Question 24. What is the meaning of John 10:34-35? H. M. C.
Ans. In verse 33 they call the Lord Jesus a blasphemer, because He said He was the Son of God. He answers by quoting Psalm 82:6, where judges, or rulers, or great men of Israel are called gods (Hebrew: elohim; this word is used for men in Ex. 12:12; 21:6; 22:8-9,28.)
The Lord had given every proof in His words and works who He was (John 14:10). He referred them to His works as proof that the Father was in Him, and He in the Father, Alas! their hearts were hardened, and their eyes were blinded by sin, or they would not have sought Him to stone Him.
Man’s heart, even when religious, is at enmity against God (Rom. 8:7).
Question 25 Please explain 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Ans. Confession is telling out my sins to God. It is as if a child said to its parent, “I have done wrong”, then the parent encourages the child to tell what it has done. “I broke a window by throwing a stone at my brother. I threw the stone because I quarreled with him. I quarreled with him because I wanted the thing he had. To punish him I tried to hurt my brother.”
Then the wise parent points out to the child the sins of disobedience, (for he had been told not to throw stones) anger, selfishness and covetousness. And another thing may be pointed out that he was powerless to hinder the evil, for he did not look to the Lord for strength; “Watch and pray that ye enter” not into temptation.”
So in confession, my heart is searched in the presence of God. And wonderful grace! “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,” “faithful” to His own character; and “just” because of the work done by the Lord who bore the judgment of our sins. He now righteously forgives us. And more He “cleanses us from all unrighteousness.” Our condition of soul is met by the Lord showing us what sin is, thus making us to hate it as a thing God hates, so that we might, through His grace, be kept from trifling with sin. Those who trifle with sin, fall under its power.