Ans. The new translation reads the text, "And I say to you, make to yourselves friends with the mammon of unrighteousness, that when it fails ye may be received into the eternal habitations.”
We (Christians) are to consider ourselves stewards of all that the Lord has entrusted to us. If we use selfishly what we have, our possessions and natural talents will be a hindrance to us spiritually. If we remember we are stewards and use our money for the Lord, this is making friends with it. "When it fails" reminds us that we are here for a short term, then we will need to give account. (2 Cor. 5:1010For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10).) We are going on to eternal habitations with the Lord. If we are faithful now, we will profit then; and profit now also, for we lay hold of what is really life.
See last page of Vol. I, YOUNG CHRISTIAN, for fuller explanation.
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Ans. In Heb. 2:1010For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10), the Lord is "Leader" of the redeemed company. In Heb. 5:99And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (Hebrews 5:9), he is the cause or means of salvation to those who obey Him. In Heb. 2:1818For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. (Hebrews 2:18) and Heb. 4:1515For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15), He is the Priest to sustain those who are in the way. In Heb. 12:22Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2), He is the "Leader and Completer"-the "Originator".
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What does "Let the dead bury their dead" mean? E. M. G.
Ans. Read Matt. 8:19-2219And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 20And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 21And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 22But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. (Matthew 8:19‑22); Luke 9:57-6257And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:57‑62). The claims of Christ over the believer come before every other claim. The man who said, “Suffer me first to go and bury my father", was putting the claims of natural relationships first, so the Lord answered, "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their dead." Men acting according to natural claims are here looked at as dead. If they are guided by earthly relationships, their fathers will be dead and buried before they are free to follow the Lord.
The Christian in the Epistles of Ephesians and Colossians is plainly seen as dead, buried, risen, and united to Christ in resurrection life. In this new position he receives instructions from the Lord how to carry out every relationship. Wives and husbands, children and parents, servants and masters, all are to own Christ first, and all we do is to be done in obedience to Him. His claims are supreme.