueless, then, are images?
"We know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one." 1 Corinthians 8: 4.
11. How foolish are they that make and worship them?
"They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save." Isaiah 45: 20.
12. In spite of the prohibition of idolatry in both the Old. and New Testaments, what idolatrous practices arose and still continue in some professedly Christian churches?
a. Kissing of images, clothing, etc. "And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, all the men that sacrifice kiss the calves." Hosea 13: 2.
b. Offering incense to images. "And there stood before them [idols] seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up." Ezekiel 8: 11.
c. Genuflexions and prostrating before images. "He makes a god, and worships it; he makes it a graven image, and falls down thereto." Isaiah 44: 15.
d. Carrying images in procession. "They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he stands; from, his place shall he not remove: yes, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble." Isaiah 46: 7.
"By the church of the first four centuries image worship was condemned as an evil thing-derived from an evil origin. But with the conversion of the Roman Empire under Constantine a change set in. The church was forthwith deluged by crowds of half converted heathen, and not unnaturally these new converts brought with them many of their heathen practices into their newly adopted faith. Among these was image worship. From the sixth century onward the degradation of religion grew apace, till at last image worship was wholly in the ascendant, and Christians began to justify this worship by the very same arguments that the heathen themselves had used centuries earlier in its defense." - R. H. Charles, DD, in "The Ten Commandments," page 59.
13. How has the Roman Catholic Church admitted its guilt under the second commandment?
By omitting the second commandment from their catechisms and dividing the tenth into two parts to cover up the omission.
"There are twenty-nine catechisms in use in Rome and Italy, France, Belgium, Austria, Bavaria, Silesia, Poland, Ireland, England, Spain, and Portugal, in twenty-seven of which the second commandment is totally omitted: in two mutilated. "-Dr. McCaul quoted in "The Ten Commandments," by R. H. Charles, DD.
14. Though men may not bow down to images or sacred pictures how may they break the second commandment?
"Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart." Ezekiel 14: 3.
The original word is "eidolon," which means "idea" or "ideal," and represents a conception of the human mind. It may, therefore, be a false philosophy to which a man gives his acquiescence, and in which he trusts rather than in God. Science, evolution, education, reason, progress, civilization, humanism, all forms of state-worship and secular' idealisms are some of the "ideas" to which modern man is giving his allegiance today rather than to God.
"Today, we do not bow before gold, silver, wooden, or graven images, but some of us have substituted other images for them, and bend before our new idols. We must banish from the place of Jesus in our hearts anything that occupies that space reserved by God, no matter if it is family, husband, wife, child, lodge, or fraternity." Dr. Walter T. Taylor.
15. What influence has idolatry in any form upon those who participate in it?
"And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them." Psalm 106: 36.
"Enlisting the senses as allies of the Spirit is risky work. The history of all symbolic and ceremonial worship shows that the experiment is more likely to end in sensualizing religion than in spiritualizing sense. "-Alexander Maclaren.
16. What emotion, therefore, does idolatry arouse in the heart of God?
"Thou shall not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God." Exodus 20:5.
Divine jealousy bears no comparison with the sinful, hurnan emotion. It is a righteous anger at the diversion from Himself of the worship due to Him alone.
17. How will the incorrigible idol-worshippers be judged?
"They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the, molten images, You are our gods." Isaiah 42: 17.
18. How will God separate those who truly worship Him from those who worship Him not?
"Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are idolaters." Revelation 22: 14, 15.
1. WHAT is said in the Scriptures concerning the name of God?
"That thou may fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD." Deuteronomy 28:58. "Holy and reverend is His name." Psalm 111: 9.
2. How should we relate ourselves to it?
a. Hallow it. "Hallowed be Thy name." Matthew 6: 9.
b. Love it. "Let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee." Psalm 5:11.
c. Give glory to it. "All nations whom Thou has made shall come and worship before Thee, O Lord; and shall glorify Thy name." Psalm 86: 9.
d. Trust in it. "Who is among you that feared the Lord, that obeyed the voice of His servant, that walked in darkness, and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." Isaiah 50:10.
3. Of what should we never be guilty?
"Thou shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain." Deuteronomy 5:11.
4. How is the name of God profaned by the wicked?
a. By denying His existence and power. "Shall the clay say to Him that fashioned it, What makes Thou? or Thy work, He hath no hands?" Isaiah 45: 9.
b. By denying His omniscience. "And they say, How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?" Psalm 73:11.
c. By denying His revelation. "Behold, they say unto me, Where is the word of the Lord? Let it come now." Jeremiah 17:15.
d. By denying His activity. "And it shall come to pass at that time, that 1 will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil." Zephaniah 1: 12.
5. In what ways may God's professed people profane His name?
a. By limiting His providence. "Yea, they spoke against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness, Can He give bread also? Can He provide flesh for His people?" Psalm 78: 19, 20.
b. By criticizing His ways. "Yet you say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, 0 house of Israel; is not My way equal? are not your ways unequal?" Ezekiel 18:25.
c. By doubting His goodness. "You have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?" Malachi 3: 14.
"Every light and irreverent mention of His name tends to diminish awe, veneration, confidence, and respect, and to weaken His influence; and the power of His government." - Dr. C. G. Finney in "Theological Lectures," page 204.
6. What is the most serious way in which we may profane God's name?
"You hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This- people draws nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honors Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me." Matthew 15:7,8. (See also Ezekiel 22: 26, 28.)
7. Who among His professed adherents does Jesus especially condemn?
"Why call you Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6: 46.
8. What should characterize our conversation?
"Above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yes be yes; and your nay, nay; lest you fall into condemnation." James 5: 12.
"Our Lord consented to be put upon His oath. Oaths before .a civil tribunal cannot be forbidden to His disciples." - Bishop Browne in "On the Articles," page 837.
9. How do many profane God's name in conversation?
"Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks." Ephesians 5: 4.
10. What serious charge has James to make against some believers?
"Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought hot so to be." James 3: 10.
11. Of what is the improper use, of the tongue an evidence?
"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is vain." James 1:26.
12. What does Paul therefore urge all believers to do?
"Put off all these; blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth." Colossians 3: 8.
13. What irreverent handling of the Word of God does Paul condemn?
"But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." 2 Corinthians 4: 21.
14. What would be conspicuous among the sins of antichrist?
"And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies." Revelation 13:1-5.
15. What breaches of the third commandment does prophecy indicate will be prominent in the last days?
a. Scoffing. "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts." 2 Peter 3: 3.
b. Blasphemy and hypocrisy. "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be blasphemers, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
16. How fully does God know all the blasphemies uttered against Him?
"And thou shall know that I am the Lord, and that I have heard all thy blasphemies. Thus with your mouth you have boasted against Me, and have multiplied your words against Me: I have beard them." Ezekiel 35:12,13.
17. What condemnation does He pronounce upon those who utter them?
"Whosoever curses his God shall bear his sin." Leviticus 24: 15.
18. At the same time, what other special record is God keeping?
"Then they that feared the Lord spoke often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name." Malachi 3:16.
19. How will He reward those who fear His name?
"But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings." Malachi 4:2.
20. For what, therefore, did the psalmist pray?
"Unite my heart to fear Thy name." Psalm 86:11.
1. WHAT did God desire men ever to keep in mind?
"The works of the Lord are great. He has made His wonderful works to be remembered." Psalm 111: 2-4.
2. What special memorial did He provide to keep in remembrance His creative work?
"And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it." Genesis 2:2, 3.
"God's sanctifying the day is equivalent to His commanding men to sanctify it. As at the close of creation the seventh day was then set apart by the Most High for such a purpose, without limitation to age or country, the observance of it is obligatory upon the whole human race. The sanctification of the seventh day in the present case can only be understood of its being set apart to the special worship and service of God."-Prof. G. Bush in "Notes on Genesis," Volume 1, pages 47, 49.
3. How does God designate this day?
"My holy day; the holy of the Lord." Isaiah 5 8: 13.
4. Who w as associated with the Father in the work of creation and in the rest of the first Sabbath?
"All things were made by Hint [Christ]: and without Him was not any thing made that was made." John 1: 3. (See also Ephesians 3: 9; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2.)
5. What could Jesus, therefore, in common with the Father, assert concerning the Sabbath rest?
"Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath." Mark 2: 28.
6. Where is the law of the Sabbath most comprehensively stated?
In the fourth commandment. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shall thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shall not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." Exodus 20:8-11.
7. Is the Sabbath merely one-seventh part of the week or must it be a definite day and no other?
"The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." Exodus 20:10.
8. How precisely did God define the bounds of the Sabbath?
"From even unto even, shall you celebrate your Sabbaths." Leviticus 23:32.
9. When does evening begin?
"And at even, when the sun did set." Mark 1:32.
10. What example of God are His creatures to follow on the Sabbath?
"Six days thou shall do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shall rest." Exodus 23:12.
"To the soil the Sabbath is quite as important as to human beings. It needs a periodic rest. `Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy' was spoken of the soil as much as of humanity." G. C. Watson in "The Soil and Social Reclamation."
11. Was the Sabbath to be merely a period of physical rest?
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Exodus 20: 8.
"The Sabbath is a pearl among all the days, and it is set for the saving of life. It is a day when the spent spirit may catch its breath, and when man may look into the face of God and be refreshed."-William H. Mason in "God's Answer."
12. Of what would the faithful observance of the Sabbath be a sign?
"And hallow My Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the Lord your God." Ezekiel 20: 20. "Moreover also I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that 1 am the Lord that sanctify them." Verse 1.2.
"He that observes the Sabbath aright holds the history of that which it celebrates to be authentic. He therefore believes in the creation of the first man; in the creation of a fair abode for man in the space of six days. In the primeval and absolute creation of the heavens and the earth, and as a necessary antecedent to all this, in the Creator, who at the close of His latest creative effort rested on the seventh day. The Sabbath thus becomes a sign by which the believers in a historical revelation are distinguished from those who have allowed these great facts to fade from their remembrance."-James G. Murphy in The Moody Bible Institute Monthly.
13. To what future state would the Sabbath also point?
"There remains therefore a rest to the people of God." Hebrews 4:9.
14. For how many was the Sabbath intended?
"And He said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man [mankind], and not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27.
15. How does the fourth commandment emphasize its universality?
"In it thou shall not do any work, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates." Exodus 20:10. "Six days thou shall do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shall rest: that your ox and your ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed." Exodus 23:12.
16. To how many does the prophet Isaiah declare the blessings and rewards of Sabbath-keeping are extended?
"Also the sons of the stranger [or Gentile], that join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants, everyone that keeps the Sabbath from polluting it, and takes hold of My covenant. Even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them Joyful in My house of prayer." Isaiah 56:6,7.
"That the Sabbath was not merely a Jewish institution is clear from the very form of the commandment, and from our Lord's declaration that `the Sabbath was made for man.' Mark 2:27. The express inclusion of `the stranger' in its obligations and privileges, in Exodus 20:10; 23:12; Deuteronomy 5:14; Isaiah 56:2-7, and the remarkable prediction in Isaiah 66:23, are additional proofs of its universal scope." - James G. Murphy in the Moody Bible Institute Monthly.
17. For how long did God intend that the Sabbath should be observed?
"Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant." Exodus 31:16. "Thy name, 0 Lord, endures for ever; and Thy memorial, 0 Lord, throughout all generations." Psalm 135:13.
"Because this commandment has not been particularly mentioned in the New Testament, as a moral precept, binding on all; therefore some have presumptuously inferred that there is no Sabbath under the Christian dispensation. The truth is, the Sabbath is considered as a type-all types are of full force, till the thing signified by them, takes place. But the thing signified by the Sabbath, is that rest in glory which remains for the people of God; therefore, the moral obligation of the Sabbath must continue till time be swallowed up in eternity." - Dr. Adam Clarke.
18. What attribute of God is given special prominence in His last message of mercy to the world?
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him. For the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Revelation 14: 6, 7.
19. Will Sabbath-keeping continue beyond the end of this present world?
"And it shall come to pass [in the new earth], that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me, said the Lord." Isaiah 66: 23.
The Sabbath in this world has been a perpetual reminder of creation and recreation or redemption; and in the world to come it will continue to be observed in eternal remembrance of what man owes to God.
20. What acclamation will still be upon the lips of the redeemed in the kingdom?
"Thou art worthy, 0 Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou has created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created." Revelation 4: 11.
21. In what future glories will the faithful Sabbath keepers participate?
"If thou call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words. Then shall thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it." Isaiah 58:13,14.
22. How then should we relate ourselves to God's Sabbath memorial?
"Yea, in the way of Thy judgments, 0 Lord, have we waited for Thee; to Thy name and to Thy memorial is the desire of our soul." Isaiah 26: 8, RV.
1. WHAT is the earliest Biblical intimation of a regular division of time among mankind?
"And at the end of days it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord." Genesis 4: 3 (margin).
2. How do we know that Noah was acquainted with the seven-day week?
"And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark. And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove." Genesis 8: 10-12.
3. What evidences are there of the "week" in patriarchal days?
a. The "week" is referred to by inference. "Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shall serve with me yet seven other years." Genesis 29: 27, 28.
While a "week of years" is here referred to it is reasonable to infer that the term was derived from the "week" of seven days.
b. The seven-day period is expressly recognized. "And he [Joseph] made a mourning for his father seven days." Genesis 50: 10. (See also Job 2:13.)
Lack of frequent mention is no argument against Sabbath observance in patriarchal times as has been suggested by some. The Sabbath is not mentioned from Joshua to David, but we know that during this time it was certainly observed. Circumcision likewise is not referred to between Joshua and Jeremiah though it was invariably practiced.
4. Are there any evidences of Sabbath observance among ancient peoples outside the Bible?
Some years ago the late Dr. William Mead Jones, of London, published a "Chart of the Week," giving the designation of the different days of the week in one hundred and sixty different languages. This chart shows very vividly that the seven day period, or week, was known from the most ancient times, and that in no fewer than one hundred and eight of these languages the seventh day is designated as the Sabbath, or holy day. The following names are from this chart:-
| English | The seventh day | The Sabbath |
|---|---|---|
| Hebrew | Shabliath | Sabbath |
| Greek | Sabbaton | Sabbath |
| Latin | Sabbaturn | Sabbath |
| Arabic | Assabt | The Sabbath |
| Persian | Shambin | Sabbath |
| Armenian | Shapat | Sabbath |
| Turkish | Yomessabt | Day the Sabbath |
| Abyssinian | Sanbat | Sabbath |
| Russian | Subbota | Sabbath |
| Polish | Sobota | Sabbath |
| Hindustani | Shamba | Sabbath |
| Malay | Ari-Sabtu | Day Sabbath |
| Afghan | Shamba | Sabbath |
| German | Samstag | Sabbath |
| Prussian | Sabatico | Sabbath |
| French | Samedi | Sabbath day |
| Italian | Sabbato | Sabbath |
| Spanish | Sabado | Sabbath |
| Portuguese | Sabbado | Sabbath |
"The week is a period of seven days having no reference whatever to the celestial motions-a circumstance to which it owes its unalterable uniformity. Although it did not enter into the calendar of the Greeks, and was not introduced at Rome till after the reign of Theodosius, it has been employed from time immemorial in all eastern countries. And as it forms neither an aliquot part of the year nor of the lunar month, those who reject the Mosaic recital will be at a loss, as Delambre remarks, to assign to it an origin having much semblance of probability." - Encyclopedia Britannica (Eleventh ed.), article "Calendar," Volume IV, page 988.
5. How was the weekly cycle associated with one of the plagues?
"And seven days were fulfilled, after that the Lord had smitten the river." Exodus 7: 25.
6. When Israel reached the wilderness what did Moses bring to their remembrance'?
"The Lord has given you the Sabbath." Exodus 16: 29.
7. By what words did Moses indicate that the Sabbath was well-known to Israel?
"And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord has said, Tomorrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord. Bake that which you will bake today, and seethe that you will seethe; and that which remains over lay up for you to be kept until the morning." Exodus 16: 23.
8. How did God rebuke the Sabbath breakers who went out to gather manna on the seventh day?
"And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse you to keep My commandments and My laws?" Exodus 16:28.
9. What instructions did Moses repeat to the Israelites respecting Sabbath observance?
"See, for that the Lord bath given you the Sabbath, therefore He gives you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide you every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day." Exodus 16: 29.
10. How did the people respond to Moses' admonition?
"So the people rested on the seventh day." Exodus 16: 30.
11. To what did Sabbath-keeping on the part of Israel testify through all the years in the wilderness?
"Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, 1 will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may Prove them, whether they will walk in My law, or no." Exodus 16: 4.
The Savior did not call in question the young ruler's practice of Sabbath keeping. His love of this world's goods tested his loyalty to God.
1. FOR what purpose did God gather the Israelites at Sinai?
"Thou came down also upon Mount Sinai, and spoke with them from heaven, and gave them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments." Nehemiah 9:13.
2. Which commandment is singled out for special mention among the laws which God gave to Israel at Sinai?
"And made known unto them Thy holy Sabbath, and commanded them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses Thy servant." Nehemiah 9:14.
3. What indication is there in this commandment that it was not new to the Israelites?
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Exodus 20: 8.
"As this was the most ancient institution, God calls them to remember it; as if He had said, Do not forget that when I had finished My creation 1 instituted the Sabbath, and remember why I did so, and for what purpose." - Dr. Adam Clarke.
4. To what does the fourth commandment trace the origin of the Sabbath rest?
"For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." Exodus 20: 11.
5. Of what, therefore, was it to be a continual reminder?
"It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed." Exodus 31: 17.
"As a memorial of that fact [the creation of the world] He set apart the Sabbath, kept it, sanctified and blessed it, for the benefit of all." "Thus the keeping of the Sabbath makes God known, gives efficacy to His moral government." - Reverend Justin Edwards, DD in "The Sabbath Manual," pages 16, 19.
6. What additional reason for Sabbath-keeping did God give when the law was reiterated to Israel at the close of Moses' life?
"And remember that thou was a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day." Deuteronomy 5:15.
7. What spiritual blessings would the Sabbath also keep in remembrance?
"Moreover also I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that 1 am the Lord that sanctify them." Ezekiel 20:12.
"It commemorates the work of God as Creator, Preserver, Benefactor, and Redeemer." - Reverend Justin Edwards, DD in "The Sabbath Manual," page 22.
8. In addition to enjoining the observance of the day of His appointing, what warning was given to the Israelites?
"You shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall you use enchantment, nor observe [heathen] times." Leviticus 19: 26.
9. Despite abundant divine instruction, how quickly did the Israelites fall into idolatrous worship?
Within forty days. "And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, UP, make us gods, which shall go before us. For as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him." Exodus 32:1. (See also Deuteronomy 9: 11, 12.)
10. What result had idolatry upon their Sabbath keeping?
"The house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness: they walked not-in My statutes, and they despised My judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and My Sabbaths they greatly Polluted." Ezekiel 20: 13.
11. To what did the prophets point as one of the most evident signs of Israel's lapse into apostasy?
"Hear this, 0 you that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fall, saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? And the Sabbath, that we may set forth wheat?" Amos 8: 4, 5.
12. What punishment did God declare He would bring also on Judah if they persisted in profaning the Sabbath?
"But if you will not hearken unto Me to hallow the Sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. Then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched." Jeremiah 17: 27. (Read also verses 20- 27.)
"From these verses we find the ruin of the Jews attributed to the breach of the Sabbath; as this led to a neglect of sacrifice, the ordinances of religion, and all public worship, so it necessarily brought with it immorality. This breach of the Sabbath was that which let upon them all the waters of God's wrath."-Dr. Adam Clarke.
13. For what immediate reforms did Nehemiah call on the return from captivity?
"Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that you do, and profane the Sabbath day?" Nehemiah 13: 17.
14. What dire calamity did he declare the people would bring on Jerusalem again by profaning the Sabbath?
"Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? Yet you bring wore wrath upon, Israel by profaning the Sabbath." Nehemiah 13: 18.
1. Besides the seventh day Sabbath what other ceremonial Sabbaths were ordained in Israel?
a. The first day of the Passover feast Leviticus 23:5-7 (fourteenth day of the first month).
b. The seventh day of the Passover feast. Leviticus 23:8 (twenty-first day of the first month)
c. The day of Pentecost. Leviticus 23:15,16,21 (fiftieth day after the first Passover Sabbath).
d. The first day of the seventh month. Leviticus 23:23-25.
e. The day of atonement. Leviticus 23:26-28 (tenth day of the seventh month).
f. The first day of the feast of tabernacles. Leviticus 23:39 (fifteenth day of the seventh month).
g. The last day of the feast of tabernacles. Leviticus 23:39 (twenty-second day of the seventh month).
2. How do the Scriptures distinguish the ceremonial Sabbaths from the weekly Sabbath?
"These are the feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, beside the Sabbaths of the Lord, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which you give unto the Lord." Leviticus 23: 37, 38.
3. When were the ceremonial Sabbaths instituted?
"And the Lord spoke unto Moses [at Sinai], saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to he holy convocations, even these ate My feasts. These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which you shall proclaim in, their seasons." Leviticus 23: 1-4.
4. How much older is the seventh-day Sabbath?
"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made, And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it. Because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made." Genesis 2: 1-3.
"The weekly Sabbath rests on a more permanent foundation [than the ceremonial Sabbaths], having been instituted in paradise, to commemorate the completion of creation in six days. Leviticus 23:38 expressly distinguishes the Sabbath of the Lord from the other Sabbaths."- Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's "Commentary on the Whole Bible."
5. For what purpose were the ceremonial Sabbaths instituted?
"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." Colossians 2: 16, 17.
6. Was the seventh-day Sabbath a "shadow of things to come"?
No, it was a memorial of a past event. "For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." Exodus 20: 11.
The weekly Sabbath is a very early institution. It was appointed and observed the very first week of time. It is no part of the law of ceremonies, which law was occasioned by the entrance of sin. For the Sabbath was established before sin had entered and would have been obligatory on Adam and his offspring if sin had not been known among them." - Seth Williston An "Discourses on the Sabbath," pages 11, 12.
7. For how long were the ceremonial laws with their Sabbaths intended to be observed?
"Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation." Hebrews 9: 10.
8. When were they abrogated?
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross." Colossians 2: 14.
9. How were Christians, therefore, to meet any criticism respecting the non-observance of these temporary ordinances after the death of Christ?
"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy-day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days." Colossians 2: 16.
The ceremonial Sabbaths are here rightly classed with the "meats" and "drinks," of the ceremonial s stem. They were part of "the handwriting of ordinances" (Colossians 2: 14), "the law of commandments in ordinances" (Ephesians 2: 15) which pointed forward to the cross, and expired at the cross. The seventh- day Sabbath of the moral law was instituted at creation before sin cast its dark shadow over the world; this was not abrogated at the cross.
10. Will there ever be a time, however, when the seventh-day Sabbath is not to be observed?
"For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before Me, said the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me, said the Lord." Isaiah 66: 22, 23.
1. IN what prophetic declaration was Jesus' relation to the law of God defined?
"Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yes, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40: 7, 8.
2. What would He do for all the commandments?
"The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness' sake; He will magnify the law, and make it honorable." Isaiah 42: 21.
3. When He entered upon His ministry, what example did Jesus set as to the proper use of the Sabbath?
"And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read." Luke 4: 16.
4. How had the Sabbath been marred by the Pharisees?
"All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not you after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers." Matthew 23: 3, 4.
5. What, therefore, was one of the first conflicts Jesus had with the Pharisees?
"And when He was departed thence, He went into their synagogue: and, behold, there was a man which' had his hand withered. And they asked Him, saying. Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath days? that they might accuse Him." Matthew 12: 9, 10.
6. How did Jesus on this occasion define the lawful use of the Sabbath?
"It is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days." Verse 12.
7. By what act did He immediately illustrate His assertion?
"Then said He to the man, Stretch forth your hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other." Verse 13.
8. On another occasion what fault had a ruler of the synagogue, to find with Jesus and the people?
"And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day." Luke 13: 14.
9. How did Jesus justify His action?
"The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?" Verses 15, 16.
10. When some of the Pharisees sought to condemn Jesus because He would not observe the restrictions they had put upon the Sabbath, what did others reply?
"Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because He keeps not the Sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them." John 9: 16.
11. Because they were invariably shamed when they sought to accuse Jesus, to whom did the Pharisees turn their attention?
"The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the Sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed." John 5: 10.
12. What effective reply did the man offer?
"He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk." Verse 11.
13. In what other way did the Pharisees seek to convict the disciples of Sabbath-breaking?
"At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn; and His disciples were an hungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto Him, Behold, Thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath day." Matthew 12: 1, 2.
14. What was the only accusation, however, which the Pharisees could make against Jesus and His disciples?
"Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do Thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders?" Matthew 15: 1, 2.
15. How did Jesus effectively reply to this criticism?
"But He answered and said unto them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" Verse 3.
"Much has been made of the attitude of Christ in speech and deed toward the Sabbath. Some have imagined that by words He uttered and by deeds He did He relaxed the binding nature of the old command. This view, however, is to absolutely misunderstand and misinterpret the doing and the teaching of Jesus.... It is impossible too clearly to state the fact, because many who teach that in the Christian dispensation the original ideal of the Sabbath is not binding, quote our Lord's words in support of their contention. This is indeed to fail to distinguish between things that differ." - G. Campbell Morgan in "The Ten Commandments," page 76.
16. What did He declare would become of the doctrines of men set up in opposition to the truth of God?
"But He answered and said, Every plant, which My heavenly Father has not planted, shall be rooted up." Matthew 15: 13.
Before the days of His public ministry, Jesus worked as a carpenter, and the scripture records that His custom was to worship in the synagogue on the Sabbath day.
17. How did Jesus conclusively rebut the suggestion that He had in any way countermanded God's commandments?
"I have kept My Father's commandments." John 15:10.
"Jesus taught men how to keep the Sabbath. He made no attempt to destroy but He did glorify it."- J. Clyde Mahaffery in "God's Answer."
18. Did He in any way modify the law of God?
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil [fully preach, Romans 15: 19]." Matthew 5: 17.
"There are some who tell us that in this dispensation of the gospel we are not under law but under grace. But the seventh day was sanctified even before the law of Moses was a standing obligation. Besides, our Lord came, as He said, not to destroy the law, but to fulfil it, and every Christian man, every God- fearing nation, should `remember the Sabbath day.' " -Revelation W. Hicks. D.Litt. in the Christian Herald.
19. What pronouncement did He make concerning commandment-keeping and the kingdom of heaven?
"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5: 19.
20. What should, therefore, characterize the lives of those who claim to be followers of Christ?
"He that said he abides in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2: 6. "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5:3
1. ON which day was Jesus crucified?
"There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand." John 19: 42. "That day was the preparation, and the Sabbath drew on." Luke 23:54.
2. When, at sunset, the Sabbath began, did the followers of Jesus give any indication of a lessened regard for the day as a result of the crucifixion?
"They rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment." Luke 23: 56.
3. By what day was the Sabbath succeeded?
"In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre." Matthew 28: 1.
4. What task did the women feel free to continue on this day?
"Now upon the first day of the, week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them." Luke 24: 1.
5. How did two of the other disciples occupy themselves on the resurrection day?
"And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs." Luke 24: 13.
6. When they returned how did the disciples receive the news they bore that Jesus was alive?
"And they [who had seen Jesus] went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them." Mark 16: 13.
7. In the evening where were the disciples gathered, and for what reason?
"Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews." John 20: 19.
8. What effect had the appearance of Jesus upon them?
"He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat." Mark 16: 14. "But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit." Luke 24: 37.
Though we have traced the activities of the disciples on the day of the resurrection from dawn to dusk we have not found a single reference to any assembly for worship to commemorate the day, nor any indication of special sanctity attaching to it. In fact, not until the late evening were the disciples convinced that Jesus had risen.
9. Is there any truth in the suggestion that Jesus made a habit of meeting the disciples on the first day of succeeding weeks?
No. "And after eight days again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus." John 20:26. (Probably the second day of the week.) "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him." Matthew 28:16,17. (No indication.) "Simon Peter said unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus." John 21:3,4. (No indication, but certainly a working day.)
10. While there is no evidence of Sunday observance before or after the ascension, how did the apostles invariably occupy themselves on the Sabbath?
"And on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spoke unto the women which resorted thither." Acts 16:13. "And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three `Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures." Acts 17:2.
11. Which day did the converted Gentiles also observe?
"And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath." Acts 13:42.
12. Apart from the references to the actual day of the resurrection. how many times Is the first day referred to in the New Testament?
Only twice. 1 Corinthians 16: 2; Acts 20: 7.
13. What weekly accounting did Paul suggest as quite proper on the first day of the week?
"Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him." 1 Corinthians 16: 2.
14. What is the only religious meeting mentioned in the New Testament as having taken place on the first day of the week?
"And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight." Acts 20: 7.
This, however, is no proof of Sunday observance, for midnight on the first day of the week would be Saturday night. This was evidently a special meeting after the Sabbath- in view of the fact that Paul had to leave. The next day (Sunday) the apostle undertook a long journey on foot of about nineteen miles to Assos (verses 11,13); this he certainly would not have done had Sunday been the Christian day of worship.
15. What is the only other text in the New Testament alleged to lend support to the idea of the transfer of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week?
"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet." Revelation 1: 10.
16. Which, however, is the only day answering to the description "Lord's day" in the Bible?
"But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." Exodus 20:10. "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day." Isaiah 58:13. "Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath." Mark 2:28.
17. Can there be any justification, therefore, for supposing that the Sabbath was transferred from the seventh to the first day of the week at the resurrection?
No, the first day was always a working day in the early centuries of the Christian era.
"The primitive Christians did all manner of work upon the Lord's day, even in time of persecution, when they were the strictest observers of all the divine commandments; but in this they knew there was none."-Bishop Taylor in "Duct. Dubitantium, book II, chapter 2, section 59.
"Take which you will, either the fathers or the moderns, and we shall find no Lord's day instituted by any apostolical mandate, no Sabbath set on foot by them upon the first day of the week." -Dr. Peter Heylyn in "History of the Sabbath," part II, chapter 1.
18. What adequate memorials had Jesus provided of His death and resurrection?
a. Baptism. "Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death?" Romans 6:3.
b. The Lord's Supper. "For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord's death till He come." 1 Corinthians 11: 2 6.
19. What final and conclusive statement indicates that Jesus' expected the disciples still to be keeping the Sabbath many years after His ascension?
"But pray you that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day." Matthew 24:20.
Jesus had been mentioning certain signs which would give warning of the final judgment of God upon Jerusalem. Urging the Christians to watch for these signs and escape while there was time, He mercifully added the words quoted above. The destruction of the city by the Romans, which He predicted took place in AD 70. Obviously, then, Jesus expected the Christian church still to be observing the seventh- day Sabbath forty years after the resurrection.
1. AGAINST what peril did Paul warn the early church to be on its guard?
"For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking Perverse things." Acts 20: 29, 30.
2. What particularly dangerous philosophy did Paul actually name?
"O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babbling, and oppositions of science ["Gnosis" or "Gnosticism"] falsely so called." 1 Timothy 6: 20.
3. What was the most noteworthy feature of Gnostic teaching?
Disparagement of the Old Testament.
"The whole of & Old Testament was abandoned to the inspiration of an inferior and evil demon; the Jews were left in exclusive possession of their national Deity, whom the Gnostic Christians disdained to acknowledge. To them the mission of Christ revealed a Deity altogether unknown in the dark ages of a world which was the creation and the domain of an inferior being." -Milman in "History of Christianity," Volume I, page 208.
4. In consequence how did they regard the law of God as set forth in the Old Testament?
They rejected it in favor of the supposed "new law" of Christ.
"The God of the Jews, who created the world, gave the law; and rested upon the Sabbath, they called Demiurgus, or the Evil God, and placed him over against Christ, the Good God of the Christians, who redeemed the world, gave a new law, and introduced a spiritual, continual rest." - J. N. Andrews and L. R. Conradi in "History of the Sabbath," page 452.
5. How did Marcion, one of the Gnostic philosophers, show his contempt for the law and particularly the Sabbath?
By openly despising it. "Marcion for this reason fasted on the Sabbath. For, said he, since that day is the rest of the God of the Jews, who made the world and rested on the Sabbath day, we therefore instituted fasting on that day, that we may not seem to do anything in compliance with the rites of the God of the Jews. "-Epiphanius, "Heresies," III, section 42.
6. As it was necessary to have some special time of or divine worship, what day, as a result of Gnostic influence, was substituted for the Sabbath?
Sunday, the first day of the week.
"Upon Sunday we all assemble, that being the first day in which God set Himself to work upon the dark void in order to make the world, and in which Jesus Christ our Savior rose again from the dead. For the day before Saturday He was crucified, and the day after, which is Sunday, He appeared unto His apostles and disciples, and taught them what 1 have now proposed to your consideration." - Justin Martyr, "First Apology," chapter 67, translation by William Reeves, page 127, sections 87-89.
7. What really led the apostate church to fix upon Sunday as the Christian's rest day?
The fact that it was already an established holiday throughout the Roman world.
"Sunday being the day on which the Gentiles solemnly adored that planet, and called it Sunday, partly from its influence on that day especially, and partly in respect to its divine body (as they conceived it), the Christian thought fit to keep the same day and the same name of it."-T. H. Morer in "Six Dialogues on the Lord's Day," pages 22, 23.
8. How did some Christians relate themselves to the problem of Sabbath and Sunday?
They kept both days.
"The last day of the week was strictly kept in connection with that of the first day for a long time after the overthrow of the temple and its worship. Down even to the fifth century the observance of the Jewish Sabbath was continued in the Christian church, but with a rigor and solemnity gradually diminishing until it was wholly discontinued." - Lyman Coleman in, "Ancient Christianity Exemplified," chapter 26, Section 2.
9. What important event began to turn the scales in favor of the exclusive observance of the first day of the week?
The professed conversion of Constantine and the promulgation by him of the first official Sunday edict. It reads as follows: "Let all the judges and town people, and the occupation of all trades, rest on the venerable day of the sun. But let those who are situated in the country, freely and at full liberty attend to the business of agriculture, because it often happens that no other day is so fit for sowing corn and planting vines; lest, the critical moment being let slip, men should lose the commodities granted by heaven. Given the seventh day of March [March 7, AD 321], Crispus and Constantine [Constantine the Great] being consuls, each of them for the second time." "Corpus Juris Civilis Cod.," lib. III, tit, 12, 3.
10. What profound effect had Constantine's Sunday decree upon the Christian observance of the day?
"Sunday was observed with greater solemnity than it had formerly been." - Eusebius, "Ecclesiastical History," cent. 4, part II, chap. 4, sec. 5
11. What other testimony does Eusebius, patriarch of Constantinople in the time of Constantine, bear to the church's acceptance of the emperor's decree?
"All things whatsoever that it was duty to do on the Sabbath, these we have transferred to the Lord's day. Commentary on the Psalms. Rome falsely claims authority for the transfer of the Sabbath to the first day of the week.
12. What false ecclesiastical system did the Apostle Paul declare would arise in the church?
"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.
13. Speaking of this same Anti Christian power, what did the prophet Daniel declare it would do when it had attained a position of dominance?
"And he shall speak words against the Most-High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High: and he shall think to change the times and the law." ("Shall presume to change the appointed times and the law." Wintle and Spurrell.) Daniel 7:25, RV.
14. To what power do this and other parallel prophecies in Daniel and the Revelation undoubtedly refer?
The Roman Catholic Church. (See Study, "Antichrist Unmasked.")
Melanchthon, the learned friend of Luther, was clear that these prophecies referred to Rome, for he wrote:-
"He changed the times and laws that any of the six work days commanded of God, will make them unholy and idle days when he list, or of their own holy days abolished make work days again, or when they changed the Saturday into Sunday. They have changed God's laws and turned them into their own traditions to be kept above God's precepts. "Quoted in "Exposition of Daniel the Prophet," by George Joyce, page 119 (1545).
15. At what church council did Rome begin to fulfil Daniel's prophecy?
The Council of Laodicea, AD 364.
Canon 29 reads: "Christians shall not Judaize and be idle on Saturday, but shall work on that day; but the Lord's day they shall especially honor, and, as being Christians, shall if possible, do no work on that day. If, however, they are found Judaizing, they shall be shut out from Christ."-Hefele's "Councils," Volume II, book 6, par. 93.
"The seventh-day Sabbath was solemnized by Christ, the apostles, and primitive Christians, till the Laodicean Council did in a manner quite abolish the observance of it. The Council of Laodicea (about AD 364) first settled the observation of the Lord's day, and prohibited the keeping of the Jewish Sabbath under an anathema."-William Prynne in "Dissertation on the Lord's Day" (1633), pages 33, 34, 44.
16. What other Rome-inspired church councils in subsequent centuries passed decrees in favor of Sunday observance, condemning Sabbath-keeping?
Carthage (401); Orleans (511, 538); Auxerre (578); Macon (585); Chalons (644); Synods of Boniface (680-755); Synod of Frankfurt (794); Rome (826); Paris (829); etc.
"Gasper del Fosso, archbishop of Rheggio ... said, that the [Roman] church had as much authority as the Word of God; that the [Roman] church bath changed the Sabbath, ordained by God, into Sunday." - Pietro Soave Polano in "History of the Council of Trent," Book 6, page 439, London, 1676.
The following is a typical question and answer on Sunday observance in Roman Catholic manuals:
"Question. Has the [Roman Catholic] church power to make any alterations in the commandments of God?
"Answer. Instead of the seventh day, and other festivals appointed by the old law, the church has prescribed the Sundays and holy days to be set apart for God's worship, and these we are now obliged to keep in consequence of God's commandment, instead of the ancient Sabbath." "The Catholic Christian Instructed," page 211.
17. To what conclusion do church historians therefore come respecting the origin of Sunday observance?
That Sunday is a purely human ordinance.
"The festival of Sunday, like all other festivals, was always only a human ordinance, and it was far from the intentions of the apostles to establish a divine command in this respect, far from them, and from the early apostolic church, to transfer the laws of the Sabbath to Sunday." - Neander's "Church History," translated by H. J. Rose, page 186.
"Thus do we see upon what grounds the Lord's day stands, on custom first, and voluntary consecration of it to religious meetings; that custom countenanced by the authority of the church of God which tacitly approved the same. And finally confirmed and ratified by Christian princes throughout their empires." - Heylyn's "History of the Sabbath," part 11, chap. 3, sec. 12.
18. When the Reformers were freeing the church from Roman errors, who raised the question of Sunday observance?
The Reformer Carlstadt. "Carlstadt held to the divine authority of the Sabbath from the Old Testament." - Dr. Barnes Sears in "Life of Luther," page 402.
19. Though Luther never condemned Sunday observance, how near did he come to being convinced?
He was almost persuaded. "Indeed, if Carlstadt were to write further about the Sabbath, Sunday would have to give way, and the Sabbath-that is to say, Saturday-must be kept holy." - Luther in "Against the Celestial Prophets," quoted in "Life of Luther," page 147.
20. How does one historian draw attention to the incompleteness of the Reformation?
He admits retention of traces of the great apostasy. "The reforming churches, flying from Rome, carried some of them more, some of them less, all of them something, of Rome with them; especially that spirit of imposition and persecution which has too much cleaved unto them all."-Isaac Backus in "History of New England," Volume 1, page 49.
21. What taunt, therefore, do Roman Catholics continue to cast at Protestants in respect of the observance of Sunday?
That Protestants are inconsistent in observing the Sunday rest which was ordained by the Church of Rome.
"It was the Catholic Church which, by the authority of Jesus Christ, has transferred this rest to the Sunday in remembrance of the resurrection of our Lord. Thus the observance of Sunday by the Protestants is an homage they pay, in spite of themselves, to the authority of the [Catholic] church."-Mgr. Segur in "Plain Talk About the Protestantism of Today."
22. What must all true Protestants do with doctrines founded on the authority of tradition as against the Bible?
They must reject them and take their stand on the Bible only.
"The Bible, I say, the Bible only, is the religion of Protestants! Hence, if a doctrine be propounded for his acceptance, he asks, Is it to be found in the inspired Word? Was it taught by the Lord Jesus Christ? If it is not found in the sacred Scriptures, it presents no valid claim to be received as an article of his religious creed." Dowling in "History of Romanism," book II, chap. 1, sec. 3.
23. How urgent is the call to walk in the light of God's truth?
"Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you." John 12:35.
1. WHAT commission did Jesus give to His disciples just before His ascension?
"And He said unto them, Go you- into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16: 15.
2. By what seeming calamity was the dissemination of the gospel hastened?
"And at that time there was a great Persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the Word." Acts 8:1-4.
3. How early did Christian teachers arrive in Britain?
Probably before the close of the first Century. "It seems nearest the truth that the British church was originally planted by Grecian teachers such as came from the East within fifty years of Christ's ascension." - Robert Parsons in "Three Conversions of England."
4. What church fathers testify to the early evangelization of Britain?
Tertullian and Origen among others.
"The regions of Britain which have never been penetrated by the Roman arms have received the religion of Christ. "-Tertullian in "Dei Fidei," page 179.
"The divine goodness of our Lord and Savior is equally diffused among the Britons, the Africans, and other nations of the world."- Origen on "Psalm 149."
5. When do British bishops first appear at the church councils?
The Council of Arles, AD 314.
Three bishops, a presbyter, and a deacon were present at the Council of Arles, convened to discuss the date of Easter, the ceremony of baptism, and the mode of ordination of bishops or elders of the church.
6. What became the chief center of the British church?
The Isle of Iona off the south-west coast of Scotland.
"Iona was for two centuries the nursery of bishops, the center of education, the asylum of religious knowledge, the point of union among the British Isles, the capital and metropolis of the Celtic race."- Montalembert.
7. How highly did the early British church esteem the Bible?
They were diligent Bible students. "Though thou should go to the ocean, to the British Isles, there thou should hear all men everywhere discoursing matters out of the Scriptures." - Chrysostom (AD 402).
8. What did Columba, the founder of Iona, regard as his supreme rule of faith?
The Holy Scriptures.
Discussing the Trinity, for example, he writes: "Except what has been declared by the law, the prophets, the evangelists, and apostles, a profound silence ought to be observed by all others on the subject of the Trinity."
9. How did Columbanus of Ireland describe the faith of the Irish Christians?
He testified to the purity of their faith. "We are Irish dwelling at the very ends of the earth. We be men who receive naught but the doctrine of the evangelists and apostles. The catholic faith, as it was first delivered by the successors of the holy apostles, is maintained among us with unchanged fidelity."
10. Which day was observed as Sabbath- in the Celtic church of Scotland?
The seventh-day Sabbath. "They worked on Sunday, but kept Saturday in a sabbatical manner."- Andrew Lang in "History of Scotland." Page 96.
11. What testimony did Columba of Iona bear to the Sabbath on the day he died?
"This day is called the Sabbath, that is the day of rest, and such will it truly be to me; for it will put an end to my labors." - Butler's "Lives of the Saints," article, "St. Columba."
Commenting on this statement one historian says: "From this passage it is plain that according to the old Columban Rule, what we now call Saturday was considered to be the Day of Rest before the Lord's Day." - T. Ratcliffe Barnett, Ph.D., in "Margaret of Scotland."
12. Which day did the early Irish church also observe as the Sabbath?
The seventh-day Sabbath. "It seems to have been customary in the Celtic churches of early times in Ireland, as well as in Scotland, to keep Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, as a day of rest from labor. They obeyed the commandment literally upon the seventh day of the week."-Prof. Moffatt in "The Church of Scotland," Page 140.
13. When the pope learned of the flourishing British church, what steps did he take to bring it under his authority?
He sent Augustine to subjugate it. In his commission to Augustine he said: "As to the bishops of the British Isles, we commit them all to you, brother, that the ignorant may be taught, the weak in the faith strengthened by your word, and the disobedient corrected by your authority."
14. In spite of papal pressure through the kings of England, how long did the British church hold out against the domination of Rome?
Until the eleventh century. "The Britons told Augustine they would not be subject to him, nor let him pervert the ancient laws of their church. This was their resolution, and they were as good as their word, for they maintained the liberty of their church five hundred years after his time! And were the last of all the churches of Europe that gave up their power to the Roman Beast." - Bacon in "Government of England."
15. After the subjugation of the English church to Rome, where was the primitive faith preserved?
In Scotland and Ireland.
16. When Catholic Margaret of England married Malcolm of Scotland in 1069, to what "peculiarities" in the Scottish church did, she take exception?
The observance of the seventh-day Sabbath.
"Among these `peculiarities' she specifically mentions that `they worked on Sunday, but kept Saturday in a sabbatical manner.' " - Andrew Lang in "History of Scotland."
17. Calling together a- council of the leaders of the Scottish church, what issue, among others, did she set before them?
The question of Sunday observance.
"Her next point was that they did not duly reverence the Lord's day." "Celtic Scotland," page 349.
18. What argument did she put to the council on the question of Sunday observance?
The resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week.
" `Let us venerate the Lord's day, inasmuch as upon it our Savior rose from the dead, whereon we were redeemed." Alphous Belleshiem, DD, in "History of the Catholic Church of Scotland."
19. What crisis brought about the capitulation of the Scottish church?
Threat of excommunication.
"The clergy had to decide between conformity or Canossa; they prudently chose the former."- Ninian Hill in "The Story of the Scottish Church."
20. When were the last vestiges of the Sabbath keeping church extinguished?
In some parts of Ireland, Celtic practices continued well on into the twelfth century, until at last the Roman church succeeded in blotting out the true, Sabbath from the British church, but only after it had been faithfully observed for over a thousand years.
1. WHAT grievous system of error did the prophet Daniel declare would arise in the Christian church?
"And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and he shall think, to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his-hand until time and times and half a time." Daniel 7: 25, RV.
As is conclusively shown in the study entitled "Antichrist Unmasked," page 456, this prophecy was fulfilled in the rise of the Roman Catholic Church.
2. How has the Roman Catholic Church marred the law of God?
By enforcing the observance of Sunday, the first day of the week, and by the prohibition of Sabbath-keeping.
3. Although Rome succeeded in enforcing Sunday observance throughout the lands under her jurisdiction, where was a knowledge of the true Sabbath kept alive?
In remote corners of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
In Britain the Sabbath was observed by the Celtic church until well on into the twelfth century. (See previous study.) In Abyssinia it was observed from apostolic times down, to the seventeenth century. The Nestorians, Maronites, jacobites, and Armenians, as well as other Asiatic Christians, continued to observe the seventh-day Sabbath for varying periods until as late as the seventeenth century.
4. What reasons have we for believing that in spite of persecution the observance of the true Sabbath continued even in continental Europe throughout the Dark Ages?
a. The frequent utterances of the church councils against the observance of the Sabbath.
b. Letters drawing attention to and condemning Sabbath -keeping.
c. Inquisition records naming Sabbath-keeping sects like the Pasaginians, the Waldenses, the Insabbatati, etc.
To mention only one of many groups of Sabbath-keeping Christians, the Waldenses "kept the Sabbath day (now known as Saturday), observed the ordinance of baptism according to the primitive church, and instructed their children in the articles of the Christian faith and the commandments of God."- Jories in "Church History," Volume II, chap. 5, sec. 4.
5. In their zeal f or the elimination of all traces of papal corruption what did the Reformers discover concerning Sunday observance?
That it was based solely upon human tradition.
Says the Augsburg Confession: "They [the Catholics] allege the Sabbath changed into Sunday, the Lord's day, contrary to the Ten Commandments, as it appears; neither is there any example more boasted of than the changing of the Sabbath day. Great, say they, is the power and authority of the church, since it dispensed with one of the Ten Commandments." - Article 28.
6. In spite of this declaration, however, what fallacious position does the Augsburg Confession take up with reference to the true Sabbath?
Denies the necessity of observing any Sabbath.
"The Scripture allows that we are not bound to keep the Sabbath; for it teaches that the ceremonies of the law of Moses are not necessary after the revelation of the gospel." - Article 28.
7. While the great Reformation churches never returned to the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath, what evidence is there that some of the smaller groups did so?
Many references to Christian Sabbath-keepers.
Here is a typical one: "The Sabbatarians (they will pardon if I term them so on account of their opinion) teach that the outward Sabbath, i.e., Saturday, still must be observed, for such be God's Word, will, and command. Exodus 20 and 31. Here they say, we read in God's Word plainly that He wants to have the Sabbath kept as long as the world stands. He who acts contrary to the divine commandments will not remain unpunished." - Letter written to Lord Leonhard of Lichtenstein of Nikolsburg in 1599, and cited in "The Christian Sabbath," page 10.
8. When do Sabbath-keepers reappear in Britain after their extinction in the eleventh and twelfth centuries?
In the sixteenth century.
"In the reign of Elizabeth, it occurred to many conscientious and independent thinkers (as it had previously done to some Protestants in Bohemia) that the fourth commandment required of them the observance, not of the first, but of the specified seventh day of the week, and a strict bodily rest, as a service then due to God." - Chambers' Cyclopedia, Article "Sabbath," Volume VIII, page 402.
9. Who was the first English Sabbath-keeper to suffer for his belief after the Reformation?
John Traske.
"Following the Sabbatarian principles of the Puritans to their legitimate consequences, endeavored to bring back again the Jewish Sabbath, as that which is expressly mentioned in the fourth commandment, and abrogate the Lord's day altogether, as having no foundation in it, nor warrant by it. For which his Jewish doctrines having received his censure in the Star Chamber, about 1618, he was set on the pillory at Westminster, and thence whipped to the Fleet, and there put in prison, and about three years after wrote a recantation of all his former heresies and schismatic opinions." - Bishop Cox in "Sabbath Literature," 1, 152, 15.
10. Only a few years later, however, what notable personage became a Sabbath-keeper as indicated by his epitaph in the churchyard at Woodham Mortimer in Essex?
Peter Chamberlen, Royal Physician."The said Peter Chamberlen took you degree of Doctor in Physick in fever at Universities both at home and abroad and lived such above three score years being Physician in Ordinary to three Kings and Queens of England, viz., King James and Queen Anne, King Charles you first and Queen Mary. King Charles you second and Queen Katherine; and also to some foreign princes. Having traveled most parts of Europe, and speaking most of you languages. As for his Religion was a Christian keeping you Commandments of God and faith of Jesus, being baptized about you year 1648, and keeping you seventh day for you Sabbath above 32 years."
11. When was a knowledge of the true Sabbath implanted among the Christian colonies of America?
About the middle of the seventeenth century.
"Stephen Mumford came over from London in 1664, and brought the opinion with him that the whole of the Ten Commandments, as they were delivered from Mount Sinai, were moral and immutable. And that it was the anti Christian power which thought to change times and laws, that changed the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week." - Isaac Backus in "Church History of New England from 1783 to 1796," Volume 11, sec. 10.
12. How concerned are some discerning Protestants today about the Sabbath question?
They desire a return to the true Sabbath.
"We keep the first day of the week as the Sabbath, in place of keeping the last day of the week, because we are wrong and have followed the papist church from early ages. No quibbling or explaining can make the Sabbath day of rest any other than the seventh. And the first can never be the seventh. The time will come, and soon too, when the world will come back to God's Sabbath day." - Professor E. Odlum, MA, B.Sc., of the University of British Columbia.
13. Has the preservation of a knowledge of the true Sabbath and the revival of its observance in post-Reformation times any significance in the purposes of God?
Yes, for God's last message to the world calls for a return to the worship of the Creator. "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with -a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him. For the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Revelation 14: 6, 7.
14. Which commandment draws special attention to the worship of the Creator?
The fourth. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." Exodus 20: 8-11.
15. How is the last-day Sabbath-keeping remnant who respond to this call described?
"Here is the Patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14: 12.
16. Has the observance of the true Sabbath spread throughout the earth in confirmation of the prophecy?
Indeed it has, for the scattered groups of Sabbath keeping Christians of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries had grown by the beginning of the twentieth century to more than 100,000, and since then at a vastly accelerated rate, until today there are more than half a million Sabbath-keepers throughout the world remembering the Creator on the day of His appointing, and receiving the spiritual blessings which God promised in its hallowed hours.
17. To what end will the false religious systems which have marred God's law come?
"And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation." Revelation 14: 8-10.
18. On the other hand, what will be the portion of those who respond to God's last call to faith and obedience?
"If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words. Then shall thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it." Isaiah 58: 13, 14.
1. How are the first six days of the week to be occupied?
"Six days shall thou labor, and do all thy work." Exodus 20: 9.
2. How is the seventh day to be distinguished from the six working days?
"Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; you shall do no work therein." Leviticus 23:3.
3. Should the Sabbath be strictly observed even under pressure of work?
"Six days thou shall work, but on the seventh day thou shall rest: in sowing time and in harvest thou shall rest." Exodus 34:21.
4. Beside-work on the land what other activities are to cease on the Sabbath?
"Tomorrow is the rest, of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which you will bake today, and seethe that you will seethe; and that which remains over lay up for you to be kept until the morning." Exodus 16:23. "And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the Sabbath day to sell we would not buy it of them on the Sabbath." Nehemiah 10:31.
5. On whom is the obligation to observe the Sabbath rest enjoined?
"But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shall not do any work, thou,' nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger-that is within thy gates." Exodus 20:10.
6. When do the Sabbath hours begin and end?
"From even unto even, shall you celebrate your Sabbath." Leviticus 23: 32.
7. Where does this division of the days originate?
"And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." Genesis 1:5. (See also verses 8, 13, 19, 23, 31.)
8. In what reverence are the Sabbath hours to be held?
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Exodus 20:8. "And they shall hallow My Sabbaths." Ezekiel 44:24. "Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God has commanded thee." Deuteronomy 5:12.
9. How was the Sabbath employed in Israel?
"The seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, an holy convocation." Leviticus 23:3.
10. What example did Jesus set of proper Sabbath observance?
"And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day." Luke 4:16.
"Jesus taught men how' to observe the Sabbath. He made no attempt to destroy but He did glorify it." "God's Answer," edited by J. Clyde Mahaffery.
11. How is the church of the last days exhorted?
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25.
12. What record is kept in the books of heaven?
"Then they that feared the Lord spoke often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name." Malachi 3:16.
13. Beside worship, what other occupations are perfectly proper on the Sabbath day?
"It is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days." Matthew 12: 12.
14. What typical good works did Jesus do on the Sabbath?
"And it was the Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes." John 9: 14. "Then said He to the man, Stretch forth your hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other." Matthew 12:13.
15. In order that the Sabbath may be a day of physical rest and spiritual blessing for all, what preparation is necessary on the previous day?
"And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; tomorrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord." Exodus 16:5-23.
"At the very beginning of the fourth commandment the Lord said, `Remember.' All through the week we are to have the Sabbath in mind, and be making preparation to keep it according to the commandment." - E. G. White.
16. What special name is, therefore, given to the sixth day of the week?
"Now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus." Mark 15:42,43. "And that day was the preparation, and the Sabbath drew on." Luke 23:54.
17. While God indicated specifically how the Sabbath should be kept, for whose benefit was the day intended?
"And He said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27.
18. If we observe it as God intended, what joy shall we find in its sacred hours?
"This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118: 24.
1. WHAT blessings do children receive from their parents?
a. Provision for material needs. "What man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will give him a stone? You know how to give good gifts unto your children." Matthew 7:911.
b. Instruction and spiritual guidance. "Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding." Proverbs 4:1. "The father to the children shall make, known Thy truth." Isaiah 38:19.
2. For these benefits and blessings what do children owe their parents?
"Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God gives thee." Exodus 20: 12. "You shall fear every man his mother, and his father." Leviticus 19: 3.
"This commandment is set first in our duties to our neighbor, in order to show that the well-being of the family is the foundation on which the well-being of every other human association depends, whether that association is the church, the school, the college, the guild, the trades union, the corporation, the nation, or the League of Nations: one and all depend on the family life for their well-being. Destroy the family and sooner or later you destroy all these."-R. H. Charles in "The Ten Commandments," page 173.
3. From where should their respect and obedience spring?
"My son, give Me your heart, and let your eyes observe My ways." Proverbs 23:26. "My son, forget not My law; but let your-heart keep My commandments." Proverbs 3:1.
4. When should parents receive special respect?
"Hearken unto thy father that began thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old." Proverbs 23: 22.
5. On what occasion did Jesus call attention to this commandment?
"Thou knows the commandments. Honor thy father and mother." Mark 10:19.
6. Who else emphasized the continued obligation of the fifth commandment?
"Children, obey your Parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord." Colossians 3:20. "Children, obey your Parents, in the Lord: for this is right." Ephesians 6:1.
7. What special feature did Paul note concerning this commandment?
"Which is the first commandment with Promise." Ephesians 6:2, 3.
8. In what way did God promise to reward obedient children?
a. Life and health. "My son, attend to My words; incline your ear unto My sayings. Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh." Proverbs 4: 20-22. "For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." Proverbs 3: 2.
b. Favor with God and man. "So shall thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3: 4.
9. How is the life of a loving parent enriched by a devoted child?
"The father of the righteous shall' greatly rejoice: and he that begets a wise child shall have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice." Proverbs 23: 24, 25.
10. On the other hand, what does the foolish son bring to his parents?
"A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him." Proverbs 17: 25. "Who so keeps the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shames his father." Proverbs 28:7.
11. What example of parental guidance did Abraham set?
"For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment." Genesis 18:19.
12. How did Isaac in turn manifest his filial devotion?
"And Abraham said, My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together." Genesis 22:8. "And they came to the place which G6d had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood." Genesis 28:9.
13. What respect did Jacob show for his parents' counsel?
"Thou shall not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan and Jacob obeyed his father and his mother." Genesis 28:6, 7.
14. What beautiful example of devotion is recorded of Ruth?
"And Ruth said, entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goes, I will go; and where thou lodges, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." Ruth 1:16,17.
15. How did Jesus show His respect for His parents?
"And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them." Luke 2:51.
"Jesus is our example. There are many who dwell with interest upon the period of His public ministry, while they pass unnoticed the teaching of His early years. But it is in His home life that He is a pattern for all children and youth. And every youth who follows Christ's example of faithfulness and obedience in His lowly home, may claim these words spoken of Him by the Father through the Holy Spirit, `Behold My servant, whom I uphold. Mine elect, in whom My soul delights." - E. G. White in "Desire of Ages," page 74.
16. What example of love for His mother did Jesus give on the cross?
"When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He said unto His mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then said He to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home." John 19:26,27.
17. Because of the neglect of this commandment, what tragic situation will arise in the last days?
"Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death." Mark 13:12. "In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be disobedient to parents." 2 Timothy 3:1,2.
"Perhaps no sign of the present time is more sad than the prevalence, of disobedience on the part of children to parents during the days of childhood, and lack of reverence and respect when once the restraints of home have been left behind."-G. Campbell Morgan in "The Ten Commandments," page 61.
18. What blessed reconciliation, however, will also be brought about in preparation for the eternal kingdom?
"And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers." Malachi 4:6. "To make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Luke 1:17. Christ's tender regard for the children, and for The sick and needy, revealed His deep appreciation of the sanctity of life.
1. WHAT solemn injunction is contained in the sixth commandment?
"Thou shall not kill." Exodus 20: 13.
2. Does this commandment prohibit the killing of any living thing?
"Every moving thing that lives shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things." Genesis 9:3. (See also Deuteronomy 12:21)
3. What then is its primary meaning?
"Thou shall do no murder." Matthew 19: 18.
4. Why is murder so heinous an offence in the sight of God?
"For in the image of God made He man." Genesis 9: 6.
5. Who was the first murderer?
"You are of your father the devil, He was a murderer from the beginning." John 8: 44.
6. What are some of the motives for murder?
Jealousy, Genesis. 4:3-8. Ambition, Judges 9:1-6. Revenge, 2 Samuel 3: 27. Lust, 2 Samuel 12: 9,
7. How are those who shed innocent blood regarded by God?
"These six things does the Lord hate: yes, seven are an abomination unto Him. Hands that shed innocent blood." Proverbs 6: 16, 17.
8. How did Jesus extend the scope of the sixth commandment?
"You have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shall not kill; but 1 say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment." Matthew 5:21,22.
9. What tyrannical abuses of power and social authority likewise constitute breaches of the sixth commandment?
a. Exploitation of the poor. "Behold, the princes of Israel are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain." Ezekiel 22:6,27.
b. Perversion of justice. "They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood." Psalm 94: 21.
"There are other forms of murder in these latter days, which are peculiarly the product of the age, and which are hardly ever named murder, because it is difficult sometimes to detect the hand that strikes the deadly blow. The oppression of masses of people in the hunt for wealth is murder, though our laws are so feeble that they are unable to detect the wrong-doers and, punish them." "The death of the little child in the overcrowded hells of the slums is murder by the man who gathers his wealth from the rack rented houses, without a care for those who perish that he may gain."-G. Campbell Morgan in "The Ten Commandments," page 72.
c. Despotism. "If you will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill." Daniel 2: 5. "Then Herod sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under." Matthew 2:16.
d. Religious pogroms. "And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to Perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey." Esther 3:13. "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and you shall be hated of all nations for My name's sake." Matthew 24: 9.
e. Wars and revolutions.
"From whence come wars and fighting among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? You lust, and have not: you kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: you fight and war." James 4: 1, 2.
10. How does the abuse of power invariably recoil on the head of the tyrants?
"Therefore, as I live, said the Lord God, I will Prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: since thou has not hated blood, even blood shall pursue thee." Ezekiel 35: 6.
11. By whom will the righteous ultimately be avenged?
"For we know Him that has said, Vengeance belongs unto Me, I will recompense, said the Lord." Hebrews 10: 30.
12. When does Jesus promise that all iniquity shall be punished and all wrongs righted?
"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it. Be you also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh." James 5: 7, 8.
13. What will be the ultimate fate of all murderers?
"You know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him." 1 John 3: 15. "Murderers shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Revelation 21:8. (See also Galatians 5: 21.) Women appointed as King's Counsel to help administer the civil law.
1. WHAT sacred emotion has God placed in the human heart?
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and. they shall be one flesh." Genesis 2: 24.
2. By what is the divinely instituted family life safeguarded?
"Thou shall not commit adultery." Exodus 20: 14.
"The command is a simple, unqualified, irrevocable negative, `Thou shall not'! No argument is used, no reason given, because none is required. The sin is of so destructive and damning a nature that it is in itself sufficient cause for the stern forbidding. A sevenfold vice is this sin of unchaste conduct, being sin against the individual, the family, society, the nation, the race, the universe, and God." - G. Campbell Morgan in "The Ten Commandments." page 78.
3. What are some of the contributory causes of immorality?
"Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodomy pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters." Ezekiel 16: 49.
"If then you yearn for the inestimable blessedness [of purity of life] you must flee from idleness; for idleness lays you open to every assault of the devil. You must flee youthful lusts, and avoiding all over- indulgence in softness, must sternly keep your body in temperance, soberness, and chastity."-Archdeacon Farrar in "The Voice from Sinai," pages 248, 249.
4. What law inexorably operates in the life of man?
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption." Galatians 6: 7, 8.
5. What are some of the consequences of adultery?
a. Moral corruption. "But who commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding: he that does it destroys his own soul." Proverbs 6: 32.
b. Shame and reproach. "A wound and dishonor shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away." Proverbs 6:33.
c. Penury. "For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life." Proverbs 6: 26.
6. How perverted does the adulterer finally become?
"Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you." 1 Peter 4: 4.
7. What attitude did Jesus take to the seventh commandment?
"But I say unto you, That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart." Matthew 5: 28.
8. Why are sins against the body particularly heinous in the child of God?
"Know you not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid." 1 Corinthians 6:15. "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" Genesis 39: 9.
9. What obligations do we owe the Lord who bought us?
"For you are bought with a price therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6: 20.
10. What life only is becoming of saints?
"For God has not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." 1 Thessalonians 4: 7.
11. What occasion do sexual sins on the part of believers give to the unbelieving world?
"By this deed thou has given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme." .2 Samuel 12: 14.
12. From what, therefore, did Peter urge believers to abstain?
"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2: 11.
13. What steps are they to take to curb sensual desires in their lives?
"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry." Colossians 3: 5.
14. How complete a control over the thoughts is possible through Christ?
"Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10: 5.
15. What sins does Paul list among the most conspicuous in the last days?
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be without natural affection, incontinent." 2 Timothy 3: 1-3.
6. When will adulterers be finally judged?
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whore mongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Revelation 21: 8.
17. From what will they be excluded?
"For this you know, that no whore monger, nor unclean Person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." Ephesians 5: 5.
18. Who only will be permitted to see God?
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Matthew 5: 8.
1. How many were intended to have a share in the natural wealth of the world?
"Moreover the profit of the earth is for all." Ecclesiastes 5: 9.
2. By what commandment did God safeguard the rights of the individual?
"Thou shall not steal." Exodus 20: 15. "You shall not steal, neither deal falsely." Leviticus 19: 11.
"This commandment like the others, gives abundant room for searching self examination. In its demand for a scrupulous and an inflexible honesty toward man it includes the necessity of a scrupulous and inflexible honesty toward God. It forbids every form of theft and dishonesty; it forbids extravagance and debt; it forbids betting and gambling; it forbids overreaching and chicanery; it forbids niggardliness and oppression; it forbids idleness and prodigality; it forbids the mean idolatry of mammon-worship; it forbids all grasping acquisition and greedy ownership."-Archdeacon Farrar in "The Voice from Sinai," page 277.
3. Through sin, what common violations of the commandment have arisen?
a. Exploitation. "Some remove the landmarks; they violently take away flocks, and feed thereof. They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge. They turn the needy out of the way." Job 24: 2-4.
b. Extortion. `Thou has taken usury and increase, and thou has greedily gained of thy neighbors by extortion, and has forgotten Me, said the Lord God." Ezekiel 22: 12.
c. Withholding due reward. "Woe unto him that build his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that uses his neighbor's service without wages, and gives him not for his work." Jeremiah 22: 13.
d. Dishonest measure. "Hear this, 0 you that swallow up the needy, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit." Amos 8:4,5. "Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord." Proverbs 20:10.
4. What common offence does God regard as comparable with, stealing?
"The wicked borrowed, and pays not again." Psalm 37:21.
5. What is God's attitude to all forms of dishonesty?
"For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteousness, are an abomination unto the Lord thy God." Deuteronomy 25: 16.
6. In what conversation did Jesus recognize the perpetual obligation of the eighth commandment?
"If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He [the rich young ruler] said unto Him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shall do no murder, Thou shall not commit adultery, Thou shall not steal." Matthew 19: 17, 18.
7. What example should the Christian set unbelievers?
"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." 1 Peter 2:12. "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men." 2 Corinthians 8:21. "Not Purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things." Titus 2:10.
8. What did Paul suggest as the best antidote for dishonesty?
"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs." Ephesians 4:28.
9. In what other way, apart from the abuse of the rights of man, may we break the eighth commandment?
"Will a man rob God?" Malachi 3:8.
10. What examples do the Scriptures cite of robbing God?
a. Holy time. "When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the Sabbath, that we may set forth wheat?" Amos 8: 5.
b. God's tithes and offerings. "You have robbed Me. But you say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation." Malachi 3: 8, 9.
"This commandment forbids the sacrilege of robbing God by withholding from Him, and from His house, and from the furtherance of His kingdom that which He gave, and which is our acknowledgment that it is but of His own that we give Him. It shows us that the possession of money is a sacred stewardship, and that to make its accumulation our chief end is a fatal misuse of the gift of life." - Archdeacon Farrar in "The Voice from Sinai," page 277.
11. What promise does God make to those who repent of robbing Him?
"Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, said the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Malachi 3:10.
12. How full is God's knowledge of fraud and exploitation?
"Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, cries: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth." James 5: 4.
13. What does He proclaim Himself to be?
"That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified." 1 Thessalonians 4: 6.
14. How does God counsel and encourage the exploited ones?
"Be Patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain." James 5: 7.
15. What will the wicked one day do with their ill gotten gains?
"They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord." Ezekiel 7:19. (See also Isaiah 2:19, 20.)
16. What judgment will fall upon the robbers of the poor?
"Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goes forth over the f ace of the whole earth: for every one that steals shall be cut off as on this side according to it." Zechariah 5: 3. (See also verse 4.)
17. From what will they be for ever debarred?
"Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6: 10.
18. On the other hand who is assured of a place in the heavenly kingdom?
"He that walks righteously, and speaks uprightly; he that despises the gain of oppressions, that shakes his hands from holding of bribes, that stops his ears from hearing of blood, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil; he shall dwell on high." Isaiah 33:15,16.
1. WHAT power resides in the tongue?
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18: 21.
"Our words are set upon never-stopping wheels, rolling on and on unto the pathway of eternity." - Brewster.
2. What special admonition as to the use of the tongue is contained in the ninth commandment?
"Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor." Exodus 20: 16.
"This sin is at once deadly, and most common, and extremely varied in the forms which it assumes. That is the reason why throughout Scripture-in the Mosaic law, the Psalms, the Proverbs, the prophetic books, and in almost every epistle of the New Testament-it is pursued with such energy of multiplied and scathing denunciation."-Archdeacon Farrar in "The Voice from Sinai," pages 281, 282.
3. How is one aspect of false witness defined?
"Thou shall not raise a false report." Exodus 23:1. "Thou shall not go up and down as a talebearer." Leviticus 19:16.
4. Who is the father of slanderers?
"And I heard a loud voice saying In heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." Revelation 12:10.
5. What are some of the consequences of slander?
"The words of a talebearer are as wounds." Proverbs 18:8. "They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips." Psalm 140:3.
6. Of what should believers, therefore, never be guilty?
"Speak not evil one of another, brethren." James 4:11
7. How should the believer relate himself to the slanderers?
"Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that you are thereunto Called, that you should inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3: 9.
8. Beside being the first slanderer and murderer, what other charge is made against Satan?
"He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." John 8: 44. "Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle which fits them all."- Oliver Wendell Holmes.
9. How does the Lord regard all falsehood of the lips?
"Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are His delight." Proverbs 12: 22.
10. Why is God so uncompromisingly opposed to falsehood?
"He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and-right is He." Deuteronomy 32: 4.
11. What, therefore, must characterize God's children?
"For He said, Surely they are My people, children that will not lie: so He was their Savior." Isaiah 63: 8. (See also Zephaniah 3: 13.)
12. Why is lying utterly incompatible with the life of the believer?
"Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds." Colossians 3: 9.
13. What is another common form of falsehood condemned in the Scriptures?
"They speak vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak." Psalm 12: 2.
14. How completely is the believer to be separated from deceit in every form?
"Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile." Psalm 34: 13.
15. What beautiful example of purity of speech was set for us by Jesus?
"Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth." 1 Peter 2: 22.
16. What forms of falsehood will particularly manifest themselves in the last days?
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despising of those that are good, ... but evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." 2 Timothy 3: 1, 3, 13.
17. What will be the ultimate portion of all liars?
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and. murderers, and whore mongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Revelation 21: 8.
18. By contrast what reward will be accorded those who keep their lips from evil?
"To him that ordered his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God." Psalm 50: 23.
1. IN whose hand is the disposition of all wealth?
"The Lord makes poor, and makes rich: He brings low, and lifted up." 1 Samuel 2: 7.
2. How then ought temporal possessions to be regarded?
Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God." Ecclesiastes 5: 19.
3. To what use should they be put?
"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate." 1 Timothy 6: 17, 18.
"The sharing of true wealth does not diminish our own possession, but increases it, and increases our joy in it. There is no selfishness in true wealth; and there is probably no joy comparable to the privilege of being allowed to contribute to the well-being and welfare and advance of humanity."-Sir Oliver Lodge in "Science and Human Progress," page 25.
4. To what wrong ends have material possessions been diverted through sin?
a. To acquire social advantage. "Wealth makes many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbor." Proverbs 19: 4.
b. To gain power. "The rich man's wealth is his strong city." Proverbs 18: 11.
5. How has the sinful heart come to look upon riches?
"Money answered all things." Ecclesiastes 10: 19.
6. What does this false view of possessions encourage?
"He that loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loves abundance with increase: this is also vanity." Ecclesiastes 5: 10.
7. To what other sins does `covetousness invariably lead?
a. False dealing. "For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one deals falsely." Jeremiah 6:13. (See also Jeremiah 8:10.)
b. Oppression. "And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage." Micah 2: 2.
c. Perversion of justice. "Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loves gifts, and followed after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither does the cause of the widow come unto them." Isaiah 1:23.
d. Strife and war. "From whence come wars and fighting among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? You lust, and have not: you kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: you fight and war, yet you have not, because you ask not." James 4: 1, 2.
"Criminal, records will prove that in a great majority of cases, unholy desire was the inspiration of murder. No word need be written to demonstrate the fact that the look of concupiscence ever precedes the act of adultery. Theft of every description is the offspring of desire to possess that which is unreachable by lawful means. The evil spirit that makes a false witness possible is motivated far more often than perhaps appears by covetous aspiration. Thus the whole realm of human inter-relation is disorganized and broken up by the dishonoring of the tenth commandment." -G. Campbell Morgan in "The Ten Commandments," page 111.
8. How many, in f act, of the world's sorrows does Paul attribute to covetousness?
"For the love of money is the root of all evil." 1 Timothy 6: 10.
9. How disastrous, also, is the effect of love of riches upon the spiritual life?
"Beware ... lest when thou has eaten and art full, and has built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; and when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou has is multiplied. Then your heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God." Deuteronomy 8: 11-14.
10. What solemn admonition against covetousness is therefore contained in the tenth commandment?
"Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shall not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's." Exodus 20:17
11. How seriously does Paul regard the sin of covetousness?
"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry." Colossians 3: 5.
12. What promise should completely exclude covetousness from the believer's thoughts?
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for He has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13: 5.
"Seek to be assured that God is yours. Then whatsoever others possess, you will be sure not to covet it, nor envy them. Those who have most, you will pity if they want Him; and those who have Him, you will have no envy of them for sharing with them, but love them the more. For that infinite love is enough for all that choose Him and whom He has first chosen in eternal love." - Leighton.
13. How will the Lord reward those who put their trust in Him?
"The blessing of the Lord, it makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it." Proverbs 10: 22.
1. ON what is the sinner's life patterned?
"In time past you walked according to the, course of this world according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience." Ephesians 2: 2.
2. What appeal does Jesus make to men?
"Follow Me." Matthew 4: 19.
3. What relation does the believer henceforth sustain to the world?
"They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." John 17: 16.
4. To whom does he now look for an example and pattern?
"Be you therefore imitators of God, as beloved children." Ephesians 5:1 (RV.). "But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 13: 14.
"The end and motive of Christianity, and therefore of Christian missions is to produce Christ-like character." - Dr. Stanley Jones in "The Christ of the Indian Road," page 49.
5. Of whom is Jesus Himself a pattern?
"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature." Colossians 1:15.
6. What example did Jesus provide for children and youth?
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:52.
7. When He grew up to manhood what example of obedience to the will of God did Jesus set?
"For I came down from heaven,' not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me." John 6: 38.
8. What spirit characterized His relations with others?
"A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13: 34.
"Love is not only the finest fruit but it is the final test of a Christian life." - S. D. Gordon in "Quiet Talks on Power," page 257.
9. How was Jesus' life spent?
He "went about doing good." Acts 10: 38.
10. Even in childhood, how earnestly did He desire to do His Father's service?
"And He said unto them, How is it that you sought Me? Know you not that I must be about My Father's business?" Luke 2: 49.
11. When He entered upon His ministry, how burdened was Jesus to fulfil His appointed task?
"I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night comes, when no man can- work." John 9: 4.
12. How did Jesus exhort His disciples to unselfish service?
"Whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: and whosoever of you will be the chief, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and, to give His life a ransom for many." Mark 10:43-45.
13. What supreme sacrifice was Jesus prepared to make on behalf of others?
"Who made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2: 6-8.
14. Ought we to be ready to make a similar sacrifice?
"Because He laid down His life for us: we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." 1 John 3:16.
To "lay down our lives" does not necessarily mean martyrdom in the cause of Christ. It means rather the complete surrender of our lives for service where and how He wills.
15. How did Paul beautifully express the goal of his life?
"For to me to live is Christ." Philippians 1: 21.
16. What inward transformation does the apostle declare must be effected in order that the life of Christ may be visibly reproduced in us?
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5.
17. As the life of Christ is reproduced in us what may we in turn become?
"Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart." 2 Corinthians 3: 3.
18. What is the ultimate goal of Christian living?
"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:13.
19. When may we expect fully to attain unto it?
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; f or we shall see Him as He is." 1 John 3:2.
1. How only may we live a life which is pleasing to God?
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6.
A mere intellectual belief in God is not faith. (James 2:19) As Dr. Ma'claren once said, "You may believe the thirty-nine or thirty-nine thousand articles and yet be as far from faith as if you did not believe, one of them. There may be a perfect belief and an absolute want of faith." Faith is not merely belief in, but absolute confidence in and complete reliance upon God and His promises.
2. How is faith elsewhere defined?
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen'." Hebrews 11:1.
"That quality in men which makes the future present and the unseen real."-Dr. C. M. Chavasse.
3. From whom does faith come, and in whom is it consummated?
"Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith." Hebrews 12: 2.
4. Through what means is faith generated in the heart?
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17.
5. Of what is faith also a fruit?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." Galatians 5: 22.
6. What blessed deliverance does faith bring to the sinner?
"For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2: 8.
7. What will by faith be reproduced in the life of the believer?
"And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." Philippians 3:9.
"Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping ` of the commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of love. When the doctrine we accept kills sin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement, bears fruit unto holiness, we may know that it is the truth of God." E. G. White in "Mount of Blessing," page 2 10.
8. How inseparable are true faith and godly living?
"But wilt thou know, 0 vain man, that faith without works is dead? By works was faith made perfect." James 2:20-22.
9. By what does the believer henceforth walk and labor?
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7. "Remembering without ceasing you work of faith, and labor of love." 1 Thessalonians 1: 3.
10. How may we be protected from the onslaughts of the enemy?
"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." Ephesians 6: 16. (See also 1 Thessalonians 5: 8.)
11. Is faith only a defensive weapon in the conflict with evil?
"For whatsoever, is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith." 1 John 5: 4.
"The weakest man knows God is strong to do exploits. All the might of God awaits the disposal of our faith." - F. B. Meyer.
12. What did the psalmist determine to do when fear crept into his heart?
"What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee." Psalm 56: 3.
13. How sure was Paul of the keeping power of God?
"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is, able to keep that which 1 have committed unto Him against that day." 2 Timothy 1: 12.
14. How comprehensive are God's promises to those who seek Him in faith?
"Jesus said unto him, If thou can believe, all things are possible to him that believes." Mark 9:23.
15. What will the testing and trying of our faith bring forth?
"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:7.
16. How are those who will stand with Christ at His coming described?
"They that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful." Revelation 17: 14.
17. What sign of victory will be given to them in that day?
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." 2 Timothy 4: 7, 8.
1. WHAT new life begins when `We yield to Christ?
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17. "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God." 1 Peter 1:23.
"The Christian's life is not a modification of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether." - E. G. White in "The Desire of Ages," page 172.
2. How does Paul distinguish between the old and the new life of the child of God?
"But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you." Romans 8: 9. "Seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him." Colossians 3: 9, 10.
3. By what is the new life of the babe in Christ nourished?
"As newborn, babes, desire the sincere milk- of the Word, that you may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2.
4. What change of spiritual dietary becomes possible as growth proceeds?
"For everyone that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Hebrews 5: 13, 14.
"Where Christ has given spiritual life, He will provide food for the support and nourishment of it unto life eternal, for He will never forsake, or be wanting to, the work of His own hands." - Matthew Henry.
5. In what other way does Jesus describe our spiritual food?
"Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses -gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven." "This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die." John 6: 32, 50.
6. How pleasant should the child of God find this bread from heaven?
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart." Jeremiah 15: 16.
7. Nourished by the Word what progress should he make from, day to day?
"They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appears before God." Psalm 84:7. "As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk you in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith." Colossians 2: 6, 7.
8. How does Paul describe the maturing of his own Christian experience?
"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, ... but when I became a man, I put away childish things." 1 Corinthians 13: 11.
9. What complaint, however, has he to make concerning certain of his converts?
"For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat." Hebrews 5:12 "I have fed you with milk, and not with meat. For hitherto you were not able to bear it, neither yet now are you able." 1 Corinthians 3: 2.
10. What urgent advice does he give to such?
"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection." Hebrews 6: 1.
"There is nothing so hostile to growth as this tendency to look backward to what one has been rather than forward to what one may be." - E. T. Raymond.
11. In what two aspects should growth be particularly manifest?
Daily study of the Word of Life means daily growth.
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3: 18.
12. How does Peter describe this Christian growth?
"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity." 2 Peter 1: 5-7.
13. To what standard of maturity may we aspire?
"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a Perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4: 13. "But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1: 4.
"A character formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that we can take from this world to the next.... How important, then, is the development of character in this life." E. G. White in "Christ's Object Lessons," page 332.
1. WHAT is the condition of the sinner separated from God?
"For you were sometimes darkness." Ephesians 5: 8.
2. For what purpose was the gospel given?
"To give light to them that, sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." Luke 1: 79.
3. How did Jesus, therefore, appropriately describe Himself?
"Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the Light of the world." John 8: 12.
"The first gleam of light that pierced the gloom in which sin had wrapped the world, came from Christ. And from Him has come every ray of heaven's brightness that has-fallen upon the inhabitants of the earth."-E. G. White in "Patriarchs and Prophets," page 367.
4. What prophecy was, fulfilled by His ministry?
"The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up." Matthew 4: 16.
5. Has God provided any other light for the guidance of men?
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105.
6. How does the Word illumine the life of those who receive it?
"The entrance of Thy words gives light; it gives understanding unto-the simple." Psalm 119:130.
7. What then is our responsibility to the light of truth?
"While you have light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light." John 12:36.
8. How will our desire for light be demonstrated?
"But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." John 3: 21.
9. Why are the wicked condemned?
"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." John 3: 19.
10. What blessings does the light bring to those who receive it?
"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1: 7.
11. What assurance is given to those who obediently walk in the light?
"He that follows Me [Jesus] shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8: 12.
"Light is-sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." Psalm 97: 11.
12. How will they in turn minister to a world still in darkness?
"You are the light of the world. Shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5: 14-16.
13. On what conditions only, will God continue to grant increasing light?
"If you continue in My Word, then are you My disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:31,32.
14. What will be the result of falling to walk in new light as God reveals it?
"Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walks in darkness knows not whither he goes." John 12:35.
15. How vividly does the experience of Israel illustrate the withdrawal of light from those who refuse to walk in it?
"Therefore is judgment far from us, neither does justice overtake us: we wail, for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness." Isaiah 59: 9.
16. What special light will be given to the faithful in the last days?
"But thou, 0 Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Daniel 12: 4.
17. Where will the light of truth lead those who faithfully walk in it?
"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the Perfect day." Proverbs 4: 18.
18. In that day, what will be their final reward?
"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12: 3.
"Freed from association with evil, they are touched with a new splendor caught from Him, and blaze out like the sun; their myriad glories melt as into a single great light. Now, amid gloom and cloud, they gleam like tiny tapers far apart; then, gathered into one, they flame in the forehead of the morning sky, a glorious church, not having spot, nor wrinkle, nor any such thing." - Alexander Maclaren.
1. To what high standard of character is the believer called?
"Be you therefore Perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48.
2. How does Paul define Christian perfection?
"That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:17.
"Now the God of peace make you perfect in every good work to do His will." Hebrews 13:20,21.
3. What other term is used to describe the standard of character God demands in His children?
"But as He which has called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be you holy; for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15,16.
4. Why must this standard be reached?
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14.
5. What is yet another designation of the goal of spiritual development?
"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification." 1 Thessalonians 4: 3.
6. Through whom is the work of perfecting or sanctification made possible?
"But of Him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and- sanctification, and redemption." 1 Corinthians 1: 30.
"He [Christ] came into the world to destroy the power, pardon the guilt, and cleanse from the pollution of sin. This was the very design of His manifestation in the flesh. He was born, suffered, and died for this very purpose; and can it be supposed that He either cannot or will not accomplish the object of His own coming?" - Dr. Adam Clarke.
7. By what particular act did Jesus provide for the sanctification of His followers?
"Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered, without - the gate." Hebrews 13: 12.
8. How is the progressive sanctification of the believer effected?
a. By the Spirit. "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit." 1 Peter 1:2.
b. By the Word. "Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." John 17:17-19.
c. By the Ministry of the church. "And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Ephesians 4: 11, 12.
9. What is the believer's part in the work of sanctification?
"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." Philippians 2:12,13.
10. By what statement does Paul indicate that there are stages of perfection on the way to the ultimate goal?
"Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are Perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to naught." 1 Corinthians 2:6. "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded." Philippians 3:15.
11. Who else are described as being perfect in this relative sense?
"Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations." Genesis 6: 9. "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright." Job 1.
12. What spiritual condition does relative perfection imply?
"And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men." Acts 24: 16.
13. While claiming perfection in this limited sense what possibilities does Paul still admit in his own experience?
"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect." Philippians 3:12.
14. To what, therefore, does he resolutely set himself?
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3: 13, 14.
15. How is constant progress toward higher levels of perfection maintained?
"But who keeps His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected." 1 John. 2:5. "Let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James A: 4. "Above all things put on charity, which is the bond of perfection." Colossians 3: 14.
16. Can any claim in this life to have attained unto absolute sinlessness?
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not-in us." 1 John 1: 8.
17. What will always be possible `while we are in the flesh?
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3: 18.
18. What retrogression is certain if we fail to maintain our standing in Christ?
"Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." 1 Corinthians 10:12. "Every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor." 1 Thessalonians 4:4.
19. By whose aid is the maintenance and development of our experience assured?
"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." Jude 1:24. "Being confident of this very thing, that He which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1: 6.
20. To what standard of perfection must we attain by faith before the Lord comes?
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5: 23. "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a Perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:13.
"The high-water mark of Christ's wonders is touched in this fact, that out of men He makes saints, and out of saints He makes men to be wondered at, likeness of Himself." - Alexander Maclaren.
21. How enduring will be the perfection attained in Christ?
"For by one offering He has perfected for ever them that are sanctified." Hebrews 10:14.
22. In what prayer of the Apostle Peter should we therefore desire to be included?
"But the God of grace, who has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you Perfect." 1 Peter 5:10.
Joy comes back into the life of the returned prodigal.
1. WHEREIN do the wicked vainly seek happiness?
a. Possessions. "They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave." Job 21:13.
b. Sensual pleasures. "Come you, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant." Isaiah 56:12.
2. How transient, however, is the happiness of the wicked?
"The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment." Job 20:5.
3. Where do the pleasures of sin invariably end?
"There is a way which seems right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness." Proverbs 14:12,13.
4. By contrast, what does God offer to those who come to Him?
"They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house; and Thou shall make them drink of the river of Thy pleasures." Psalm 36: 8.
5. How does the joy of the Lord compare with the pleasures of temporal prosperity?
"Thou has put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased." Psalm 4:7.
6. What emotion did the knowledge of salvation evoke in the psalmist?
"And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in His salvation." Psalm 35:9.
7. How does Isaiah similarly testify to the joy of salvation?
"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation." Isaiah 61:10.
8. Mention two striking New Testament examples of joy brought by the gospel message.
The Ethiopian eunuch. "And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing." Acts 8:39.
The Philippian gaoler. "And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house." Acts 16:34.
Describing Christian's experience on losing his burden at the cross, John Bunyan says in "Pilgrim's Progress": "Then was Christian glad and lightsome, and said with a merry heart, He bath given me rest by His sorrow and life by His death. Then Christian gave three leaps of joy, and went on his way singing."
9. What did Jesus declare His words would do for His disciples?
"These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your-joy might be full." John 15:11.
10. How inexpressible does Peter declare the believer's joy in Christ to be?
"Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see Him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." 1 Peter 1:8.
"For sixty long, happy years," testified George Muller of Bristol, "I have had Him with me, and I am a happy man. Oh, the blessedness and happiness of it is unspeakable!"
11. What state of heart does righteousness bring with it?
"Light is sown for the righteous , and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness." Psalm 97:11,12.
"Happiness is not in willfulness and unbridled license, but in subjection to a law, holy, approved, and willingly accepted. Christ's is the perfect law of liberty, and where this prevails and reigns there is peace and joy; for there freedom and obedience are one, yoked together by spiritual and most welcome bonds." J. R. Thomson.
12. Beside joy in the Lord, what other source of happiness do believers experience?
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1.
13. How was this manifested in the life of the early church?
"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart." Acts 2:46.
14. What joy also came to the disciples through service for Jesus?
"And the Word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.... And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." Acts 13:49-52.
15. In what did Paul find his chief happiness?
"For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy." 1 Thessalonians 2:19,20.
16. How should we feel when we are called upon to share the sufferings of Christ?
"If you be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified." 1 Peter 4:14.
17. By what are the redeemed sustained in all the experiences of life?
"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:2.
18. What emotion will the Lord's return arouse in believers?
"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation." Isaiah 25:9.
19. With what joy will Jesus in turn present us to the Father?
"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." Jude 1:24.
20. And in what will God Himself rejoice?
"And 1 will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people." Isaiah 65: 19.
21. Into what will the faithful at last be invited to enter?
"His lord said unto him Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matthew 25:21.
22. How will the saints feel as they receive their promised inheritance?
"And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." Isaiah 35:10.
23. With what demonstrations will the heavens and the earth associate themselves with the joy of the redeemed?
"The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God." Isaiah 35:1,2.
24. How enduring will be the joys of the kingdom?
"At Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Psalm 16: 11.
1. IN what way does Peter emphasize that the calling and election of believers is not irrevocable?
"Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure." 2 Peter 1:10.
2. How only can we be assured of the reward of faith?
"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end." Hebrews 3:14.
"Not he that takes the field, but he that keeps it, not he that sets out, but he that holds out, deserves the name of saint." D. L. Moody.
3. What therefore constitutes the greatest tragedy in Christian experience?
"Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it." Hebrews 4:1.
"Be thou faithful unto death, and 1 will give thee a crown of life," was the precious assurance to the Christian martyrs from their resurrected Lord.
"He only who endures to the end shall be saved. Of no avail will it be to have entered on the way of righteousness, if we turn from it. The rewards of heaven are not secured to any individual by an immutable decree. Through the mercy of God and the merits of a Savior, they are conferred only on those who do His commandments; and when we cease to do His commandments, we forfeit our title to these rewards." - Bishop Hobart.
4. How near to and yet how far from the kingdom was one young man?
"Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lacks: and he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved for he had great possessions." Mark 10:21,22.
5. In order to receive the reward of faithfulness in what must we continue?
a. Grace. "Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God." Acts 13:43.
b. Faith. "If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven." Colossians 1:23.
c. Love. "As the Father has loved Me, so- have 1 loved you: continue you in My love." John 15:9.
d. Well-doing. "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:9.
6. What example of spiritual perseverance did the Apostle Paul set?
"Not as though 1 had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12.
7. In what other ways are we urged patiently to endure?
a. Temptation. "Blessed is the man that endures temptation." James 1:12. "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." 2 Timothy 2:3.
b. Affliction. "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience." James 5:10.
"There will, of course, be difficulties in all our lives to impede our heavenward progress; difficulties from the opposition of our foes; difficulties from within our own hearts. We shall need patience and long forbearance as we tread our appointed track." F. B. Meyer in "The Way into the Holiest," page 212.
8. Who is our crowning example of steadfast endurance of affliction?
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds. You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin." Hebrews 12:2-4.
9. What provision has been made whereby we may endure and prevail?
a. Power of God and of Christ through faith. "Who are kept by the Power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1: 5. "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Romans 8:37.
b. Spiritual armor. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:13.
10. What knowledge should further stir us to steadfastness?
The Bible stories of faith and courage "are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." Daniel 3, 1 Corinthians 10:11.
"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised)." Hebrews 10: 23.
"Let us remember that the course is set before us by our heavenly Father, who therefore knows all its roughness and straitness, and will make all grace abound toward us, sufficient for our need. To do His will is rest and heaven."-F. B. Meyer in "The Way into the Holiest," page 212.
11. What blessed promises should encourage us patiently to endure?
a. Christ has overcome before us. "In the world you shall have tribulation: but he of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16: 33.
b. His aid will ever be at hand. "Be strong and of a good courage: The Lord, He it is that does go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fall thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:7,8.
"Above all, remember that where you tread there your Lord once trod, combating your difficulties and sorrows, though without sin; . . . keep your eye fixed, then, on Him as He stands to welcome and reward you. And struggle through all, animated by His smile, and attracted to His side, and you will find weights and unbelief dropping off almost insensibly and of themselves." F. B. Meyer in "The Way into the Holiest," page 213.
12. What confidence had Paul of the keeping power of the Lord?
"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." 2 Timothy 1:12.
13. What present joy is there in patient continuance?
"Behold, we count them happy which endure." James 5:11.
14. What will the prize of perseverance include?
a. Eternal salvation. "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." Matthew 24:13.
b. Eternal life. "To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life." Romans 2: 7. (See also James 1: 12.)
c. Association with Christ in His throne. "To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne." Revelation 3:21. "We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end." Hebrews 3:14.
d. Stewardship in the kingdom. "His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matthew 25: 23.
e. Every blessing of the kingdom. "He that overcomes shall inherit all things." Revelation 21:7
1. WHAT law of cause and effect operates throughout all creation?
"Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap." Galatians 6:7.
2. How does this principle work out in connection with man's moral nature?
"For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Galatians 6:8.
3. What, therefore, is the explanation of many of the judgments of God?
"Why cry thou for your affliction? Thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of your iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee." Jeremiah 30:15.
4. Have sinners any grounds for complaint when God allows judgments to come upon them?
"Wherefore does a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord." Lamentations 3:39,40.
5. What confession does the psalmist make as to the righteousness of God's judgments?
"I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and that Thou in faithfulness has afflicted me. Psalm 119:75.
6. Is God's, judgment of sin, however, vindictive or arbitrary?
"For He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." Lamentations 3:33.
7. What evidence is there of this in the relation between God's judgments and man's deserts?
a. They are far less than we deserve. "And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that Thou our God has punished us less than our iniquities deserve." Ezra 9:13.
b. They are often mercifully withheld. "But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yes, many a time turned He His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath." Psalm 78:38.
c. His anger endures but a moment. "For His anger endured but a moment; in His favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 3 0: 5.
8. To what does God compare His Judgments?
"Thou shall also consider in your heart, that, as a man chastened his son, so the Lord thy God chastened thee." Deuteronomy 8:5.
9. From what does the Lord desire through affliction to save us?
"But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world." 1 Corinthians 11:32.
10. What does He intend His judgments to accomplish?
"And testified against them, that Thou might bring them again unto Thy law." Nehemiah 9:29. "For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness." Hebrews 12:10.
11. How carefully are God's judgments tempered to achieve His purpose?
"I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished." Jeremiah 46:28.
"Thus always-the rod, the stripes, the chastisements; but amid all, the love of God, carrying out His redemptive purpose, never hastening, never resting, never forgetting, but making all things work together till the evil is eliminated, and the soul purged." F. B. Meyer, in "David," page 182.
12. What salutary effect had affliction upon the psalmist?
"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept Thy Word." Psalm 119: 67.
13. What other examples do the Scriptures provide of affliction bringing sinners to repentance?
a. Jonah. "Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly, and said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and He heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and Thou heard my voice." Jonah 2:1,2.
b. Manasseh. "And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed unto Him: and He was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord He was God." 2 Chronicles 33:12,13.
c. Nebuchadnezzar. "And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him that lives for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation." Daniel 4:34.
14. How did many in Israel respond to the judgment meted out to the nation?
"When He slew them, then they sought Him: and they returned and inquired early after God. And they remembered that God was their Rock, and the high God their Redeemer." Psalm 78:34,35.
15. How obdurate, however, was the nation as a whole to the remedial judgments of God?
"For the people turned not unto Him that smites them, neither do they seek the Lord of hosts." Isaiah 9:13.
16. What did the prophets declare God would do to Israel because they responded not to His chastening?
"My God will cast them a-way, because they did not hearken unto Him." Hosea 9:17.
"Those that hate to be refined by the fire of divine grace will undoubtedly be ruined by the fire of divine wrath." - Matthew Henry.
17. What lesson are we intended to learn from Israel's obduracy and fate?
"And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of His doing." Psalm 64:9.
18. How should we regard the chastening of the Lord?
"My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of His correction." Proverbs 3:11. "While the marble wastes, the image grows." - Michelangelo.
19. What response should His remedial judgments produce in our lives?
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." Revelation 3:19.
20. With the psalmist what confession should affliction evoke from us?
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes." Psalm 119:71.
1. BY what examples did Jesus show that while much suffering is the result of individual sin, it may often come upon the innocent?
a. Natural disasters. "Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think you that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?" Luke 13:4.
b. Physical affliction. "Jesus answered, Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents." John 9:3.
c. Injustice. There were present at that season some that told Him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose you that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things?" Luke 13:1,2.
"Man has much more to dread from the passions of his fellow creatures than from the convulsions of the elements." - Gibbon.
2. Why is nature often an enemy to man rather than a friend?
"Cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shall thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also, and thistles shall it bring forth to thee." Genesis 3:17,18.
3. What explanation does Paul offer for natural calamities?
"For we know that the whole creation groans and travailed in pain together until now." Romans 8:22.
4. What divine purpose is there in the permitted derangement of nature?
"For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him who has subjected the same in hope." -Romans 8: 20.
5. How do the beneficent laws of nature, through sin, bring suffering on the innocent?
a. Cause and effect. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sowed, that shall he [and often other innocent ones] also reap." Galatians 6:7. (See also 2 Corinthians 9:6.)
b. Heredity. `The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation." Numbers 14:18.
"When we analyze most of the things which we tall calamity, we find that they are due to human ignorance or human folly or human sin, not possibly in the person who suffers, but caused by some member of the great human family." - Revelation Leslie Weatherhead.
6. How did the prophet Habakkuk reveal his perplexity at the suffering of the innocent at the hands of wicked men?
"Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and can not look on iniquity: wherefore look Thou upon them that deal treacherously, and boldest Thy tongue when the wicked devoured the man that is more righteous than he?" Habakkuk 1:13.
7. Is God indifferent to their affliction?
"Who mocked the poor reproached his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished." Proverbs 17:5.
8. Why, then, have not the oppressors been cut off ere now?
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.
9. While deliverance from oppression may tarry, what does the Lord invite innocent sufferers to do?
"Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and 1 will give you rest." Matthew 11:28. "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to he moved." Psalm 55:22.
10. How does God reveal the intensity of His sympathy for the afflicted?
"As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem." Isaiah 66:13. (See also Isaiah 49:15.)
11. What promise of strength to endure does He make to the afflicted and distressed?
"He gives Power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increases strength." Isaiah 40:29.
"I never try to explain evil. When people ask me for an explanation of suffering, I tell them that I have none. But I tell them that I have a power which can conquer suffering."-Dr. Maude Royden in "A Plain Man Seeks for God," page 195.
12. What testimony does the psalmist bear to the Lord's help in affliction?
"Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence." Psalm 94:17. "In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears." Psalm 18:6.
13. How confident was he of God's care for all who seek Him in trouble?
"The Lord also will be a refuge, for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." Psalm 9:9.
14. How long will He permit the wicked to continue to oppress and the innocent to suffer?
"Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather you together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into My barn." Matt 13: 30.
15. In what mood will the oppressed believer await final deliverance from the oppressor?
"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be you also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh." James 5:7,8.
16. Into what will their sorrow then be turned?
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, That you shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and you shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy." "And you now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man takes from you." John 16: 20, 22.
17. What other changes will accompany the elimination of moral evil?
a. Elimination of all physical affliction. "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing." Isaiah 35:5,6.
b. Restoration of nature. "Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." Romans 8:21. "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind." Isaiah 65:17. (See also Revelation 21:1)
18. What will be the most convincing evidence of the complete elimination of suffering from nature and from the experience of mankind?
"And God shall wipe away all tears, from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4.
19. How will the ills of this life compare with the glory of the restored earth and humanity?
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18. (See also 2 Corinthians 4: 17, 18.).
1. To what strange experience of the righteous does the psalmist draw attention?
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous." Psalm 34:19.
"If we think to return to God merely that He may make the world safe and comfortable for us the call will be a failure." Canon Peter Green, MA, in "The Christian Man."
2. For what valuable purpose are trials permitted?
"Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." Isaiah 48: 10.
3. By what other illustration does Jesus reveal the purpose of trials?
"Every branch in Me that bears not fruit, He takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit." John 15:2.
4. For what reason was Paul given a "thorn in the flesh"?
"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me." 2 Corinthians 12: 7.
5. Until he understood this how earnestly did he plead for release from his affliction?
"For this thing I besought the Lord `thrice, that it might depart from me." 2 Corinthians 12: 8.
6. What reply did Paul receive from the Lord?
"And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12: 9.
"God often lets His people reach the shore as on the planks of a shipwrecked vessel. He deprives us of the cistern, in order to make us drink out of the fountains of waters. He frequently takes away our supports, not that we may fall to the ground, but that He may Himself become our rod and our staff. The embarrassments of His people are only the festive scaffoldings on which His might, His faithfulness, and, His mercy, celebrate their triumphs." Dr. F. W. Krummacher.
7. When he saw that it was for his good, how resigned was he to his affliction?
"Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9.
8. What other salutary effect do trials have upon the heart?
"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works Patience." James 1:3.
9. In whose experience is this strikingly illustrated?
"You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." James 5:11.
10. How resigned was Job to his affliction?
"Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." Job 13: 15.
11. What confidence had he as to the outcome?
"But He knows the way that I take when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10,12.
12. What did Jesus learn through suffering?
"Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered." Hebrews 5:8.
13. What will trials also produce in the believer's experience?
"Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." Hebrews 12:11.
14. To what exalted experience was Jesus raised through suffering?
"For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation Perfect through sufferings." Hebrews 2:10.
15. What will be the effect in us of trials patiently borne?
"But the God of all grace, who has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you." 1 Peter 5:10.
"Most of the grand truths of God have to be learned by trouble; they must be burned into us with- the hot iron of affliction otherwise we shall not truly receive them." - C. H. Spurgeon.
16. How then should we relate ourselves to the testing of our faith?
a. Not question. "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21.
b. Endure in patience. "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer." Romans 12:12.
17. Of whose sympathy may we be assured in trial?
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. Who comforted us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Corinthians 1:3,4.
Richard Baxter truly says, "He leads us through no darker rooms than He went through before."
18. What does Jesus also extend to the afflicted?
a. Understanding sympathy. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15.
b. Loving aid. "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." Luke 22:31,32.
19. What control does God exercise over the trials which He permits us to pass through?
"When thou passes through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walked through the fire, thou shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." Isaiah 43:2.
"God knows when to bring trouble and when to take it away." - Dr. Parker.
20. Of what, therefore9 may we be confident?
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.
21. What will be their glorious outcome?
"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:7.
"So the righteous flourish under their burdens; the more they are afflicted, the more they multiply." - Matthew Henry.
22. By what were Christ's sufferings crowned?
"Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?" Luke 24:26.
23. How will the patient endurance of the saints be rewarded when Jesus comes?
"Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him." James 1:12.
1. What did Jesus warn His disciples to expect?
"In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16: 33.
2. Through what experience must we pass to attain unto the kingdom?
"Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through muck, tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." Acts 14:22.
3. Are we then to be surprised when trials come?
"Beloved, think- it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you." "For even hereunto were you called." 1 Peter 4:12; 2:21.
4. With whom should we be willing to associate in suffering?
"Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you." John 15: 20.
"The cross is the ground plan of the universe; and the way of the cross for all followers of the Crucified is `the only pathway from illusion to reality,' the one way of life and peace." - A Correspondent in the Hibbert Journal.
5. Who is the instigator of the persecution of the righteous?
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking `whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5: 8.
6. What motives impel the wicked to persecute the righteous?
a. Guilty conscience. "Cain, who was of that wicked one, slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous." 1 John 3:12. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Timothy, 3: 12.
b. Antagonism of the flesh to the spirit. "But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now." Galatians 4: 29.
c. Perverted religion. "The time comes, that whosoever kills you will think that he does God service." John 16:2.
"The death sentence is a necessary and efficacious means for the church to attain its end when rebels against it and disturbers of the ecclesiastical unity especially obstinate heretics and heresies, cannot be restrained by any other penalty from continuing to, disturb the ecclesiastical order and impelling others to all sorts of crime, particularly ecclesiastical crime." "The Popes and Their Church," Volume 1, page 143.
"The gospel will not admit of coercion for the propagation and establishment of its doctrines. It is a spiritual system, and can be propagated only by spiritual influence. As it proclaims holiness of heart and life, which nothing but the Spirit of God can produce, so it is the Spirit of God alone that can persuade the understanding and change the heart. If the kingdom of Christ were of this world, then would His servants fight. But it is not from hence." Dr. Adam Clarke.
7. What example of fortitude in persecution has Jesus set us?
"Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judges righteously." 1 Peter 2:21-23.
8. In what spirit, therefore, are we urged to meet persecution?
"Rejoicing in hope; Patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer." Romans 12:12.
9. What other examples of patient endurance do the Scriptures provide?
"Take, my brethren, the Prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of Patience." James 5:10.
10. How is the believer bound to be temporarily affected by tribulation?
"And 1 said, Oh that I had wings like-a dove! for then would 1 fly away, and be at rest." Psalm 55:6.
11. To what depths of despondency did even the Savior momentarily come in His affliction?
"And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, My God, why has Thou forsaken Me?" Matthew 27:46.
12. What emotion, however, will triumph over transitory heaviness of spirit?
"Rejoice you in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets." Luke 6:23.
13. By what knowledge was Christ buoyed up in His terrible sufferings?
"He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall My righteous Servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities." Isaiah 53:11.
14. What aspiration enabled Paul to suffer with fortitude in the cause of the gospel?
"But none of these things move me, neither count my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20: 24.
15. What example did Paul set of joy in tribulation?
"Therefore I take Pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10.
"Be of good comfort, Master Ridley; play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out." - Bishop Latimer at the stake.
"How good it is that the old truths remain firm, that the Rock stands and will continue unshaken amid all the things that are against us! Let us not be impatient."-Pastor Niemoller in a letter to his wife from a concentration camp.
16. How does God promise to sustain those who suffer for His sake?
"Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." Colossians 1:11
17. What will it be our privilege to share in the day of Christ's triumph?
"If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us." 2 Timothy 2:12.
"Christ's people shall never be entirely forsaken. Though sorely harassed, they shall not be destroyed. Though cast down they shall not be cast away. At the darkest time let true Christians rest in the thought, that `greater is He who is for them than all they that be against them.' The winds and waves of political and ecclesiastical trouble may beat fiercely over them, and all hope may seem taken away. But still let them not despair. There is One living for them in heaven, who can make these winds and waves to cease in a moment. The true church, of which Christ is the Head, shall never perish. Its glorious Head is almighty, and lives for evermore, and His believing members shall all live also, and reach home safe at last." - Bishop Ryle.
18. Among what glorious company shall we have a place?
"And he said unto me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sits on the throne shall dwell among them." Revelation 7:14,15.
19. What eternal reward will be ours if faithful?
"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10. (See also verses 11 and 12.)
1. WHAT invitation to communion does God extend to man?
"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." James 4:8. "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him, that knocks it shall be opened." Matthew 7: 7, 8.
"All true prayer is a rising up and a drawing nearer to God in mind, and in heart, and in spirit."-Dr. Alexander Whyte.
2. Of what may we be assured as we approach Him in prayer?
"O Thou that hears prayer, unto Thee shall all flesh come." Psalm 65:2.
3. What attitude do the wicked take to the privilege of prayer?
"What is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? And what profit should we have, if we pray unto Him?" Job 21:15.
4. To whom do many in ignorance make their petitions?
"They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save." Isaiah 45: 20.
5. In contrast with the wicked, how did the psalmist respond to God's invitation to communion? "When Thou said, Seek you My face my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will 1 seek." Psalm 27:8.
6. How appreciative was he of the privilege of prayer?
"But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Thy works." Psalm 73: 28.
7. What will the Lord be to all who seek Him?
"For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him." Romans 10:12.
8. How does God's willingness to hear and answer compare with the readiness of earthly parents? "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gift unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?" Matthew 7:11.
9. Is God ever grudging in His answers to our prayers?
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally and upbraids not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5.
10. How fully will He satisfy the desire of our hearts?
"And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5: 14, 15.
11. Is it possible for us to overtax His capacity to give?
"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." Ephesians 3:20.
12. What personal testimony does the psalmist bear concerning God's answers to his own prayers?
"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles." Psalm34:4-6.
"Prayer is a fact of experience, and through all the ages the testimony of those who prayed has been that God hears and answers the prayers of His children." - Samuel Chadwick in "The Path to Prayer," page 10.
13. On occasions, how immediate is the Lord's response to the prayers of His children?
"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isaiah 65:24.
14. What complaint, however, did the psalmist at one time make to God?
"O my God, 1 cry in the daytime, but Thou hears not; and in the night season, and am not silent." - Psalm 22:2.
15. What confession, however, was he led to make?
"For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before Your eyes: nevertheless Thou heard the voice of my supplications when 1 cried unto Thee." Psalm 31:22.
16. What had he learned to do?
"I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry." Psalm 40:1.
17. Of what may we be fully assured concerning the Lord's help?
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16.
18. What should God's answers to prayer evoke from us?
a. Love. "I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications." Psalm 116:1.
b. Praise. "I will Praise Thee: for Thou has heard me, and art become my salvation." Psalm 118:21.
1. WHAT counsel does Jesus give to those who seek communion with God in prayer?
"When thou prays, enter into thy closet, and when thou has shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which sees in secret shall reward thee openly." Matthew 6:6.
Corporate prayer has its definite value, emphasizing the fellowship of believers at the throne of grace, but it is no substitute for personal private prayer. "In private prayer," says Samuel Chadwick, "the soul stands naked and alone in the presence of God." "The Path of Prayer," page 26.
2. How we show reverence when approaching God in prayer?
"For this cause 1 bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 3:14. "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." Psalm 95:6.
3 What, however, is more important than the physical posture?
"Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens." Lamentations 3:41. (See also 1 Chronicles 22:19.)
4. In whose name should our petitions be made to God?
"And whatsoever you shall ask in My name, that will I do' that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you shall ask anything in My name, I will do it." John 14: 13, 14.
"To pray in Christ's name means something more than adding `for Christ's sake' to our petitions. To pray in the name of Christ is to pray as one who is at one with Christ, whose mind is the mind of Christ, whose desires are the desires of Christ and whose purpose is at one with that of Christ."- Samuel Chadwick in "The Path of Prayer," page 52.
5. What help are we promised in making our -petitions to God?
"Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. And He that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God." Romans 8:26,27.
6. What are the essential conditions of effectual prayer?
a. Faith. "And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive." Matthew 21:22.
b. Readiness to obey the will of God. "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry." Psalm 34:15.
7. On the other hand, what will prevent God from hearing our prayers?
a. Cherished sin. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." Psalm 66:18. (See also Isaiah 59:1-3.)
b. Unholy desires. "You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts." James 4:3.
8. What test does the Lord often apply before answering prayer?
"He rewards them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6.
9. With what determination did Jacob seek to gain an answer to his prayer?
"And He said, Let Me go, for the day breaks. And he said, I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me." Genesis 32:26.
10. How may prayer be made more efficacious?
"And when He was come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, Why could not we cast him [the evil spirit] out? And He said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." Mark 9:28,29.
11. What, however, must ultimately characterize all our prayers to God?
"And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt." Matthew 26: 39.
12. What should always accompany our petitions?
"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4: 6.
13. How frequently did the psalmist approach God in prayer?
"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice." Psalm 55:17.
14. In the crises of life what example of Christ may we well follow?
a. Before day. "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Mark 1:35.
b. All night. "And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." Luke 6:12.
15. While we need to have set periods for prayer, how constantly should the prayer spirit be maintained?
"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
16. With what should prayer invariably be combined, and why?
"Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation." Matthew 26: 41.
1. WHAT may we with confidence cry unto God?
"Hear my Prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth." Psalm 54: 2.
2. What was the chief burden of the psalmist's prayers?
"Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech Thee, deliver my soul." Psalm 116:4.
"Show us Thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us Thy salvation." Psalm 85:7.
3. Of what was he sure when he pleaded f or forgiveness?
"For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." Psalm 86:5.
4. For what spiritual illumination did he also seek?
"I am Thy servant; give me understanding, that 1 may know Thy testimonies." Psalm 119:125.
5. How willing is God to give wisdom and understanding to His children?
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5.
6. What other spiritual blessings did Paul desire for believers?
a. Love. "And this 1 pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment." Philippians 1:9.
b. Spiritual strength. "That He would grant you according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man." Ephesians 3:16.
c. Patience. "And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ." 2 Thessalonians 3: 5.
d. Sanctification. "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the corning of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
"How much of our prayer is vague and pointless! Some cry for mercy, but take not the trouble to know what mercy must do for them. Others ask, perhaps, to be delivered from sin but do not begin by bringing any sin by name from which the deliverance may be claimed. Still others pray for God's blessing on those around them, and yet have no special field where they wait and expect to see the answer. To all the Lord says: And what is it now you really want and expect Me to do?" - Andrew Murray in "With Christ in the School of Prayer," page 22.
7. To what spiritual heights did Peter pray that believers might attain?
"But the God of all grace, who has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you." 1 Peter 5:10.
8. For what should we also have courage to pray?
"O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in Your anger, lest Thou bring me to nothing." Jeremiah 10:24.
9. For what temporal, as well as spiritual, needs may we properly pray?
"Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11.
10. Are there any matters too insignificant to be referred to Him in prayer?
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4:6.
11. What is an essential preparation for effectual service?
"Tarry you in the city of Jerusalem, until you be endued with Power from on high." Luke 24:49.
"The secret life of prayer, the open life of purity, the active life of service. This is the true ideal. This is the true rounded life. The service life grows up out of the other two. Its roots lie down in prayer and purity." - S. D. Gordon in "Quiet Talks on Service," pages 58, 59.
"Four hours of work for which one hour of praying prepares, is better than five hours' work with the praying left out." - George Muller.
12. What does God urge us to do in time of trouble?
"And call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shall glorify Me." Psalm 50:15.
13. How many of our cares does Peter say we may cast upon the Lord?
"Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7.
14. Should we, however, expect deliverance always and in all circumstances?
"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me." 2 Corinthians 12: 8.
15.Though God may not always grant us immediate relief, what does He promise?
"My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9.
16. In what attitude of mind, therefore, should all our petitions be made?
"And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou will." Matthew 26:39.
17. What comprehensive plea may believers properly make to the Lord?
"Do good, O Lord, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts." Psalm 125:4.
1. WHAT responsibility rests upon those who know the power of prayer in their own experience?
"Pray one for another. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16.
2. Who will naturally have first place in our intercessory prayers?
Our loved ones. "The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth." Genesis 48:16.
3. From our families according to the flesh, to what greater family will our prayers turn?
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." Ephesians 6: 18.
4. For whom, among others, in the household of faith are we urged to pray?
"And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." James 5:15.
5. In our prayers for the church of God, who else should be especially upon our hearts?
God's ministers. "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you." 2 Thessalonians 3:1.
"Revival does not begin with the evangelist, but with little groups of men and women on their knees before God in prayer. A revival produces its evangelists. It is not produced by them. The prime need at this present time is for men and women mighty in prayer." - Lionel B. Fletcher.
6. For what did Jesus enjoin His disciples to pray?
"Then said He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray you therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest." Matthew 9:37,38.
7. For what special blessing upon the church are believers in the latter days to pray?
"Ask you of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field." Zechariah 10:1.
8. Should our prayers extend to others beyond the household of faith?
"I exhort therefore," that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men." 1 Timothy 2:1.
"He who embraces in his prayer the widest circle of his fellow creatures, is most in sympathy with the mind of God." - Dean Goulbourn.
9. Whom does "all men" include?
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Matthew 5:44.
10. Who is our great Exemplar in intercessory prayer?
"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us." Hebrews 9:24.
11. Are there any limits to the efficacy of intercessory prayer?
"If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death." 1 John 5:16,17.
12. For what sin is there no forgiveness?
"But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost has never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation." Mark 3: 29.
13. What place should temporal rulers and authorities have in our prayers?
The Bible Speaks "I exhort therefore, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for kings, and for all that are in authority." 1 Timothy 2:1,2.
14. Why should we remember them?
"That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:2-4.
15. Whose kingdom, however, should be paramount in our prayers?
"Thy kingdom come." Matthew 6:10.
16. For what, glorious future state should we daily plead?
a. End of sin. "Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God tries the hearts and reins." Psalm 7:9.
b. Triumph of God's will and purpose. "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10.
1. WHO is associated with the Father and Son in the triune Godhead?
"Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 28:19.
2. What statements make it quite clear that the Spirit is a Person and not merely a divine influence?
a. He is capable of speech. "He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said unto the churches." Revelation 2:7.
b. He manifests emotions of pleasure, vexation, grief. "For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost." Acts 15: 28. "But they rebelled, and vexed His Holy Spirit." Isaiah 63:10. "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God." Ephesians 4: 30.
c. He has executive ability and is capable of purposive action. "But all these work that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will." 1 Corinthians 12:11. "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the f ace of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." Genesis 1:2.
d. He works wonders. "Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, 1 have fully preached the gospel of Christ." Romans 15:19.
e. He gives guidance. "When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth." John 16: 13.
f. He appeals to the Father on behalf of men. "Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray f or as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession f or us with groaning which cannot be uttered." Romans 8: 26.
"To each Person in one passage or other of the New Testament are ascribed the same titles and works; each is acknowledged as Lord; each is eternal. Each is Creator; each wills with a supreme will; each is the Author of the new birth. What is all this but the Father Eternal, the Son Eternal, and the Holy Ghost Eternal; the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Omnipotent; the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, God." - Cardinal Newman in "Grammar of Assent," page 133.
3. What part had the Spirit in the work of creation?
"And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." Genesis 1:2.
4. Since the entrance of sin how has God communicated with man?
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they. were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21.
5. How was the Holy Spirit associated with the incarnation?
"And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost, shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." Luke 1: 3 5.
6. In what way did God manifest His approval of Jesus at His baptism?
"And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him." John 1: 32.
7. How was Jesus empowered for His ministry?
"And Jesus returned in ` the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about." Luke 4:14.
8. By what power was Jesus fortified to endure the cross?
"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to -serve the living God?" Hebrews 9:14.
9. What part had the Spirit in the resurrection of Jesus?
"For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit." 1 Peter 3:18.
10. Who was appointed to take the place of Jesus at His ascension?
"And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth." John 14:16,17.
"Need I dwell upon the great thoughts that spring from that metaphor-how we have to look for a Person, and not merely a vague influence. A divine Person who will be by our side on condition of our faith, love, and obedience, to be our strength in all weakness, our peace in all trouble, our wisdom in all darkness, our guide in every perplexity, our comforter and cherisher, our righteousness when sin is strong, the victor over our temptations, and the companion and sweetener of our solitude? And this sweet, strong, all-sufficient Person is offered to each of us, and waits to enter our hearts." - Dr. Alexander Maclaren.
11. In what ways is the Spirit still active in the work of redemption?
a. Convicts of sin, makes known divine righteousness, and warns of judgment. "And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." John 16: 8.
b. Regenerates. "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." John 3:5,6.
12. In what further work is the Spirit engaged on behalf of the children of God?
a. Sanctifies. "That 1 should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost." Romans 15: 16.
b. Illuminates. "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak." John 16:13.
c. Empowers. "Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, said the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 4:6.
d. Protects. "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." Isaiah 59:19.
"The great needs of the soul, conversion, communion, and character, are all made possible by the Holy Spirit, and His action covers the entire life of the believer from first to last." His work embraces "a revelation of truth, a bestowal of life, and an equipment for service." - Dr. Griffith Thomas in "The Principles of Theology."
13. In what mighty way will the activity of the Spirit be manifest in the latter days?
"Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for He has given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the, rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month." Joel 2:23. (See also Hosea 6:3.)
14. In what way will the work of the Spirit in the latter days correspond with that at Pentecost?
"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Acts 2:40. "Come out of her, My people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues." Revelation 18:4.
1. BY what means was Israel instructed in the wilderness?
"Thou gave also Thy good Spirit to instruct them, and withheld not Thy manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst." Nehemiah 9:20.
2. Through whom did the prophets receive their messages?
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy 6host." 2 Peter 1:21.
3. How did Israel relate themselves to these ministrations of the Spirit of God?
"But they rebelled, and vexed His Holy Spirit." Isaiah 63:10.
4. What attitude did the Spirit' therefore adopt toward Israel?
"Therefore He was turned to be their enemy, and He fought against them." Isaiah 63:10.
5. With what promise, however, did God encourage the faithful remnant?
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh." Joel 2:28. (See also Isaiah 44:3.)
6. What profound results would follow this new outpouring of the Spirit?
"And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall keep My judgments, and do them." Ezekiel 36: 27.
7. By whom was the promise of the Spirit renewed?
John the Baptist. "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." Matthew 3: 11.
8. In what fuller way did Jesus tell the disciples of the coming outpouring of the Spirit?
"And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth. Whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but you know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you." John 14:16,17.
9. After His resurrection, how did Jesus assure His disciples that the promise was about to be fulfilled?
"And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, said He, you have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." Acts 1:4,5.
10. In what spectacular way was the promise fulfilled?
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:1-4.
"The Pentecostal outpouring was Heaven's communication that the Redeemer's inauguration was accomplished. According to His promise He had sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to His followers, as a token that He had, as priest and king, received all authority in heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed One over His people." - E. G. White in "The Acts of the Apostles," page 39.
11. What transformation did the Spirit work in the disciples?
"And they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2: 4.
12. What revolutionary results followed their witness in the power of the Spirit?
"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And many wonders and signs were done by the apostles." Acts 2:37-43.
13. How did Peter explain the miracle of Pentecost to the multitude?
"But this is that which was spoken by the Prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, said God, 1 will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh." Acts 2: 16, 17. (Read verse 18.)
14. What promise was extended to all who responded to the gospel appeal?
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2: 38.
15. For how many was this new outpouring of the Spirit intended?
"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord, our God shall call." Acts 2: 39.
"To us today, as verily as to the first disciples, the promise of the Spirit belongs. God will today endow men and women with power from above, as He endowed those who, on the day of Pentecost, heard the word of salvation. At this very hour His Spirit and His grace are for all who need them and will take Him at His word." - E. G. White.
1. IN what way are believers distinguished from the world?
"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." 1 Corinthians 2:12. "God has also given-unto us His Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 4:8.
2. On what conditions does God bestow the gift of the Spirit?
a. Repentance. Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38.
"Thou has neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God." Acts 8:21.
b. Faith in God and Christ. "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hanged on a tree. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might-receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." Galatians 3:13-14.
c. Obedience to His will. "And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God has given to them that obey Him." Acts 5:32.
3. In what ways is the coming of the Spirit described?
a. Shed upon men. "Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior." Titus 3:6.
b. Anointing men. "But you have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things." 1 John 2:20.
c. Baptizing men. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body." 1 Corinthians 12: 13.
4. How closely does the Holy Spirit associate Himself with the life- of believers?
"He shall give you another Comforter, even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive. because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but you know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you." John 14:16,17. "What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?" 1 Corinthians 6: 19.
"He [Jesus] told them that, in spite of all the anguish with which they contemplated the coming separation from Him, it was actually better for them that His personal presence should be withdrawn in order that His spiritual presence might be yet nearer to them than it ever had been before. This would be effected by the coming of the Holy Ghost, when He who was now with them s6uld be ever in them."-Dean Farrar, in "Life of Christ," page 390.
5. How fully does the Spirit desire to take possession of the lives of believers?
"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." Ephesians 5:18. "For he [Barnabas] was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." Acts 11:24.
6. What work does the indwelling Spirit accomplish in the life of the believer?
a. Mortification of sinful desires. "For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live." Romans 8:13.
b. Sanctification of the life. "But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God bath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
"Every step of progress in the Christian life is taken by a fresh and fuller appreciation of Christ by faith, a fuller baptism of the Holy Spirit. As we are more and more emptied of all self dependence, and as by faith we secure deeper and deeper baptisms of the Holy Ghost, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ more thoroughly, by just so much faster do we grow in the favor of God. You must pray in faith for the Holy Spirit. At every forward step in your progress you must have a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit through faith." - Charles G. Finney in "Lectures on Revivals."
c. Peace of soul. "For the kingdom of God is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.' Romans 14: 17. "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." Romans 15:13.
7. By what visible evidences is the Spirit's activity manifest in the life?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5: 22, 23. "For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth." Ephesians 5: 9.
8. What divine illumination is promised to believers through the Spirit?
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." John 14:26.
9. By what means are God's messengers equipped for service?
"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit. To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these works that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will." 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.
10. Upon what power may the children of God ever rely?
"Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, said the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 4: 6. "You shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto Me." Acts 1: 8.
"The promise of the Spirit is not appreciated as it should be. Its fulfillment is not realized as it might be. Learning, talents, eloquence, every natural or acquired endowment may be possessed; but without the presence of the Spirit of God, no heart will be touched, no sinner be won to Christ. On the other hand, if they are connected with Christ, if the gifts of the Spirit are theirs, the poorest and most ignorant of His disciples will have a power that will tell upon hearts." - E. G. White in "Christ's Object Lessons," page 328.
11. In view of the benefits resulting from the indwelling of the Spirit what did the psalmist ask God never to do?
"Cast me not away from Thy presence and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me." Psalm 51:11.
12. How may we prove ourselves worthy of the abiding presence of the Spirit?
"Quench not the Spirit." l Thessalonians 5:19. "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30.
13. What will he the glorious outcome of sowing to the Spirit?
"For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Galatians 6:8.
14. What fitting invocation therefore does the Apostle Paul offer for all believers?
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all." 2 Corinthians 13:14.
1. WHEN Jesus ascended to heaven, what did He receive from the Father on behalf of His disciples?
"Thou has ascended on high, Thou has led captivity captive: Thou has received gills for men." Psalm 6 8: 18 (See also Ephesians 4: 7, 8.)
2. Through whom are these spiritual gifts communicated to men?
"God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will." Hebrews 2:4.
3. How anxious was Paul that the church should understand the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts?
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant." 1 Corinthians 12:1.
"I have written and preached much of the Holy Spirit, for the knowledge of Him has been the most vital fact of my experience. I owe everything to the gift of Pentecost." - Dr. Samuel Chadwick.
4. How varied did he declare them to be?
"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." 1 Corinthians 12:4.
5. What are some of the gifts of the Spirit?
"And He gave some, apostles; and some, Prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, Pastors and - teachers." Ephesians 4:11. (See also 1 Corinthians 12:28.)
6. Elsewhere what other gifts of the Spirit does Paul enumerate?
"For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit. To another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues." 1 Corinthians 12: 8-10.
7. On what basis are the gifts of the Spirit dispensed?
a. According to the will of God. "But all these works that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will." 1 Corinthians 12: 11.
b. Appropriate to the individual. "But every man has his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that." 1 Corinthians 7: 7.
8. How is the Christian's experience enriched by spiritual gifts?
"Thank my God always on your behalf that in every thing you are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge." 1 Corinthians 1:4,5.
9. What may the Christian, therefore, legitimately covet?
"But covet earnestly the best gifts." 1 Corinthians 12:31.
10. What, however, is even more to be desired than the gifts of the Spirit?
"And though 1 have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:2. (See also 1 Corinthians 14:l.)
11. For what purpose are the gifts of the, Spirit conferred?
"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal." 1 Corinthians 12: 7.
12. In what ways does the church profit, from the exercise of spiritual gifts?
"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Ephesians 4: 12.
13. What responsibility, therefore, does the recipient have toward his gifts?
"As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 4:10,11. (See also Romans 12:6-8.)
14. How did Paul encourage Timothy in the use of his particular gifts?
"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands." .2 Timothy 1:6. "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." 1 Timothy 4:14.
"There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God." E. G. White.
15. What should always characterize the exercise of spiritual gifts in the church?
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." "Let all things be done decently and in order." 1 Corinthians 14:33,40.
16. For how long will the gifts of the Spirit be made available?
"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a Perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4: 13 j~
1. WHAT controversy was there in Christ's day as to the existence of beings of a higher order than man?
"For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angels nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both." Acts 23: 8.
2. In what visions are -the inhabitants of heaven brought to view?
"I [Micalah] saw the Lord sitting upon His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right hand and on His left." 2 Chronicles 18:18. "And I [John] beheld, and 1 heard the voice of many angels round about the throne." Revelation 5:11.
3. Are these heavenly intelligences around the throne of God created beings?
"Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou has made heaven the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preserves them all; and the host of heaven worships Thee." Nehemiah 9: 6.
4. How does a man compare, in status, with the angels?
"For Thou has made him a little lower than the angels." Psalm 8: 5.
5. Like men, however, what homage do the angels render to Jesus?
"And again, when He brings in the first begotten into the world, He said, And let all the angels of God worship Hint." Hebrews 1:6. (See also 1 Peter 3:21,22.)
6. What do we know of the nature of the angels?
"Who makes His angels spirits; His ministers a flaming fire." Psalm 104: 4.
7. How glorious are the angels in appearance?
"His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude." Daniel 10: 6. "His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow." Matthew 28: 3.
8. How superior to mankind are they in intelligence?
"My lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth." 2 Samuel 14:20.
9. What, however, is one example of knowledge withheld even from the angels?
"But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only." Matthew 24:36.
10. Do they exceed men in power?
"Whereas angels which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord." 2 Peter 2: 11. "Bless the Lord, you His angels, that excel in strength. " Psalm 103:20.
11. How has their power been demonstrated?
a. Circumvention of physical laws. "But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth." Acts 5: 19.
b. Power over rapacious animals. "My God has sent His angel, and has shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me." Daniel 6: 22.
c. Protection of saints. "The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear Him, and delivers them." Psalm 34: 7.
d. Destruction of sinners. "And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand. And when they [the Israelites] arose early in the morning, behold, they [the Assyrians] were all dead corpses." 2 Kings 19:35.
"What we call physical law is no obstruction to angelic ministrations. Bolts and bars and prison gates disappear at their volition, and dungeons like palaces shine in their presence. No place can be so dismal, no cavern so deep and dark, no Inquisition cell so hidden and fetid, no fortress so strongly guarded, that they cannot find quick and easy access, if a child of God is there." E. A. Stockman in "Footprints of Angels," pages 74, 75.
12. What do we know of the moral character of the good angels?
a. Holy. "When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory." Matthew 25:31. (See also Mark 8:38.)
b. Obedient to the will of God. "Bless the Lord, you His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word." Psalm 103:20.
13. How many angels are there?
"And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands." Revelation 5:11. "But you are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living, God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels." Hebrews 12:22.
14. What special orders of angels are mentioned by name in the Scriptures?
a. Cherubim. "Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the Cherubim there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, with the appearance of the likeness of a throne." Ezekiel 10:l."
b. Seraphim. "Above it stood the Seraphim, each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly." Isaiah 6: 2.
15. Who is the Leader of the angels?
"Yet Michael the Archangel, when contending with the devil He disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee." Jude 1:9.
16. Have we any means of identifying the Archangel Michael?
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which stands for the children of thy people." Daniel 12: 1. "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first." 1 Thessalonians 4:16.
17. Are any of the immediate subordinates of Michael named in Scripture?
"And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision." Daniel 8: 16.
18. What other angel, now fallen, once held a high position in heaven?
"How art thou fallen from heaven, 0 Lucifer, son of the morning, how art thou cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations!" Isaiah 14: 12. See study entitled, "Why Are Some Angels Bad?"
19. How are the angels employed?
a. Worship. "And all the angels stood round about the throne, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen." Revelation 7:11,12.
b. Service. "Bless you the Lord, all you His hosts; you ministers of His, that do His pleasure." Psalm 103:21.
20. In what work do they eagerly engage?
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" Hebrews 1:14.
1. How does the Bible distinguish between the good and the evil angels?
"I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality." 1 Timothy 5:21.
2. How did some angels come to incur the wrath of God?
"And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." Jude 1:6. (See also 2 Peter 2:4.)
3. Who was the leader in this revolt against the government of heaven?
"How art thou fallen from heaven, 0 Lucifer, son of the morning!" Isaiah 14:12.
4. Through sinful pride to what did Lucifer aspire?
"For thou has said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, 1 will exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High." Isaiah 14:13,14.
5. By seducing some of the other angels, what conflict did he precipitate in heaven?
"And there was war in heaven: Michael [Christ] and His angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon [Lucifer] fought and his angels, and prevailed not." Revelation 12:7,8.
6. What punishment did God mete out to the rebellious Lucifer, and how was he renamed?
"And He said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." Luke 10:18. "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan." Revelation 12:9.
7. What punishment fell also upon the angels who associated with him?
"Neither was their place found any more in heaven. He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." Revelation 12:8,9.
8. Against whom is lie now directing his deceptions?
"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the Devil, and Satan, which decieved the whole world." Revelation 12: 9.
"The facts of history concur with the statements of revelation in forcing upon us the unwelcome conviction that the human race is subject to the malevolent influence of an organized and all pervading demonism. Alike in the career of the nations And in the phenomena of personal destiny, the presence of demonic in skill and power is often prominent, frequently dominant, always evil." - E. A. Stockman in "Footprints of Angels," page 2.
9. How do Satan and his angels seek to enslave men?
By tempting them to do evil. "I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtle methods, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." 2 Corinthians 11:3.
"Evil spirits, in the beginning created sinless, were equal in nature, power, and glory with the holy beings that are now God's messengers. But fallen through sin, they are leagued together for the dishonor of God and the destruction of men." E. G. White in "The Great Controversy."
10. In what fateful conflict are we therefore called upon to engage?
"We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6: 11, 12.
11. How intensely active will Satan become as the end approaches?
"Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the seal for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time." Revelation 12:12.
12. Against what particular satanic activities in the latter days are we expressly warned?
a. Doctrines of devils. "Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times sonic shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." 1 Timothy 4:1.
b. International machinations. "For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which goes forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." Revelation 16:14.
13. What evidence clearly indicates, however, that Satan and his angels are a beaten foe?
"Thou believes that there is one God; thou does well: the devils also believe, and tremble." James 2: 19.
14. How may we be assured of victory in the conflict with the powers of evil?
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6: 11. (See also verses 13-17.)
15. What will be their ultimate doom?
"Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, Prepared for the devil and his angels." Matthew 25:41.
1. AGAINST what evil spiritual powers did God warn His chosen people?
"Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 19:31.
"Nearly all forms of ancient sorcery and witchcraft were founded upon a belief in communion with the dead. Those who practiced the arts of necromancy claimed to have intercourse with departed spirits, and to obtain through them a knowledge of future events. The `familiar spirits' were not the spirits of the dead, but evil angels, the messengers of Satan. Ancient idolatry, which, as we have seen, comprises both worship of the dead and pretended communion with them, is declared by the Bible to have been demon-worship." - E. G. White In "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 684, 685.
2. With what other forms of spirit-possession were they forbidden to have any dealings?
"There shall not be found among you any that uses divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord." Deuteronomy 18: 10-12.
3. What king of Israel disobeyed the divine command and sought after evil spirits?
"And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that has a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that has a familiar spirit at Endor." 1 Samuel 28:6,7.
4. How was he punished for his sin?
"So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it." 1 Chronicles 10:13.
5. Who else followed the wicked example of Saul and led Israel deeper into iniquity?
"And he [Rehoboam] ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made." 2 Chronicles 11:15.
6. With what urgent counsel did Isaiah exhort the nation as recourse to evil spirits increased?
"And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? For the living to the dead?" Isaiah 8:19.
7. On what occasion did Jesus come in contact with a victim of spirit possession?
"And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out." Mark 1:23.
8. For what did the spirit plead on recognizing Jesus?
"Let us alone; what have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth? Are Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God." Mark 1:24.
9. What command did Jesus give the evil spirit, and how did it respond?
"And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him." Mark 1:25,26.
10. How were the people affected by the miracle?
"And they were all amazed insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority commanded He even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him." Mark 1: 27.
11. What was included among the powers Jesus gave to the disciples?
"And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils." Mark 16:17.
12. How was this promise fulfilled in the ministry of Peter?
"There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one." Acts 1:16.
13. By whom was Paul once molested while in Macedonia?
"And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: the same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the Most High God, which show unto us the way of salvation." Acts 16: 16, 17.
14. What was he enabled, by the power of God, to do?
"And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour." Acts 16: 18.
15. For what did Paul condemn the Gentiles?
"But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God." 1 Corinthians 10: 20.
16. How incompatible is association with evil spirits and the Christian faith?
"And I would not that you should have fellowship with devils. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: you cannot be Partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils." 1 Corinthians 10: 20, 21.
17. In consequence, what did converts who had dabbled in the occult do on accepting Christ?
"Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men." Acts 19: 19.
18. What supreme effort will Satan and the evil spirits put forth in the last days to bring the world to ruin?
"Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." 1 Timothy 4: 1.
19. Through what avenue will their deceptive power be particularly exerted?
"Wherefore if they shall say unto you, behold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not." Matthew 24: 26.
This is clearly a reference to the secrecy of the spiritualist seance.
"To dabble in all such matters," says the editor of the Christian, "is to come within reach of demoniac forces, and it is no unfamiliar experience to find skepticism and curiosity about spiritual manifestation changed to hysterical `possession' in those persons who have lightly attended seances `just to see.' The things of which we speak are among the most serious problems of the day, and we would utter a solemn warning against confidences that are away from God and tend to the tragedy of demon possession."
20. What common deceptions used upon ancient Israel may be expected in the latter-day manifestations of spirit activity?
a. Necromancy, or alleged contact with the dead.
b. Divination, or prognostication by astrology and other means.
c. Sorcery, or the working of miracles by occult powers.
"The phenomenal aspect of modern Spiritualism reproduces all essential principles of the magic, witchcraft, and sorcery of the past. The same powers are involved, the same intelligences are operating." - F. F. Morse in "Practical Occultism," page 85.
Prominent in the propaganda of modern Spiritualism are claims of "psychic healers." Often these healers, it is alleged, work to the instruction of famous doctors who have "passed over."
21. How are alleged spirit manifestations to be tested?
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God." 1 John 4: 1.
22. By what standard are they to be tried?
"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8: 20.
The satanic power behind Spiritualism is clearly indicated by such declarations as the following: "They [the spirits] testify that Jesus Christ has nothing to do with the question of life and death, and they know nothing about the `mediation of our Savior Jesus Christ.' " - J. A. Findlay in "The Rock of Truth," page 288.
"Neither have we made any mention of a boundless store of merit laid up for him in the death of the sinless Son of God.... No such fable finds a place in our knowledge. We know of no store of merit save that which man lays up for himself by slow and laborious processes." "Spirit Teachings," communicated through Stainton Moses, pages 158, 159.
"Spiritualism is a religion; but it is a religion free from the absurd and superstitious features which mar the system known as Christianity." "The Progressive Thinker."
`Ve have no desire to hide the plain fact that there is much in some parts of the Bible which does not amalgamate with our teaching, being, indeed, the admixture of human error which came through the mind of the chosen medium." "We mention this to avoid at once the necessity of replying to any texts from these books which may be quoted as an argument." - "Spirit Teachings," pages 74, 189.
"What you are now witnessing [in spiritualistic phenomenal are the signs and wonders that preclude the opening of a new dispensation, the advent of the Lord. There will be no such physical return as man dreamed of." - Id., page 151.
23. What does the Bible teach as to the possibility of communication with the dead?
"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun." Ecclesiastes 9:5,6.
24. Who are the spirits who purport to be dead relatives and friends?
They are "seducing spirits" and their alleged messages are "doctrines of devils."
25. In what will the activities of the evil spirits in the latter days culminate?
"Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish." 2 Thessalonians 2:9,10. (See also Revelation 12:12; 13:13,14.)
26. To those who are not fortified by a knowledge of the Word, how plausible will the latter-day deceptions of Satan and his evil spirits seem?
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness." 2 Corinthians 11:14,15.
Indicative of the hold that Spiritualism is gaining even upon accredited Christian leaders and thinkers of today are the following statements attributed to noted churchmen in the Psychic News, March 2, 1940:
"The evidence of Spiritualism is too strong, too widespread, and accepted by too many sober- minded people for hasty rejection. Scientific men accustomed to deal coolly and accurately with phenomena have pronounced in favor of the truth of Spiritualism." - Dr. Pollock, Bishop of Norwich.
Spiritualism is "a confirmation of the Christian faith, and even a way from agnosticism to belief." - Dr. W. R. Matthews, Dean of St. Paul's.
Spiritualism is "the scientific explanation of the Christian belief and faith in survival of life after death." - Canon Anson, Master of the Temple.
27. Who only will be undeceived?
"For there shall arise false christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Matthew 24: 24.
28. In what will be the sure defense of God's people?
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8.
1. WHAT congenial task has been allotted to the unfallen angels?
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation." Hebrews 1:14.
2. In what beautiful vision is the ministry of angels portrayed?
"And he [Jacob] dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it." Genesis 28:12.
"Heaven is brought near to earth by that mystic ladder, the base of which is firmly planted on the earth, while the topmost round reaches the throne of the Infinite. Angels are constantly ascending and descending this ladder of shining brightness, bearing the prayers of the needy and distressed to the Father above, and bringing blessing and hope, courage and help, to the children of men." - Fausset's "Bible Cyclopedia," article, "Angels."
3. What solemn, yet urgent, task was committed to one of the angels immediately after the fall?
"So He drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the Harden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." Genesis 3: 24.
4. What is one of the earliest examples in the Bible of angels being engaged on an errand of mercy to men?
"And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city." Genesis 19: 15.
5. How did angels assist in the giving of the law at Sinai?
"Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it." Acts 7: 53.
6. In what special type of revelation has God frequently employed the angels?
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass, and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John.'' Revelation 1:1.
7. In what other service do angels engage on behalf of believers?
"The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear Him, and delivers them." Psalm 34: 7.
"It would be well to ponder more frequently the ministering care of the angels. They keep pace with every railway train, at whatever speed it travels, which bears some child of God to his appointed destination. They convoy every ship plowing its way through the troubled sea, which carries an heir of salvation to the haven where he would be. They encamp with horses and chariots of fire about every city, however tired, in which God's servants are found." - F. B. Meyer in "Israel," page 51.
8. How does Isaiah comment on Israel's experiences during the exodus?
"In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them: in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old." Isaiah 63: 9.
9. What remarkable deliverance was vouchsafed to Daniel in the den of lions?
"My God has sent His angel, and has shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocence was found in me; and also before, thee, 0 king, have I done no hurt." Daniel 6: 22.
10. On what occasions did angels minister to Jesus during His life on earth?
a. After His temptation. "Then the devil leaves Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him." Matthew 4:11.
b. In every time of need throughout His ministry. "He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone." Matthew 4: 6. (See also Psalm 91:11,12.)
c. In Gethsemane. "And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him." Luke 22:43.
d. An angel called Him forth from the tomb. "And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it." Matthew 28:2.
11. How were Peter and John delivered from the prison into which they had been thrown by their persecutors?
"But the angel of the Lord by night opened the P