Ans. In the light of the New Testament, we see that all believers in God from the beginning of man's history were born of God, but did not know, it was not given them to know, God as their Father. In Gal. 4:1-31Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: (Galatians 4:1‑3) they are compared to children under age, minors, and as thus born of God,-they have a life that can receive the Word of God (John 1:12, 1312But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12‑13)).
The first time our present relationship was unfolded, was in John 20:1717Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17) in the word to the disciples through Mary Magdalene. Rom. 8:15-1715For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:15‑17) is the believer's present portion as the family of God. The words "sons" and "children' are both used in this chapter; a careful looking at the context will show that sons of God indicates our position, and dignity, of full age; while "children of God" indicates the grace and relationship of children with God the Father. In Gal. 3:2626For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26), it should be "sons" (as it is in contrast to those of full age), with minors under tutors and governors, who did not know the Father, saints who lived and died before Christ went on high.
In 1 John 3:1, 21Behold, 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. 2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:1‑2), the right word is "children," not "sons" there, for we are looked at in the love of the Father and the Son, as the Family of God.
It is quite true, even now that many people have faith, and, like Cornelius in Acts 10, their prayers and their alms are acceptable to God, but though thus horn, yet they do not know that Christ died for their sins. We could not call them Christians, but hope to see them looking' to Christ alone, and there finding in Him the One who bore their sins on the tree; and will also receive the Holy Spirit, "and be able to rejoice in God their Father, and the Lord Jesus as their own Savior.
Ans. Verses 1-6, the remnant of believing Jews speaks. Then Jehovah speaks (7-9) of how men treated Him,-arrested in the garden, treated with ignominy, shame and violence. He did not resist them, when treated as a transgressor. The thief now converted, declares His generation. He is cut off by giving Himself up to death. It was for others He died. Men appointed for Him a felon's grave, but Jehovah took care of His body, that no corruption could touch it.
It helps our understanding of this part to divide it as follows:-Isa. 52:13-1513Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. 14As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: 15So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. (Isaiah 52:13‑15), Jehovah's voice; 53:1-6, the saints' voices; 7-9, Jehovah; 10, the saints; 11, 12, Jehovah.
Ques. Does 1 Cor. 7:2020Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. (1 Corinthians 7:20) bind Christians to remain in the same worldly occupation as they were in when converted to God? D. C.
Ans. No. Read 1 Cor. 7:18-2418Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. 19Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 20Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. 21Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. 23Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 24Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. (1 Corinthians 7:18‑24). Some were circumcised, others were uncircumcised. Some were slaves, others were free men. If a slave may be freed, he was to use it. If he was a slave, he was Christ's free man. If he was free, he was Christ's slave. All of them were bought with a price, the blood of Christ. Therefore whatever place they filled, they were to abide with God. If they could not abide with God where they were, they must give up their sinful circumstances or occupation, to walk with Him.
We are free to be led by the Lord into whatever occupation we may be suited for.
Ques. Did the sixty-nine weeks end with the beginning of Christ's ministry, or His triumphal entry into Jerusalem? O. T.
Ans. It was the death of Christ that broke off Christ's relation with Israel as their Messiah. There He was cut off and had nothing. One more national offer was given them in Acts 3, in answer to His prayer on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do;" but they threw His sent ones into prison, and murdered His witness-Stephen. Then the godly remnant at Jerusalem, as a community waiting for their Messiah, were all scattered by persecution, which the Lord sent to scatter them. They no longer had all things common. Since then, the Church, the body of Christ, looks for its Head as Bridegroom to take His heavenly people home (as in 1 Thess. 4:13-1813But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13‑18)).