Q.-What is the distinction, in application, between "mortify," Col. 3:55Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (Colossians 3:5), and " put off," vs. 8.? Does the former apply to the inherent character of the flesh, and the later to its work?
A.-The christian being dead as to the life of the first Adam he has to " mortify," i. e. pract cally to put to death, the members of the old man, so that according to that life they do not act. This refers to gross and positive sins, as flowing from the lust of the flesh it's works we may say, " Put off," has more reference to the lust itself,-the inside workings of an unbroken will and evil heart, every movement of which is to be disallowed inwardly.
Q.-What is the old corn of the land?
A.-The old corn of the land is the glorified Christ, upon which the soul feeds in heavenly places, and by which it is nourished for conflict with Satan, and for running the christian race. It is the old corn of the land in Phil. 3., just as it is the manna,, or humbled Christ, the food for the wilderness journey, in Phil. 2.
Q.-What is the meaning of John's Baptism; and why was our Lord baptized by him?
A.-,-John's baptism was the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, as looking to the coming of Christ as the Messiah. See Acts 19:33And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. (Acts 19:3) and 4. It had its exclusive application to the Jews, who were baptized in the acknowledgment of a broken law, and hope in the coming of their promised Messiah. It is totally different from christian baptism, and therefore went for nothing, and those who had been so baptized, were baptized again, as taking them off Jewish ground to Christian Our Lord was baptized as fulfilling righteousness. As a godly Jew He did what was right according to Jehovah's will for the ' nation at that time. By this act too He associated Himself with the first right step of the godly Remnant, and took His place before God in connection with them according to Psa. 16
Q.-Was our Lord a priest when on earth?