67. “A Young Inquirer,” London. Col. 2:99For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9) sets forth the grand foundation truth of the essential Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. We repeat, His Deity, and not merely His divinity. It is worthy of note that this is the only instance in the entire New Testament in which this word occurs. It seems to an English reader that the same word occurs in Rom. 1:2020For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:20); but it is not so. In this latter, the apostle uses the word οειοτησ; whereas in Col. 2:99For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9), he uses the word θεοτης. Now, although the two words differ only by a single letter, yet we may be quite sure that the Holy Ghost had His own wise reason for the distinction. What then is the difference? We believe it to be this: In Rom. 1 The apostle is speaking of creation, and showing that the heathen ought to have learned that there was something superhuman, something divine therein. But in Col. 2 The apostle is speaking of the Person of the Son, and for Him he claims essential deity. “In him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” He was “God manifested in the flesh”—“God with us”—“very God and very man.” It is remarkable that the words above referred to, namely, “theotees” and “theiotees” only occur once; the former in Col. 2:99For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9); the latter, in Rom. 1:2020For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:20). That might be rendered “deity;” this, “divinity.”
68. “A. G.,” London. Accept our warmest thanks for your kind and encouraging letter; also for the valuable little book, “The Sunday School Teacher and his work.” We had previously received a copy from the author whom we love and esteem very highly. We most cordially sympathize with your earnest desire to see a copy of this little book in the hands of every Sunday School worker. We trust it may have a wide circulation and be greatly blessed. The writer has practically tested the principles which He sets forth, and is therefore entitled to speak.
69. “W. H.,” Surrey. The indwelling of the Holy Ghost was necessarily dependent upon accomplished redemption and the glorification of Christ at the right hand of God. This simple fact answers all questions as to Old Testament saints, and as to the disciples and apostles themselves, previous to the day of Pentecost. See John 7:39; 16:739(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (John 7:39)
7Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7); Acts 1:4, 8; 19:1- 64And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. (Acts 1:4)
8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. (Acts 19:1‑6). The Lord be praised for what you say as to the little book!
70. “A Constant Reader,” Chippenham. Λ more momentous subject could hardly engage the attention of a christian parent than the one you have brought under our notice, namely, that of “books.” One of our greatest practical difficulties is to preserve our children from the trashy and demoralizing literature of the present day; and the difficulty is vastly increased by the sad fact to which you refer, that, even in our schools, books are put into the hands of our young people which, as Christians, we cannot possibly tolerate. It is immensely difficult to keep clear in this matter; for, unless the children themselves have, through God’s grace, a taste for better and higher things, it is almost impossible for parents to keep them out of the way of bad books. However, in this, as in all beside, we can stay our souls upon that precious word, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” And, again, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthened me.” We must, therefore, in the strength of such words, brace ourselves up to meet, with firm purpose of heart, our holy responsibility in this matter. We are surely bound to look even more carefully to what books our children read, than to what they eat, or what clothes they wear. We have to watch on all hands There is a danger of drawing the reins too tight on the one hand, as there is danger from laxity on the other. Still we must resolutely set ourselves to preserve our precious children, so far as in us lies, from bad books; and seeing they must have some books, let us keep them well supplied with such as will lead their young hearts upward and onward. Happily for us, there is no lack of good, sound, solid literature which we may, with perfect safety, place in the hands of our children; and if we can only cultivate in them a taste for this class of reading, they will, of themselves, turn away in utter disgust from all the light, silly rubbish of religious novels and fabulous works of the day, as well as the novels and romances of an older date, the reading of which can only be designated intellectual dram-drinking. But, need we say, dear friend, the grand desideratum for our children is the establishment, in their hearts, of “the kingdom of God, which is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost?” This will regulate their reading as well as all beside. May God visit, with His saving power, all the families of His people! May He convert the unconverted, and greatly raise the moral and spiritual tone of all who profess to be His!
71. “An Inquirer,” Ipswich. We have already raised a voice of warning against the terrible evil of mixed marriages, and given a most solemn example of the consequences. We believe it to be a fatal step for anyone to marry an unconverted person, and a melancholy proof that the heart has departed from the Lord, and that the conscience has slipped from beneath the light and authority of God’s word. It is amazing how the devil succeeds in casting dust into people’s eyes, in this matter. He leads them to believe that they will be made a blessing to the unconverted partner—a lamentable delusion! How can we possibly expect blessing upon a flagrant act of disobedience? How can I, by going wrong, hope to set another right? But it not unfrequently happens that persons, when bent on taking an unconverted partner, deceive themselves into the belief that they are converted. They affect to be satisfied with evidences of conversion which, under other circumstances, would utterly fail to command their confidence. The will is at work. They are determined to have their own way, and then, when too late, they discover their terrible mistake. With regard to the question of how we should deal with persons who transgress in this matter, we are not aware of any direct instruction in the New Testament. Solemn remonstrance and faithful reproof there should be, most surely; but we judge it to be rather a case for pastoral dealing and personal discipline, than for any action of the assembly.
72. “E. F. T.,” Halifax. John 10:33To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. (John 10:3) teaches that our Lord Jesus Christ met every righteous requirement, and answered every legal claim, and was therefore perfectly entitled to enter the fold. It does not refer to the opening of hearts to receive Him. John 4:2424God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) sets forth the fact that the Father is now seeking spiritual and true worship. Forms and ceremonies and liturgical services will no longer do. Rev. 14:77Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (Revelation 14:7) gives you distinctly the substance of “The everlasting gospel.” It is a special testimony which shall go forth just before the opening of the kingdom.
73. “Anxious One,” Glasgow. You have our deep and hearty sympathy; but we do not feel that we can add anything further just now. May the Eternal Spirit, by His own direct and powerful ministry, enable you to get to the end of yourself, and to find rest for your conscience, and an object for your heart in a full and precious Christ!