Question: Please explain the meaning of James 5:12. W. D. I.
Answer: James 5:12 (read also Matt. 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
Question: Please explain Acts 8:13, compared with verses 20-23. D. C.
Answer: Compare Acts 8:13 with 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, true believer, like Eph. 2:8, felt his need of a Saviour, and could not do without knowing Jesus as his own Saviour. You may see the same difference in John 2:23-25 and 6:66-69.
Question: What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 9:27? C. E. W.
Answer: This is connected with profession, which might be real or false. A man might be a professed Christian, a preacher, and yet be lost. Chapter 10:1-12, illustrates this in Israel.
Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:24; 1 Peter 4:1, 2, and many other such verses would indicate that keeping the body under, means applying the death of Christ to our ways. This the unconverted man cannot do, for he does not take Christ as his standard, though he may live a decent moral, religious life. He may do all that and yet be lost.
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 1:10), by earnest diligence in the truth.
Question: Will you please explain. 1 Corinthians 3:17? W. D. I.
Answer: 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.