Ans. In the Old Testament, judgment is on the earth. It is putting down all rebellion against Jehovah and purifying the kingdom in which He is to reign.
In the New Testament judgment is "from heaven", and "against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness" (Rom. 1:1818For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (Romans 1:18)), and shows it is eternal in its duration. (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) is eternity.)
Mal. 4:11For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. (Malachi 4:1), is speaking of the day of the Lord, when these wicked will be destroyed completely from the earth. Matt. 13:41, 4241The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 13:41‑42), is the same time. Matt. 25:41, 4641Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (Matthew 25:41)
46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (Matthew 25:46), shows their eternal portion, Bear in mind that the Old Testament is judgment on the earth. The eternity of bliss and woe is unfolded in connection with the gospel.
Ques. 62
Heb. 2:1-41Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3How 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; 4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (Hebrews 2:1‑4). What is the state of those to whom this is addressed? Also, is the "great salvation" referred to, that which the sinner, whether from among the Jews or Gentiles, receives at his conversion? L. S.
Ans. The epistle is addressed to Hebrews who have professed Christianity. They may or may not be true Christians; they are warned of the danger of going back to Judaism. All falling away in Hebrews is apostasy. The writer supposes them to be real (Heb. 6:9,109But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. (Hebrews 6:9‑10)), and sees in them "things that accompany salvation". The proof of reality is seen in their holding fast to the end their boldness and confidence of hope, and he desires that they would continue in diligence. (Heb. 6:11, 1211And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:11‑12).)
The "great salvation" includes al! that Christ is for the sinner. It becomes his by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ques. 63
What is the force of "We shall be saved by His life"? J. E. K.
Ans. It is how the fullness of God's grace is assured to us. It belongs to the Blessed God's "not only so" and "much more", that after having made us His own, heaps on more blessings. If God reconciled us to Himself by the death of His Son when we were sinners, much more shall we be saved by His life. It was by His death we were brought into blessing. Now in the mighty energy of His new risen life, He cares for us. If He died for us to put our sins away, how much more will He care for us now, living in the glory. "Because I live, ye shall live also." (John 14:1919Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. (John 14:19).)
Ques. 64
Ans. The world failed to recognize in Jesus its Creator; the Son revealed God, but man was darkness and did not comprehend the light. Even the Jews did not receive Him. Faith saw in the Word made flesh one in the character of an only begotten Son with the Father. See also 1 John 1:1-31That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:1‑3). We are also the children of God, the Father, "therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not". 1 John 3:11Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (1 John 3:1). We know God as our Father, We are born of God. The 51st verse looks forward to the glory of Christ in the millennium, that is, when He reigns over this world; then both heaven and earth will worship Him.
Eph. 5:1010Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. (Ephesians 5:10). We were once darkness, but now light in the Lord. When we walk as children of light, that is, walking in communion with the Lord, we have His approval; we find out what pleases Him.
Eph. 5:1616Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:16). "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil", means for us to use all our opportunities, both by word and deed, to serve Him. Satan and his servants are always active, and growing more so. We need, therefore, to be in earnest for our Master.