Correspondence: Rev. 7:14; Matt. 12:30, Luke 11:23 & Mark 9:40; 1 Tim. 4:14

From: Correspondence

From: Young Christian: Volume 29, 1939

• 3 min. read • grade level: 8

Ques. What is the difference between those in Rev. 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), and of those converted in this present period?

Ans. They and we are both saved through the death and blood-shedding of our Lord Jesus. They are saved through believing the gospel of the Kingdom (Psa. 2:12¹²Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. (Psalm 2:12)). We are saved through believing the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24²⁴But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)). We are saved, and shall reign with Christ in heavenly glory. They are saved, and will be God's people on earth; they are saved Gentiles. The Church, though composed of Jews and Gentiles, are now neither Jew nor Gentile, but Church of God (1 Cor. 10:32³²Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: (1 Corinthians 10:32)). These faithful Gentiles have won a place as servants of God in His temple on earth, and their blessings are on earth.

The Church, and all the saints who pass through death from first to last, will reign with Christ, the Lord, in heavenly glory.

Ques. Matt. 12:30³⁰He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. (Matthew 12:30), and Luke 11:23²³He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. (Luke 11:23), and Mark 9:40⁴⁰For he that is not against us is on our part. (Mark 9:40). To what does each refer?

Ans. Read the context, and you will see that Matt. 12:30³⁰He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. (Matthew 12:30), and Luke 11:23²³He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. (Luke 11:23) both refer to those who were saying of Him, It is by Beelzebub, the prince of devils, that Jesus cast out devils. The Lord traces this to the deep malice of their wicked hearts.

In Mark 9:40⁴⁰For he that is not against us is on our part. (Mark 9:40) John said, We saw one casting out devils in Thy name. and he followeth not us: and we forbade him, because he followeth not us." The disciples were jealous of their own importance, but Jesus said, "Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in My name, that can lightly speak evil of Me. For he that is not against us is on our part." There is no opposition in true service for Christ, and each one who serves Him will be rewarded (Verse 41).

Ques. Will you please explain: "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery"? 1 Tim. 4:14¹⁴Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (1 Timothy 4:14).

Ans. Paul, the apostle, tells Timothy not to neglect the gift God had given him for his service among the saints. (See also another instance of this in Col. 4:17¹⁷And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. (Colossians 4:17)).

Not alone was it given by God to him, but Paul was given a prophecy about it; and further, the presbytery, or elderhood, had laid their hands also on him, identifying them with his work, and showing their approval and fellowship with him in it (See also 1 Tim. 1:18¹⁸This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; (1 Timothy 1:18); 2 Tim. 1:6⁶Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. (2 Timothy 1:6)).

Both Timothy and Titus were delegated by the authority of the apostle to set things in order in the assemblies, and to appoint elders (Titus 1:5⁵For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (Titus 1:5)).

We have no such authority now, to appoint elders or deacons, and since the Church, the house of God, is broken up into sects or denominations, which are carnal (1 Cor. 3:3³For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (1 Corinthians 3:3)), there is no place for them, but in the gatherings we find God raises up men who in love can do the work.

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