1. “W. Η. R.,” Luflenham. The word translated “perish” in 1 Cor. 8:1111And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? (1 Corinthians 8:11), is the same as the one in John 10:2828And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28)—“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish” It is also often translated “lose,” or “lost” as Mark 8:3535For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. (Mark 8:35); Luke 9:2424For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. (Luke 9:24), &c. The difficulty disappears when we notice that 1 Cor. 8:1111And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? (1 Corinthians 8:11) is a question, while John 10:2828And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28) is a positive statement of the Lord. This makes all the difference. The apostle does not say that the weak brother for whom Christ died shall perish; that would be to contradict the Lord Jesus. He says, as it were, Are you, who know that an idol is nothing, going: so to act as by it to lead a weak brother into sin, and to have a defiled conscience? So far as you are concerned, is it nothing to you that, through your ways, a weak brother should perish? The security of that brother, as stated by the Lord in John, did not alter their sin—in fact it was sinning against Christ, who died for that weak brother. It would be quite as bad on their part as if he had perished. When we remember the fearful power wicked spirits, or demons, had through idolatry, it was a most sad thing to bring a weak brother under such dangerous influence. We are quite certain the sheep of Christ shall never perish. We are told so.
The other question, as to the meaning of the words, “Who is the Savior of all men, especially of those that believe” (1 Tim. 4:1010For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. (1 Timothy 4:10)), is very interesting. The Savior-God is such to all men, as Preserver or Provider. As another has said, “the apostle had faith in the living God, who, by His providence and supreme power, governed, preserved, and took care of all men, and especially of those that believed.”
2. Kingston-on-Thames. It is wonderful how blessedly God opens up the scripture to the hearts and understandings of those who look to Him in prayer, and expect to be taught by the Holy Ghost. The natural mind is competent to understand earthly things, but “the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God.” Our very difficulties, then, are often the occasions whereby we may learn more perfectly our entire dependence on the Holy Spirit, in order to be guided into the truth.
With regard to fasting, in Mark 9:2929And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. (Mark 9:29), we see no reason for not regarding it as abstaining from taking our usual food; as also in Matt. 6:1616Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (Matthew 6:16). It seems to us that such are so intent upon obtaining from God what they are seeking, so sensible, too, of their unworthiness, that taking their necessary food for a time is laid aside, to be thus wholly given up to special waiting on God. Would that there were more of this earnestness of soul in thus dealing with God! Blessed results, no doubt, would follow.
3. “B.,” Collumpton. A full reply to your question will be found in our paper, in this number, on “Before Death, and after Death.” We cannot see the shadow of a reason for supposing that the rich man in hell, or Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom, can refer to anything now going on in the world.
4. “W.,” Stamford. A faithful servant will always take deep interest in the affairs of his employer. But it is the Christian’s privilege to pray about everything, to be careful for nothing, and to be thankful for anything. If he keep his place as a servant, according to the instruction of holy scripture, and seek grace from God to glorify His name in it, so as to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior, he will find wisdom and help given him to meet the various details and circumstances which arise. It is wonderful how God blesses those who honor Him in prayer and faith.
5. Crewkerne. The contributions at the Lord’s table are generally used in ministering to the need of the poor members of the body of Christ, after the necessary expenses of the room are deducted. If, however, it be thought better in some places, under certain circumstances, to use it for the Lord’s work in general, we see nothing contrary to it in scripture.
6. Near Grosvenor Square. Those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, do so, first, because of urgent necessity, for they know, if they do not they must be lost forever; secondly, they know Christ Jesus as the One they look to—the Object of faith; thirdly, they do so because they believe God. that He is the only Savior. Such know they have salvation, because God says so, and they believe God.
You come to God when you approach God through His Son, who died on the cross to save sinners, but is now risen, ascended, and glorified at His right hand. It is sweet to know that 66 He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him.” Our earnest prayer is that God may soon give you joy and peace in believing.
7. “B.,” Helensburgh. We fear that the limits of our Magazine forbid our engaging to insert the paper you have so kindly sent.
Several answers to Correspondents stand over for want of space.