33. “Ε. Ε.,” Barford. {vi 31099-31100}Rev. 22:18, 19, contains a most solemn warning designed and eminently calculated to guard the divine integrity of this closing section of the inspired canon. We need hardly say that this, like all the other solemn warnings of Holy Scripture, leaves the grand question of the believer’s security in Christ wholly untouched. It is a very serious error indeed to use the warning voice of the Spirit as an occasion of doubting the faithfulness of God, and the all-sufficiency of Christ. Assuredly we should give earnest heed to the warning; but for a saint to doubt his salvation, is not a taking heed to the warning of God, but listening to the dark suggestion of Satan. What should I say to my son if he were to make use of my warning voice as a reason for doubting his relationship? I may have to warn him, and he should attend to the warning; but it is as my son I warn him, and it is as his father he hears my voice. But as to {vi 31099-31100}Revelation 22:18, 19, it does not assume such a thing as a true Christian tampering with the inspired volume. It says, “If any man,” &c. In verse 19, the four Editors read “tree” instead of “book.”
34. “M. A,” Mere. Acts 16:4 refers to the directions given in chapter 15:29.
35. “J. A. S.,” Swindon. There is no foundation in scripture for any such practice as you refer to. We should regard it as resting wholly on a traditionary basis, and as savoring of superstition.
36. “M. R. Α.,” Norwich. We believe that Jordan is a type of death, in one special aspect, and the Red Sea is a type of death, in another. The Red Sea separated Israel from Egypt, and introduced them to their desert wanderings. Jordan closed their desert wanderings and introduced them to Canaan’s wars. Now, these things are our types and it is important to be able to read the type and understand its deep significance. The death of Christ is the great antitype of both the Red Sea and the Jordan. In Him we have died to the world. This is the Red Sea. We have left Egypt and entered upon our wilderness pilgrimage. But Christ is risen and has taken His place on high. He has met the full power of death for us, and made it a passage for us into glory. Jordan overflowed all its banks at the moment when the ark of God drove back its waters, and made a highway for the ransomed to pass over. Death was never so terrible as when the Prince of Life destroyed its power for us, and made it our passage to heaven. But we are not yet actually there; we are still in the wilderness, as to our experience. In spirit and by faith we are in heaven, and we are called to maintain our ground as heavenly men. Hence the conflict in Eph. 6. Clearly if we were, as to fact, in heaven, we should be done with conflict; and here, doubtless, lies the foundation of your difficulty. Israel had to fight for every inch of Canaan, and we have to fight with spiritual foes in order to maintain our position and character as heavenly men. Take a case. A person is converted ha the bosom of a worldly family. He is, as to fact, surrounded by Egypt and its circumstances. But to Him it is a wilderness; such is his experience. He is a stranger and a pilgrim beneath his father’s roof. But in spirit he soars to heaven, whither the great Captain of his salvation has gone before. He longs to have a heavenly life, to feed upon Christ, the old corn of the land — Christ risen and seated in the heavens. He longs for the grapes of Eshcol, and for the milk and honey which flow copiously in the land of his inheritance. This the devil and his agents seek to hinder in every way. Hence the conflict.
37. “H. D.,” Jersey. {vi 28423-28426}1 Cor. 3:12-15, refers to the nature and character of a man’s work in the Church of God. The foundation is laid, and each one is to take heed as to the materials with which he builds. A man may teach spurious doctrines, or introduce spurious persons into the assembly. All will be tried, and what is false will be burnt up, though the workman may be saved. It is a most solemn word for ministers. The “floor” in Matt. 3:12, refers primarily to the Jewish nation; but it is a solemn voice for Christendom. A saint may, through carelessness, lose the sense of Divine love and the light of the Divine countenance; but the Lord “withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous.” He loves them with an everlasting love. As to the expression “Quench not the Spirit,” (1 Thess. 5) it refers rather to the assembly — to Christians when gathered together. You will observe that the following verse speaks of not despising prophesying’s. If an assembly of Christians set up any order or arrangement whereby the free action of the Holy Ghost is hindered, they are quenching the Spirit. No doubt, individuals also quench the Spirit when they refuse to give forth that which He communicates. But for the general walk of the believer we have the precious precept, “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Eph. 4:30.) The parable of the mustard seed, in Mark 4 and Matt. 13, refers to professing Christianity in the world. Its beginning was small and insignificant; but it has become a great thing in the earth. You must distinguish between this and the true Church of God, composed of true believers, washed in the blood of Christ, indwelt by the Holy Ghost, and guided by the word of God. The “new and living way” of Heb. 10:20, is said to be through the Savior’s flesh — the antitype of the veil. The death of Christ rent the veil and opened the way into the holiest of all. Excuse the extreme brevity of our replies. To go fully into your questions would demand a volume.
38. “W. G. W.,” Portsmouth. We should judge that the expression to which you refer merely conveys the idea that Christ appears before God for us in all the credit and value of His atoning work. Heb. 9:12 tells us that Christ entered in once, with His own blood, into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption. The atoning death of Christ is the solid foundation on which the entire edifice of Christianity reposes.
39. “C. S.” and “E. J. B.,” Bristol. We should consider the application of Isa. 28:16, to a person running to catch a train or keep an appointment, a perfect piece of absurdity. The use made of this precious passage in the New Testament teaches us, very distinctly, that the soul who simply trusts in the living God and His Son Jesus Christ, will be kept in quiet assurance and perfect repose, come what may. Such an one will never be put to shame, never be confounded, world without end. The Lord be praised for such rich consolation! Accept our thanks for the sweet hymn.
40. “L. H.” and “J. Τ. B.,” Northampton. Your kind communications refer to the same subject. We quite purpose, if the Lord will, to reprint the series of papers entitled “Glad Tidings,” as a separate tract. Very many as well as yourselves have requested us to do so. May God add His rich blessing!
41. “Α. Η.” 1 Pet. 2:24 refers, as we judge, to the whole of Christ’s sacrificial work. It is, as you will, doubtless, have observed, a quotation from Isaiah lid. The lxx. version renders the word “stripes” by a singular noun (τω μχωλωπι). The atoning work of Christ is set forth, in various ways, throughout scripture — “Death” — “Blood shedding” — “Stripes” — “Cross,” &c, &c. We doubt not there is always a distinct object in the use of any particular term. Accept, beloved friend, our warmest thanks for your truly kind and encouraging letter. May God bless you most abundantly!
42. “Η. Α.,” Unita. Your communication, with the extract, has come to hand. We cannot enter further upon the subject. May the Lord Himself be your Teacher!
Some other Communications stand over.