Question 61: Mark 4:1. What about “all they that do wickedly being burned up ‘root and branch’?” H. G.
Answer: 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. 1:18), and shows it is eternal in its duration. (Rev. 21:8 is eternity).
Malachi 4:1, is speaking of the day of the Lord, when these wicked will be destroyed completely from the earth. Matthew 13:41-42, is the same time. Matthew 25:41,46, 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.
Question 62: 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.
Answer: 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. 6:9,10), 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, 12).
The “great salvation” includes al! that Christ is for the sinner. It becomes his by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Question 63: What is the force of “We shall be saved by His life”? J. E. K.
Answer: 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 14:19).
Question 64: What does it mean, “The world knew Him not?” (John 1:10; 14,51? Also Eph. 5:10,16.). A. P.
Answer: 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 1:1-3. We are also the children of God, the Father, “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.
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.
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.