Correspondence

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32. “G. G.,” Plymouth. The meaning we attached to the word, “hades,” in page 138, was simply that of the separate state of such as have died. We do not judge that the scriptures you quote favor the thought that the resurrection is past, or that all believers who died in faith arose with Christ from the dead. All that scripture says is this: “And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.” (Matt, 27:52.) It is a remarkable passage, and shows the complete victory of Christ over death, no doubt. John 5:2525Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. (John 5:25) evidently refers to the present work of the Spirit, as Eph. 2 to the moral state of man dead in sins.
The fulfillment of most of the other scriptures you mention, we judge, will take place at the coming of the Lord. We fail to see any evidence, then, that all the Old Testament saints had been raised up from the dead with Christ. (See Acts 2:3434For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, (Acts 2:34).) Blessed for us to wait for the day. “The night is far spent, the day is at hand.”
33. “E. P. Curdridge,” Southampton. “If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.” (2 Cor. 5:33If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. (2 Corinthians 5:3).) Adam was naked and had no covering for himself, or his sin. The apostle is looking at the solemn question of death and judgment. As to death then, the unclothed state, he has no fear, but is quite confident and willing to be absent from the body, and present with the Lord. But what he earnestly desired was to be clothed upon with the glorified body at the resurrection from among the dead. But then the solemn contrast comes before his mind—the being clothed, or the being found naked. Not one at the first resurrection can be found naked like Adam. Each one shall be clothed in the righteousness of God. The Test of the dead shall stand naked before the great white throne. No covering there for a single sin.
34. “J. J.,” Walker-on-Tine. The church, or assembly, of Christ (Matt. 16:1818And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)), and the assembly of God (1 Cor. 1:22Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2), &c), is evidently the same assembly (1 Thess. 1:11Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:1)), but may be viewed under two aspects. As the church of Christ He is the builder: “I will build my church.” He does not speak here of Himself as the foundation, but founds His church on the action of the Father in revealing Him, the Son of God, to Peter. Looked at as the church of God, it is founded on Christ. (1 Cor. 3:10, 1110According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:10‑11).) Here God is the builder, and Jesus Christ the foundation. Thus the church is God’s house, or temple, “an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Eph. 2:19-2219Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19‑22).) All is in perfect harmony. God revealed the Son to Simon, and gave him, a stone, to Christ, the builder of His assembly.
35. “J. K.,” Kennington. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” No doubt this is a general principle, applying to marriage, business, &c. We must, however, remember there is a difference between entering into such relationships, and separating from them. We must act in righteousness, if found in such a relationship, when brought to own the Lord. (Compare carefully 1 Cor. 7:12-1712But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 13And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 15But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 16For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? 17But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. (1 Corinthians 7:12‑17).) As to marriage, this is conclusive. If a believer is found in partnership with an unbeliever, and he or she cannot, in righteousness to such partner, and also to creditors, separate or dissolve the partnership, let him act faithfully in that business, and look in faith to God; and the unbeliever will either be converted, or will not be able to bear the true ways of a Christian, and will himself seek a dissolution. We judge from this scripture, the Lord would not have a believer, in such a case, to act in any way dishonorably; and if the eye be single, He will guide.
36. “A. S.,” Bristol. We are not aware of any scripture that forbids either the selling or partaking of intoxicating liquors. Rom. 14:2121It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. (Romans 14:21), taken alone, might seem to do so, but if you read the context, and compare it with 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; 10:19-311Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 2And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 3But if any man love God, the same is known of him. 4As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 5For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 7Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 8But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 10For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. (1 Corinthians 8:1‑13)
19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. 22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? 23All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. 25Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. 27If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: 29Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? 30For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:19‑31), you will find it is not the question of meat or wine, in itself that may stumble a weak brother; but, as was the custom, and still is in some parts of China, it was eating flesh, or drinking wine, which had been offered to an idol. This might lead a weak brother to remain in, or even become identified with, idolatry. It is not that there is sin in the meat, or in the drink, but in man who abuses either. We do not find that abstinence from these leads either the millions of Buddhists or Mohammedans to Christ. We desire to hold fast the fact, that the gospel is the power of God to salvation. Beware of adding to it.
37. “G. R.,” Yarmouth. As to a sister asking a question at a reading meeting, according to 1 Cor. 14:34, 3534Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. (1 Corinthians 14:34‑35), it must be noticed that this scripture, by its full context, refers to a very different meeting than “a reading meeting.” We would fully recognize the present ruin of the church, yet is it not sad that, amongst Christians, there should be so few meetings for worship, which answers at all, during the week-days, to this scripture? We believe, if there was real dependence on the Holy Ghost, such a meeting, open for worship or teaching, in real dependence on the Spirit, would be far more profitable than many reading meetings in the assembly; and also reading meetings, of a simple character, in each other’s houses, where a sister might be free to ask a question, would be far more profitable than the present larger ones are.
38. “F. S.,” Wincanton. The angel of the church, or assembly, in Rev. 2:11Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; (Revelation 2:1), we understand to mean all those who fill the place of responsible ministry in the different stages of the church’s history. There is no intimation in the New Testament that any one person took such a place over any assembly, except one, and he is distinctly condemned for so doing. (See 3 John 1:99I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. (3 John 9))
39. “J. Τ. T.” The unity of the Spirit is whatever is of, and only what is of, the Spirit. There is one body. The Spirit would always act on that blessed truth. All things rightly done in an assembly is by the leading of the Spirit. There may be unity of action—say in an army, a club, a sect. This is not of the Spirit, therefore cannot be the unity of the Spirit. The unity of the Spirit; but have Christ for its center, and Him as the one Lord; and thus, if walking in the power of the Spirit, the church would be in unity as to all else—one faith, one baptism, one God and Father. If we are led of the Spirit, we shall surely seek to speak and act in the Spirit, and so may we endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
40. “F. A. F.,” Erith, Kent. Col. 3
3: “For ye are dead,” &c. It is evident this cannot be understood to imply that the flesh is actually dead. “Mortify your members” &c, would have no force, as there would be no members to mortify, if the flesh was actually dead. But as identified with a dead and risen Christ, we are dead to all the rudiments of ritualism. We take the place of death to all improvements of the flesh. So in Gal. 2:2020I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)—we only need read the context. It is dead to the law, and to all hope of obtaining righteousness by law. I own myself identified with Christ crucified, and pass from that state with Him from death to life, and in that new state live to God. Reference to your other question might provoke discussion, which we wish to avoid in this serial.
41. “W. J.,” Pen-y-graig. Many souls will give the same answer you receive when presenting the gospel: “We know that the cross and resurrection are the base, or ground, of every blessing, but we do not see the proofs that we are saved.” And they say, How can we know, if we do not see the proofs as in 1 John 2:3-5; 3:143And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. (1 John 2:3‑5)
14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. (1 John 3:14)? Is not this very much like the Pharisees’ question, which made Jesus sigh deeply in His spirit? (Mark 8:1111And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him. (Mark 8:11).) Would a slave speak thus if he heard the proclamation of his freedom? He must believe that proclamation first, and then proofs will soon be seen. Would a prisoner, though in his condemned cell, speak thus, if his pardon was read out to him? No doubt many merely assent to the gospel, without realizing that it is God who proclaims through Jesus forgiveness of sins, and deliverance from bondage. If they look into themselves for signs that God speaks truth, they do not believe God; any more than the man who does not believe God, unless his church says it is true. They have never known that God is the Justifier of the ungodly. (Rom. 4)
Works will surely follow as the effects of faith. Though it is “not by Works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” Yet we also read, “that being justified by his grace... I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God, might be careful to maintain good works.” (Titus 3:4-84But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (Titus 3:4‑8).) The objectors you name, want to believe in themselves by looking for evidences in themselves, instead of believing God, and then being careful to maintain good works. They must first learn the wondrous lesson that God is the justifier of the ungodly. They are looking for godliness, supposing that He is the justifier of the godly—a very common mistake.
42. “A. M. F.,” Brixton. If you examine the context of those words of our Lord, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved,” you will see He was speaking here to His disciples of events which would happen to the remnant of the Jews in those days of tribulation yet to come. (Read on from Matt. 24:13-2213But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. 15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains: 17Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. (Matthew 24:13‑22).) No doubt this will be exactly the case. Those who endure through that period of tribulation will be saved for the millennial kingdom on earth. But this is altogether another question from the security of the believer in Christ, who has eternal life, eternal redemption, and who shall never perish—who is kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salvation. The more simply you rest on the words of Jesus, “He that believeth hath eternal life,” the more will you delight to keep His commandments.