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 1:29.) And again, “He is the propitiation for 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. 12:43-45 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. 2:20-22 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 20:17 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.”
Rom. 13:7.
80. “ W. S.,” Stamford. 2 Cor. 5:1 refers to the glorified body with which we shall be clothed when mortality shall be swallowed up of life.
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. 14:17, 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.