9. “A. B.,” Highbridge. “Amen,” in 1 Corinthians 14:16, seems to be the expression of conviction, rather than taking part in worship or giving of thanks. No doubt it may be either. But here it has reference to the unlearned, and unbelievers, if such come in, and occupy the place of the unlearned. We must not lay down rules for the assembly, but in all things seek the guidance of the ever-present Holy Spirit. We learn here the importance of speaking, or praying, or giving of thanks in the Spirit; and also speaking so as to be understood. This is often overlooked in the assemblies. And surely there can be no objection, for either brethren or sisters, with holy reverence, saying audibly, at the close of a prayer or thanksgiving, “Amen.” Silent indifference is most sad. The Lord keep us from this; it is most deadening. We may also conclude that the careless utterance of “Amen” is profane. Oh, for a deeper sense of the presence of the Lord!
10. “G.,” Bournemouth. We must decline answering such anonymous questions, and especially when some are seeking to entangle.
11. “M. S.,” Stowmarket. In the May number of this serial (page 121), the words, “All who have been truly baptized unto the death of Christ,” do not refer to the mode of baptism, but to the thing signified in the type. We have truly taken that place of death with Christ. We judge it would not be for edification to enter upon the other much-controverted question of infant baptism.
12. “F. G. H.” Bristol. The keeping of an instrument of music in our private homes must be left to individual faith; we think it would come under the instruction in Rom. 14:1-6.
13. “H. A.,” Blackpool. Your question as to the tares in Matt. 13 has been answered in the article in this magazine, “The Harvest.”
Heb. 10 does not teach that the believer once purged is no more conscious of sin, but “That the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.” The sins of those under law were transferred to the goat every year on the day of atonement. This did not perfectly purge the conscience. There was still the remembrance of sins—a felt need of something more to put away those sins, that they never could be charged on the conscience.” Now that something, infinitely more efficacious, has come. All the believers sins have been transferred to the holy One, made sin for us, and never can be re-transferred to us—never can be charged on us. They are gone forever; to be remembered no more. He who bore them is in the glory, the assurance that we are reckoned righteous. Believing this we are justified by faith, and, not as you say, “peace of soul;” but we have peace with God, through Jesus Christ our Lord: peace that never can fail or change, whilst Jesus is alive from the dead in the glory. It is indeed true that the Christian may do some foolish thing, yes, may sin, and confess it to God and be forgiven, and yet mourn all his life. But does this touch his peace with God? It is written, “He died for our sins.” If they had not been charged on Him, they must have been charged on us; then we should have a conscience charged with those very sins which we deeply abhor. Peter sinned fearfully. He learned to distrust himself, and he learned the precious grace of Him he so loved. But was his “peace forever fled?” Nay, when converted, turned from trusting self, he was to strengthen his brethren. He was conscious how he had sinned, but he had not a conscience charged with that sin. Another who sinned in forsaking his Lord, was inspired to write: “And the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” In various ways we each have to learn, it is His mercy from first to last.
In the all-wise government of God, we may reap here in sorrow whatsoever we sow; but we must not confound this with the infinite and everlasting efficacy of the sacrifice of Christ. It is also true, that the least allowance of sin, or an evil thought, may hinder communion with God until confessed, and then forgiven.
14. Bedford.—The word “Abba” is said to be a Chaldaic form of the Hebrew word for “father,” used to express tender confiding love. (See Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6.) Christ hanging on the cross finished that work, which enables God, in righteousness, to forgive your sins. He is not on the cross now for your sins, but raised from the dead for your justification. Will you read Rom. 5:1-3 Cor. 15:14-17 Pet. 1:3? It is quite true, as you find, if you stay only looking at Christ on the cross, you never can say, Abba Father. If Christ be still bearing wrath on the cross, then you are not justified. The Holy Ghost was not sent whilst Jesus was on the cross, but when He had ascended up on high. You want to know a living risen Christ.