Question: Is there anything to be objected to in the statement that “I recognize the voice of Jesus alone in His Word”? A. R.
Answer: We quite agree with you in saying “I recognize the voice of Jesus alone in His Word.” Where else could we hear it? It is upon that blessed Word we are cast for everything. It is the solid foundation upon which faith constantly reposes. We want nothing else to give us full assurance but His faithful Word. How do I know I am a sinner? By the Word. How do I know that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners? By the Word. How do I know that my sins are forgiven? Is it by my feelings? Nay; but by the Word. That Word tells me that Christ “hath once suffered for sins.” But how do I know He suffered for my sins? Because the Word says,
“The Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.”
Now I know that I am “unjust,” because the Word tells me so. And hence Christ “suffered” for my sins, and I am forgiven according to the efficacy of His atoning sufferings. I am even now brought to God according to the virtue of the Person and value of the work of Christ. He was delivered for my offenses, and raised again for my justification. Therefore, being justified by faith, I have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 4:25; 5:125Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:25)
1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1)).
In brief then, dear friend, you must lean like a little child on the Word. True, it is by the power of the Holy Spirit we believe in, and feed upon, the Word; but the Word is the solid foundation on which your precious soul must ever rest. May all your doubts and fears vanish in the pure and perfect light of that Word which is “forever settled in heaven” (Psa. 119:8989LAMED. For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. (Psalm 119:89)).
Answer: Do not treasure up malice. Do not nurse your wrath, and beware in your anger not to sin, for although you may be righteously angry, it is so easy to become vindictive and revengeful.
Question: Does Matt. 25 refer to the present time, or to the Jews, and to take place after the Church is taken away?
Answer: The parable of the Ten Virgins refers to Christ’s coming, for which we Wait, and the companion parable of the Talents, shows our work during His absence, the two thus giving both sides of the Christian’s position down here. The latter part of the chapter is the judgment by Christ of the living nations on earth just before the Millennium and at His public appearing. The Jews come in as “My brethren” (25:40).
Question: Are the following gifts still in the Church—Prophets, Teachers, Deacons, Bishops, Pastors, Elders, Evangelists?
Answer: We must distinguish between gifts and offices. Bishops, Elders, Deacons, belong to the latter class, the rest to the former. Gifts still continue according to Eph. 4:1313Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (Ephesians 4:13), but Scripture appears to place official ordination in the hands of the Apostles only, or their direct delegates. Still in spite of the present divided state of the Church, there are found everywhere those who discharge the duties of the oversight of the flock of God (bishops); those who set an example and watch over the younger (elders), and those who attend to the distribution of money and other matters (deacons).
Question: Should we as Christians carry insurance?
Answer: The question of insurance, whether of life or property, is entirely one of individual faith. If you put your trust in God, you will have no need of an insurance office. The promise of God, which you get for nothing, is better far than an insurance policy for which you must pay. At least so we judge; but each one must learn this for himself.