47. “L.,” Whitby. Gifts of healing, and other sign gifts, seem to have had their place at the beginning of the church of God on earth as a special testimony to the unconverted. Concerning “tongues,” we are told they were “for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not.” (1 Cor. 14:2222Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. (1 Corinthians 14:22).) That God should answer the prayer of faith, and heal His sick children, remains true all through this time till the Lord comes. “The prayer of faith shall save the sick,” &c. (Jas. 5:14, 1514Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. (James 5:14‑15).) We need not say that “ gifts of healing” were very distinct from this.
That the saved will recognize each other in glory is clearly shown by 1 Thess. 2:19, 2019For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20For ye are our glory and joy. (1 Thessalonians 2:19‑20). We should never allow ourselves to indulge in questions on what God has not revealed. How the disciples knew the two men who appeared with the Lord on the mount of transfiguration, we are not told.
48. “A Feeble One.” You will find your question answered in last month’s magazine, in a paper on “The Young Believer’s Difficulties.” We only add, that in the Jewish dispensation there was judgment for willful sins, atonement and forgiveness for sins of ignorance. The epistle being addressed to Hebrews accounts for the use of such language. The willful sin they were in danger of, was giving up Christ and His perfect work, and going back to Judaism; to whom there will be a “much sorer punishment” than was ever known under the law. (Heb. 10:22For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. (Hebrews 10:2)(5.)
49. “A Constant Reader.” The new Jerusalem which came down from God out of heaven, and said to be built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, is evidently a symbolic vision of the church of God—the bride, the Lamb’s wife—during the millennial age. The “pure river of water of life” sets forth the abundant joy and blessing of those who are there. The saints will eat of the “fruit” of the tree of life (Christ), and “the leaves” will be for the healing of the nations; for during the millennium there will be nations on earth.
There is no doubt, from 2 Thess. 2:44Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. (2 Thessalonians 2:4), and other scriptures, that the Jewish temple will be built on earth, which may be called Antichrist’s temple. This will be after the Lord has taken up His saints, and before He comes in manifested glory to reign with His saints. There will be also another temple built, according to Eze. 40, which will be the millennial temple.
50. “W. B.,” Pitlochry. Your question as to the scriptural ground, or principle, of gathering demands a much longer article than can be given in this short reply. If we go back to the days of our Lord, we hear Him thus speak: “For where two or three are gathered together in [or to] my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matt. 18:2020For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20).) This ground of gathering, gathered to the Lord Himself, remains true to the end. Yes, if but two or three. How much this is forgotten! Where it is understood, there will be the earnest desire to be found in a state suited to His presence, and to do that which is pleasing in His sight. It is certain, from the word, that it is His will that the children of God in this dispensation, or period, should be gathered together in one. This was one thing for which He died. (John 11:5252And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. (John 11:52).) It is also certain that this unity should be manifested, and for this He prayed, “that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17)
It is further evident that when Jesus had glorified God by His death on the cross for us, and when God had raised Him from among the dead, and glorified Him, and the Holy Ghost was sent down from heaven to abide with us—the divine representative of Christ on earth; then the children of God were gathered together to the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus the church of God began on earth. Acts 2 “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
All assemblies of Christians on earth formed the one undivided church of God. Such is the true church of God; every Christian on earth united by the Holy Ghost to the Head, the Lord Jesus Christ in heaven. We have seen that the will of Christ is, that that unity should be manifested on earth. (John 17)
What is the response of the church on earth? Where is the manifested church on earth in its unity? Division, division, division. Three great divisions, containing more than fifty millions each—the Roman, Greek, and Protestant! For any one of these to talk of being catholic, is knowingly to deceive. None of the lesser sects, we suppose, would pretend to this.
Do we learn from the word why divisions are permitted, since they are condemned in the word so strongly? We do. “For there must be also heresies [schisms] among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” (1 Cor. 11:1919For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. (1 Corinthians 11:19).) This is a scripture of vast importance to guide us, whether as to the general divided state of Christendom, or any particular division that may grieve the children of God. In the midst of all the sad Christ-dishonoring divisions of this our day, think of these words— “that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” This will surely be the case. The Lord will show to such as are subject to His word, and only desire to please Him, who and where they are whom He approves. And thus they will have the unspeakable privilege, even in all the confusion of the last days, to “Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Read carefully 2 Tim. 2:19-2219Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. 21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:19‑22). It will be found that those who cause divisions never follow these. Thus, if we look to the Lord, He makes all plain and straight for our feet. Let us not look out for the bad, but for whom the Lord approves, and seek with them to call on the Lord out of a pure heart; at the same time, remembering in faith and charity and peace, that all Christians on earth form the one body of Christ, and are responsible to manifest this unity to the world.