Query. — What is the Difference between “Seer” and “Prophet”? Are they used interchangeably?
Answer. — 1 Chronicles 29:29 is a test passage for the three words used, and gives us the best guide to their use. It is a hint that we shall find the force of the words in those parts of David’s history connected with Samuel, Nathan, and Gad respectively.
1. Samuel the seer, from the ordinary verb to see. “God saw the light,” &c., occurs thousands of times.
2. Nathan the prophet. The general word for one to whom the word of the Lord came. Prophets, as a line of God’s testimony, begin from Samuel (Acts 3:24). When everything is in its order the place of prophecy is subject. Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. Miriam is the first to die. Prophecy is God’s witness to Jesus in the time of ruin. He always has Jesus in reserve.
3. Gad the seer. Another word, meaning one who sees visions. Used in Exodus 24:11, “They saw (in vision) God,” where it removes a difficulty often raised. Gad, Heman, Iddo, Hanani, Asaph, and Jeduthun have this title.
S. H. H.
Query. — Did Christ die for all, or only for the Elect?
Answer. — It is ever Satan’s aim to perplex anxious souls. His great effort is to keep us in utter indifference, but when he cannot succeed in this, his next great effort is to rob us of joy and peace in believing.
One line of scripture is better than volumes of human theology, and one verse (2 Cor. 5:15) you have yourself quoted settles the question. The scripture says, “He died for all.” How dare any man say, No, He only died for the elect? Again, “Who gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Tim. 2:6). Again, “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:2). Don’t be troubled by the traditions of man.
ED.
Query. — Should the Evangelist say, Come?
Answer. — The Lord Jesus when on earth said, “Come, for all things are now ready” (Luke 14:17). From glory He now says, “Let him that is athirst come” (Rev. 22:17). Are these Calvinistic preachers wiser than our blessed Saviour and Lord? The views you mention wither up the soul, dry up all the springs of divine affection, and banish joy and gladness from the heart and life.
ED.
We regret that unavoidably the BIBLE STUDY has to stand over till next month. This will give all students an opportunity for extended searching of the scripture on last month’s subject, which we hope they will largely avail themselves of.
ED.