Ques. 143. What is the meaning of James 5:14? Did the anointing of the sick only apply in those days? S. C.
Ans. James 5:14 may be used in faith now. If a child of God recognizes God's hand upon him in chastening, he may ask those whom he has confidence in, as men of God, to take up his case in prayer before the Lord, and count on God's forgiveness and restoration.
Ques. 144. Lev. 1:4. What should we learn by the offerer laying his hand on the head of the burnt-offering, and why is atonement mentioned here? Is it sin-bearing? M. L. E.
Ans. The laying on of the offerer's hand expressed identification with the victim.
In the burnt-offering it is the question of glorifying God in the place of sin itself-Christ "made sin" to glorify God there. Christ was made sin of His own voluntary will, and yet it was obedience. He was perfect in obedience and devotedness unto death, and that the death of the cross; it is all a sweet savor to God and for us. A man's bringing a burnt-offering is as good as coming to the Lord, and saying, "I have no devotedness to bring; but all is due to the Lord, and I bring it in the person of my sacrifice." We have nothing of our own but what is bad, but we are accepted in all the value of what Christ has done. The burnt-offering has more to do with the nature; the sin and trespass offerings with offenses. The great thing with the burnt-offering is that it, meets all of God's holy requirements, and glorifies Him, and in the place of sin.
Ques. 145. What is the meaning of Luke 18:22? Is it to-be fulfilled literally now? M. L. E.
Ans. It is for us figurative language, but easily understood. Our blessings are heavenly and spiritual. These are "our own" things and the "true riches". (Luke 16:11, 12; Eph. 1:3.) We are stewards of all the Lord has entrusted to us; if our hearts are taken up with them as if they were our own possessions, we are, worldly. (1 John 2:15.) We are then living in them instead of the things of Christ. Luke 12:15, (new trans.); Luke 12:33; and 18:22, put things in their right places. Selling is getting rid in our hearts of what would keep us from Him. 1 Tim. 6:17-19, with 1 Cor. 7:30, 31 (new trans.), help us to see how we can use the world without counting it our own. We are to let nothing hinder us from following Christ.