Arts. The passage shows that we are created by God for His glory. It is a wonderful thing when the soul really grasps this. That we have not even to choose the good works that are to occupy us, for all things are of God, and He has prepared our path before us, and those works for which we are most suited. We trust many of our readers are found walking in this simple and God-honoring path.
Ques. What language are the four words in Dan. 5:2525And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. (Daniel 5:25)? Could the astrologers understand any of them? Why is Upharsin changed to Peres in the interpretation?
Ans. In the old Chaldee, Mene, Mene, meaning in Hebrew and Chaldee "he hath numbered and finished." Tekel (Chaldee) "thou are weighed," or (Hebrew) "thou art too light." Upharsin, pharsin, or Peres; Pharsin in Hebrew means "the Persians;" Paresin in Chaldee signifies "dividing." Possibly the astrologers would not, as well as could not interpret such a fearful message to King Belshazzar.
Ques. Kindly say what kind of life the unbeliever will have throughout eternity, and what kind of body he will have?
Ans. We do not know anything more than that he will have a perpetuity of existence in unutterable misery, and that the body will be immortal. Eternal life, properly speaking, belongs to the Christian alone, and means much more than existing forever, which is equally true of the unbeliever. Only those who are in Christ have eternal life; the others, although existing forever, shall not see life. (John 3:3636He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36).)