Correspondence: Rom. 8:16; Isa. 53:8; 1 Cor. 7:20; Beg. of Christ's Ministry?

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Question: One page 55, February “Young Christion,” on Romans 8:16 a fuller explanation is asked? H. C. S.
Answer: 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. 4:1-3 they are compared to children underage, minors, and as thus born of God—they have a life that can receive the Word of God (John 1:12, 13).
The first time our present relationship was unfolded, was in John 20:17 in the word to the disciples through Mary Magdalene. 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 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, 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.”
Question: Please explain Isaiah 53:8. O. T.
Answer: 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—Isaiah 52:13-15, Jehovah’s voice; 53:1-6, the saints’ voices; 7-9, Jehovah; 10, the saints; 11, 12, Jehovah.
Question: Does 1 Corinthians 7:20 bind Christians to remain in the same worldly occupation as they were in when converted to God? D. C.
Answer: No. Read 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.
Question: Did the sixty-nine weeks end with the beginning of Christ’s ministry, or His triumphal entry into Jerusalem? O. T.
Answer: 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. 4:13-18).