74. “Α. Β. C.” Scripture never says that Christ bore the sins of the world. We read, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:2929The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29).) And again, “He is the propitiation for the whole world.” (1 John 2:22And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2).) You will note that the words, “the sins of” are not scripture. Wherever you find the word “sins” it always refers to persons, and then comes in the grand question of the counsels of God, and the work of God’s Spirit in the soul producing repentance and faith. Thus we read, in Heb. 9, “But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Ver. 26.) And then he adds, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment; so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.” (Ver. 27, 28.) It is of the utmost importance to distinguish these two aspects of the atonement of Christ. You can announce to the whole world that Christ has put away sin—that God has been glorified, with respect to sin, by the death of Christ—that the veil is rent—the way is open—that all are welcome—all are commanded to repent—invited to come—responsible to believe—that the righteousness of God is unto all—that God willeth not the death of any sinner—He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance—that all who die in their sins shall have to thank themselves for it, and all who are saved will have to thank God for it. This, it seems to us, is the utmost limit to which the evangelist can go in declaring his message. But when, through grace, any one is broken down and brought to true repentance, then he may be told that his sins were all laid on Jesus—that Christ stood in his stead, bore his judgment, paid his penalty, and settled every question on his behalf, to the glory of God. It is well to give heed to the very words of the Holy Ghost.
75. “A. E. W.,” Dublin. Each one must act before the Lord in the matter to which you refer. As to the broad principle of the unequal yoke, scripture is as plain as possible, and nothing should induce the Christian to link himself with an unbeliever. We need hardly say there is nothing contrary to scripture in a Christian’s being a servant to a worldly company. May the Lord grant all of us real purpose of heart to cleave unto Him, and to walk hi His way’s, cost what it may!
76. “W. G.,” Isle of Man. Matt. 12:43-4543When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. (Matthew 12:43‑45) applies, primarily to the Jewish nation. The unclean spirit of idolatry having gone out, for a time, will return at the close, and with it seven other spirits—the perfection of spiritual wickedness. But, thank God, a remnant shall be saved. 2 Pet. 2:20-2220For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (2 Peter 2:20‑22) does not refer to true Christians at all, but to wicked professors. “The dog and the sow” are not “sheep.” In neither of these passages is the question as to the believer’s eternal security touched, in the most remote way. The true believer is as safe as Christ Himself; but it is well for all of us to take heed to every note of warning which the Holy Ghost sounds in our ears.
77. “J. O,” Woolwich. We believe the thief went to heaven with Jesus. 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) has nothing to say to the matter; it merely refers to our Lord’s ascending to heaven in resurrection; but He had said to the thief on the cross, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
78. “ J. B.,” Dublin. Thanks for your suggestion. If the Lord will, we may enter upon the subject to which you refer, in our volume for next year. It is, unquestionably, one of the most interesting and practical truths that can possibly engage the Christian’s attention.
79. “J.,” Plymouth. We should deem it right, as a general rule, to address people with whatever style or title they may consider themselves entitled to. “ Render therefore to all their dues.........honor to whom honor.”
81. “U. N,” Hatherleigh. The application of the parable of the ten virgins is, unquestionably, to professing Christians.
82. “ L. M.,” London. Your question lies entirely outside our range. We never discuss such subjects in our pages.
83. “D. W.,” Norwich. The two expressions, “kingdom of heaven” and “kingdom of God “ are sometimes interchangeable, but not always. Take Rom. 14:1717For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17), for example. You could not use the former expression here. Many other passages might be quoted in which the context will guide you as to the proper application of the terms employed. Accept our sincere thanks for your kind letter.
84. “W. W.,” Kilmarnock. Thanks for the lines.