Ques. Why did the Lord allow His disciples to touch Him after His resurrection, but not Mary? E. B.
Ans. The solution of your difficulty will be found in the fact of the distinct purpose of the Holy Ghost in each of the gospels. In John 20:1717Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17) the Lord is teaching Mary that she is no longer to know Him on Jewish ground as the Messiah of Israel, but in a new and heavenly relationship.
On the other hand, in Matt. 28:99And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. (Matthew 28:9) the disciples represent the godly remnant of Israel, and are permitted to touch the blessed Lord, because He will yet resume as Messiah His relations with the nation of Israel. It is of the utmost importance, in studying the gospels, to bear in mind the distinct object of each. If this be not understood, we shall never be able to appreciate the beauty and harmony of the gospel narratives.
Ques. Would it not be well to print a short article on dress? It must be displeasing to the Lord to see the way some of us are attired' when we come to remember Him on Lord's day morning. J. S.
Ans. Scripture is very plain as to the manner in which Christian women should be attired, not only at the Lord's table, but at all times. Surely in this, as in all besides, there is urgent need of the exercise of a tender conscience, a godly subjection to the authority of God's Word. If Christians will not give heed to the exhortation of the Holy Ghost, they are not likely to pay much attention to the pages of a magazine. One of the special wants of the moment is thorough submission to the veritable teachings of holy Scripture. Where the heart is under the direct government of the Word all will he right; where it is not, there will be nothing right.
“That women adorn themselves in modest apparel." Timothy 2:9.
Ans. s Peter 4:6 teaches us that glad tidings the promises were announced to those who have since passed away, in order that, by receiving them, they might live according to God in the Spirit; or, by rejecting them, they might be judged as men in the flesh.
The principle is the same now as then, however, the character of the testimony may vary. Hence the apostle says, "For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead." Wherever a divine testimony is delivered, whether in Old Testament times, or New whether in the days of Noah, or at this present time the alternative is, "Life in the Spirit," or "Judgment in the flesh." It is thus we understand the passage.
Ques. Should a Christian use the Lord's Prayer?
Ans. There are three reasons why we could not use the formulary referred to. First, the Holy Ghost was not given; secondly, it is not in the name of Jesus; thirdly, forgiveness of sins was not known according to the fullness and power of accomplished redemption.
In Rom. 8:2626Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26) we read, "We know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." How could we be said not to know what to pray for, if the disciples' prayer was to be our model? (We say "The disciples' prayer." As to the Lord's prayer, we have it in John 17.)
There are most precious breathings in the prayer, as there are in the Psalms; but both apply to the condition out of which the Christian is brought by accomplished redemption and the indwelling of the Holy Ghost; while, at the same time, he can find in both the most precious instruction.
Ans. John 14:22In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2) teaches us that until Christ entered heaven, in resurrection, having accomplished redemption, there-was there could be-no "place" for us. But He, having entered there as Head, His place, and nothing less, is ours. Marvelous grace! Magnificent result of accomplished atonement!