Ques. Is the Epistle of James weakened or limited in its application to present day conditions of the assembly of God, by the address to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad; does this confine it to the Jews? R. M.
Ans. The subject of the Epistle is practical righteousness, and this is the fruit of accomplished redemption. We look for practical righteousness in all who profess to know God, and to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. And this fruit comes from those who have the divine nature in them, through being born again by the word of truth. This is why he says, "Faith without works is dead." There are no instructions to the assembly as such. It is all individual.
This Epistle is all true, and the word of the living God, and for the obedience of faith. In reading and applying it, we still keep in view that we are heavenly citizens, and that all the grace needed to walk according to this Epistle, like all the rest, is the ever flowing grace of Him who giveth more grace, and that the condition of our souls needs to be like Him who was meek and lowly in heart, for He resisteth the proud and gives grace to the humble.
The principle of 5:14, 15, 16 may be carried out where there is humility, brotherly confidence and love, though we have not official order now, as then when it was written. It is plainly a kind of discipline, and not meant to apply to every sickness. But we have the privilege of taking all to the Lord, and of resting in His ordering for us.
R. M.
Ans. Psa. 16 presents Christ as a man, perfect in all His ways.
"Preserve Me, O God," is the expression of His dependence.
"For in Thee do I put My trust," is His confidence.
"O My soul, thou hast said unto the LORD (Jehovah) Thou art My Lord" (adon, lord or master), this is His subjection.
"My goodness (extendeth) not to Thee: but to the saints that are on the earth, and to the excellent, in whom (or them) is all My delight," this is His lowliness. He is not here claiming equality with God, but associating Himself with the saints on earth. We see this historically in Matt. 3 when He was baptized of John in Jordan, thus fulfilling righteousness, the One who had no sin, taking His place with the believing remnant of Israel in confessing their sins. And here the Father justified Him by giving Him as a sinless man, the Holy Spirit, and owning Him as His beloved Son in whom His delight was. This was His lowly grace expressed in "My goodness extendeth not (up) to Thee," but (down) to the saints, etc.
Verse 4 is His separation from evil. He was all that the godly man should be.
Ques. Did Christ on the cross bear the sins of the whole human race? Or only the sins of those who believe? N. F. A.
Ans. We should notice how the scripture reads, and we shall find that the death of Christ is the righteous ground on which God in grace can forgive sinners. We can mention a few verses: (John 3: 14-16; Rom. 5:6, 86For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6)
8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8); 1 Tim. 1:15; 2:4, 5, 615This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)
4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:4‑6); Heb. 2:99But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (Hebrews 2:9); 2 Cor. 5:1515And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (2 Corinthians 5:15); 1 John 2:22And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2).) There we see salvation offered to all-God's love going out to all.
The language of faith, that is, of those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, gives the knowledge of forgiveness of sins. In Scripture language we do not say to the unsaved, "Christ died for your sins," but "Christ died for you." (Rom. 3:24-26; 4:25; 5:124Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:24‑26)
25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:25)
1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1); Gal. 1:4; 3:13, 224Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (Galatians 1:4)
13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (Galatians 3:13)
22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. (Galatians 3:22); Eph. 1:77In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7); Col 1:12-1412Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Colossians 1:12‑14); 2 Tim. 1:99Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (2 Timothy 1:9); 1 Cor. 15:33For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; (1 Corinthians 15:3).)
The Lord Jesus said, "If ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins" (John 8:2424I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (John 8:24)). The unbelievers will be judged for their sins. (Rom. 1:18; 6:2318For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (Romans 1:18)
23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23); 1 Cor. 6:9-119Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9‑11); Gal. 3:22; 5:19-2122But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. (Galatians 3:22)
19Now 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); Eph. 5:66Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:6); Col. 3:66For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: (Colossians 3:6).)
So we see the only way of escape is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Tell Him you will trust Him, then He will say, I bore the judgment for your sins, and we who have believed on Him, may say:
"If Thou hast my discharge procured,
And freely in my room endured
The whole of wrath divine,
Payment God cannot twice demand;
First at my bleeding Surety's hand,
And then again at mine."
Ques. Please explain Rev. 20:4; 6:94And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4)
9And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: (Revelation 6:9) and Mark 8:3535For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. (Mark 8:35). We would like a full explanation W. D.
Ans. In Mark 8:3535For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. (Mark 8:35) the Lord is showing how a true disciple should live. Not all of the disciples were saved. Some believed on Him when they saw His miracles, but the Lord would not trust them. (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).) They could turn away just when they pleased; they were not born again, and except they were born again, they would not continue with the Lord. Some were offended and turned away from Him; the true disciples would not turn away. (John 6:66-7166From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. 70Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? 71He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve. (John 6:66‑71).) Judas Iscariot was one of the apostles, yet he was lost, he was a devil.
We that are saved children of God want to behave ourselves in a way that is pleasing to Him. We are to deny ourselves, and take up our cross and follow Him. We do not desire the pleasures of the world as we did before conversion. Their balls and concerts and amusements, their drinking and smoking and card tables and parties are not to our taste now. They are but the pleasures of sin, and for a short season, and they leave a sting behind them.
The pleasures of our new life, are pleasures for evermore. (Heb. 11:2525Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; (Hebrews 11:25); Psa. 16:1111Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:11).) If we suffer rejection for Christ, we are strengthened by communion with Him. If our object is self-pleasing, we lose our life. If to please Him is our object in our walk and testimony, we shall save it, and though we may be called to lose it here, we shall be the gainers for all eternity. How many have deliberately chosen the world and were lost for eternity; for it they neglected God's great salvation, so the lake of fire is their eternal portion. They would not own Christ here, and He will not own them as His there. (Heb. 2:33How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Hebrews 2:3); Rev. 21:88But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8).)
1st. What John saw in Patmos, "The things which thou hast seen." Jesus as Judge in the midst of the Churches which are the candlesticks or light-bearers.
2nd. "The things that are." That is, the present Church period, from Pentecost till Christ comes for His Church, when she is completed. (1 Thess. 4:15-1815For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15‑18).) The wise will go in; the foolish will be left out. (Matt. 25:1-131Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:1‑13).)
3rd. "The things which shall be after these things." The future after the Church is gone.
In chapters 4 and 5, we see the glorified saints-the twenty-four elders-seated on twenty-four thrones. They see Jesus, as the Lamb of God, taking the book out of the hand of Him who sat upon the throne, and they praise Him as worthy, because He was slain, and He glorified God, and wrought redemption for them by His blood.
In chapter 6 He begins to open the book, and events are seen taking place. Verse 9 is the breaking of the sixth seal. In it we see some who were martyred for the Word of God, and for the testimony which they held. "Under the altar" means that they laid down their lives. White rot es are the symbol of God's approval. Their prayer for vengeance, like the Psalms, is Jewish, and they are told to rest for a little season, till others are martyred.
Rev. 20:44And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4) mentions these two classes of martyrs. "I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them"; that is, the twenty-four elders, the glorified saints that were caught up. (chap. 4:4.) Then those beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the Word of God, is the class we saw in 6:9-11. Also those which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands. (13:15-17.) These are seen in chapter 15:2 as victors. They would rather give up their lives than give in to the beast.
"AND THEY LIVED," means that they are raised from the dead-spirit, soul and body united again. Now they are glorified, and shall reign with Christ a thousand years. (Rom. 8:1717And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17); 1 Cor. 6:2, 32Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:2‑3); 2 Tim. 2:1212If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: (2 Timothy 2:12).)
That completes the first resurrection; which means all the blessed and holy, that is believers, from the beginning of the world, that have died, and those of the Church are with them, who have not died, but were changed and caught up.
The rest of the dead mentioned in verses 5 and 12 are those who have died in their sins. They are judged at the great white throne, and cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death. (verses 11-15; 21:8.)
Note. The beast and the false prophet are not seen in this present time, but will rise up after the Church is caught up.