Correspondence: Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 15:21-22, 16:20; John 16:8-11

From: Young Christian: Volume 24, 1934

Galatians 5:19‑21; 1 Corinthians 15:21‑22; 1 Corinthians 16:20; John 16:8‑11 • 2 min. read • grade level: 10

Ques. What would you say of one who has seen himself a sinner before God and believed that Jesus died for him, but has since been guilty of sins mentioned in Galatians 5:19-21¹⁹Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, ²⁰Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, ²¹Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19‑21)?

Ans. In Galatians 5:19-21¹⁹Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, ²⁰Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, ²¹Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19‑21), the Apostle is speaking of a class of persons who are characterized by the evil fruits specified in the context. No doubt, a child of God, if not watchful, may fall into any of the sins referred to; but he is not characterized by them he does not live in them does not belong to the class who habitually commit such things. Should he, unhappily, be overtaken, he is restored by the advocacy of Christ, whose precious intercession procures for the erring one the grace of repentance, self-judgment, confession, and restoration. Such is the precious grace of God.

Ques. Who are to take part in the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:21²¹For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. (1 Corinthians 15:21)), and who are the “all” who in Christ will be made alive (verse 22)?

Ans. In 1 Corinthains 15:21, the word “resurrection” applies to all mankind, for all shall rise. But, in verse 22, the expression “in Christ shall all be made alive,” refers, most assuredly, only to believers, for none but such can be spoken of as being “in Christ.”

Ques. Is the form of salutation given in 1 Corinthians 16:20²⁰All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. (1 Corinthians 16:20) to be used now?

Ans. 1 Corinthians 16:20²⁰All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. (1 Corinthians 16:20) simply exhorts Christians to salute one another in holy love. The form of salutation may vary according to our national habits; but holiness and love must ever be the characteristics. What we want is spirit and power, whatever be the form.

Ques. Does John 16:8-11⁸And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: ⁹Of sin, because they believe not on me; ¹⁰Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; ¹¹Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. (John 16:8‑11) refer to the work wrought in individual souls?

Ans. These verses refer to the world, as a whole, and not to the work wrought in individual souls. The very presence of the Holy Spirit proved the world guilty of rejecting the Son of God.

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