Correspondence: Rev. 7:14; Follow Christ; Luke 13:24; Mat. 23:9 & Eph. 6:2; Mat. 18:13

From: Young Christian: Volume 25, 1935

Correspondence: REV 7:14; Follow Christ; LUK 13:24; MAT 23:9 & EPH 6:2; MAT 18:13

Matthew 18:13; Matthew 23:9; Ephesians 6:2; Luke 13:24; Revelation 7:14 • 2 min. read • grade level: 10

Question: Please explain why the company in Revelation 7:14¹⁴And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:14) are said to have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Answer: This figurative expression means that they owe all their salvation in common with all other saints to the blood of the Lamb. This company form the Gentile inhabitants of the millennial earth, and are doubtless the same as the “sheep” of Matthew 25.

Question: Please say what is meant by following Christ, and what is the difference between suffering for Christ’s sake and for righteousness’ sake.

Answer: Treading in His footsteps as recorded in the four evangelists. Suffering for righteousness’ sake is spoken of in Matthew 5:10¹⁰Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10) and 1 Peter 3:14¹⁴But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; (1 Peter 3:14), suffering for Christ’s sake in Matthew 5:11¹¹Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (Matthew 5:11) and 1 Peter 4:13. The former is connected with the light of God shining on the conscience, the latter with the love of Christ attracting the heart. Hence I suffer for righteousness when I act in daily life according to the divine standard of truth and rectitude; I suffer for Christ when I follow Him in a path of trial and rejection.

Question: Please explain Luke 13:24²⁴Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. (Luke 13:24).

Answer: “Strait” of course means narrow, and is in contrast with the broad way. Many will seek to enter in when it is too late (vv. 25-27). It is not only necessary to come, but to come in time.

Question: Please explain the difference between Matthew 23:9⁹And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. (Matthew 23:9) and Ephesians 6:2²Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) (Ephesians 6:2).

Answer: Matthew 23:9⁹And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. (Matthew 23:9) means those that are not naturally your father, as “Father So-and-so.” All these warnings are in a spiritual sense. In no way does this interfere with Ephesians 6:2²Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) (Ephesians 6:2), any more than Matthew 23:8⁸But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. (Matthew 23:8) clashes with Ephesians 6:5⁵Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; (Ephesians 6:5). To confuse spiritual and natural relationships is very dangerous.

Question: Who are the sheep who did not go astray (Matt. 18:13¹³And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. (Matthew 18:13))?

Answer: The Pharisees who “need no repentance,” who said “we see,” and therefore their sin remained, (John 9:41⁴¹Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. (John 9:41)). Observe these are never brought home “rejoicing”, but are left in the wilderness.

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