Ans. James 5:1212But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. (James 5:12) (read also Matt. 5:33-3733Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (Matthew 5:33‑37).) These scriptures teach us that it is wrong to use extravagant language as people then did, land now often do. We are to be true to our "yes," and "no," to say what we mean, and mean what we say, without putting an oath to it. This does not hinder us when asked by the law of the land, as in a court of justice or in signing necessary affidavits, to do so under oath to the truth. When Jesus was adjured by the high priest, by the living God, to speak, He answered at once. Until then He held His peace
Ans. Compare Acts 8:1313Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. (Acts 8:13) with Eph. 2:88For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8), and you will see that Simon's faith was only the result of his own natural heart through seeing the miracles. The, Brae believer, like Eph. 2:88For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8), felt his need of a Savior, and could not do without knowing Jesus as his own Savior. You may see the same difference in John 2:23-2523Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 24But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. (John 2:23‑25) and 6:66-69.
C. E. W.
Ann. This is connected with profession, which might be real or false. A man might be a professed Christian, a preacher, and yet be lost. Chap. 10:1-12, illustrates this in Israel.
Make sure, dear reader, that you know the finished work of Christ for your soul's salvation, and that your present endeavor is to shape your life accordingly. See that you make your calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:1010Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (2 Peter 1:10)), by earnest diligence in the truth.
W. D. I.
Ans. In this chapter we have laborers in the Assembly of God on earth. Paul laid the foundation, and others built on it, but every one was to take heed how he built. Here we get responsibility. We have three samples of builders.
Verse 14 is a good builder, who builds according to the Great Architect's plan, and he gets his reward.
Verse 15 is one who loses his work, though he is a saved man.
Verse 17 is an unsaved man, he and his work merit and receive destruction. Unsaved priests, ministers, class-leaders and all kinds of teachers are included in this.