Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jun 18, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 25.

1246.—Could He Sin?

The SIGNS has several times taken the position that before Jesus became man, He had already taken one step in His humiliation by leaving His position and form as God, and becoming as an angel. Was it possible for Him to sin while in this form of Michael, the Archangel? Mrs. B. D.

The belief of the SIGNS is based, among other reasons, on the following: “Who [Christ Jesus], being originally in the form of God, counted it not a prize to be on an equality with God, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.” Phil. 2:6-8, R.V., margin.

“When He [Christ] ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.” Eph. 4:8-10.

When the eternal Son of God went down, He passed through every stage of intelligent existence till He reached the very depths of the curse caused by sin; but overcoming in all, He ascended, filling all things, meeting every vacancy made by sin in His own fulness. God in His love remained on the throne of the universe that the universe might be preserved despite of sin. God in His love stepped down from that throne to meet all needs that sin had caused or might cause, and be an eternal example of perfection through the service of faith. Heb. 5:5, 8, 9.

Therefore in the beginning He gave Himself in purpose utterly. The various steps downward afterward were but the fulfilment of the purpose.

When, therefore, He became an angel, the Angel of Jehovah, the Archangel, chief of all the angels, it was because He was first in service, even as He became the first Man because He was greatest in service. Angels are God’s ministers, His servants that do His pleasure. Heb. 1:14; Ps. 103:20, 21.

As Servant of God His service is what the service of all God’s servants should be, willing, of His own volition. He could then have refused to obey, just as He could have done when He became man. It was impossible only as sin will ever be impossible. He did not have it in His heart to disobey. “Look you, what I will not that I can not do.” Just there man must come through Christ. There all the redeemed will be, and therefore “affliction shall not rise up the second time;” for “there shall be no more falling away.” Nahum 1:9; Rev. 22:3, Etheridge’s Syriac translation.

1247.—Proof for Sabbath-keeping.

Where is the proof from the Bible that a person must keep the seventh-day Sabbath, or any other day for that matter, in the face of Rom. 14:5? for according to this a man that keeps the Sabbath is not any more right in the sight of Christ than one that works all the time and keeps no day whatever; for “Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest by any means I have bestowed labor upon you in vain.” Gal. 4:10, 11. G. T.

1. Proof for observing the Sabbath of the Lord is found in God’s immutable law, in man’s deplorable need, and in the perfect example of Jesus Christ. What more does the loyal child of God need? See articles now running in this paper on the Sabbath.

2. Rom. 14:5 says absolutely nothing as to what day is right or wrong, or what man is right or wrong. It does teach that each man should know of himself what is right; and the reason is given in the same chapter: “For we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ;” “every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Verses 10, 12. The whole teaching of the chapter is that we are not the judge of our brother; that despite any judgment of ours God is able to make him stand, and that we must look to ourselves and our personal relations to God. “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Faith pertains to God’s Word. Rom. 10:17. Surely that Word gives sufficient foundation for Sabbath-keeping. Rest it in the Word, not on some man’s say-so.

3. Gal. 4:10, 11 has no reference to the Sabbath of the Lord, or any of God’s appointments. Read the context. Notice (a) The Galatians had been idolaters. Verse 8. (b) The idolatrous nations observed times, such as the first day in honor of the sun, Easter, the Saturnalia, and many others forbidden of God. Lev. 19:26; Deut. 18:10, 14; 2 Kings 21:6; Ex. 32:5, 6. There is no doubt that the “times” of Manasseh were in honor of the sun-god; for he was a sun-worshiper. The horses he stalled in the temples were especially devoted to the sun. So the feast-day proposed by Aaron was a festival to the sun-god of Egypt, represented by the calf. (c) The Galatians in their backsliding had gone back to the old idolatrous days and times and moons and years. Gal. 4:9, 10. No wonder that the apostle was afraid of them. Gal. 4:10, 11 has nothing whatever to do with God’s requirements.

1248.—Names of the Days.

Who named the days? and are they correct names according to the Bible? What is the right name for the first day? How will it be with those who are misled by preachers and believe they are right? P. L. H.

1. The present names of the days are of heathen origin, and come from various heathen sources. Sunday comes from the sun; the day was dedicated to its worship. Monday comes from the moon. Tuesday comes from the Norse god Tyr; Wednesday comes from the Norse god Woden; Thursday from the god Thor; Friday from the goddess Frigga; Saturday from Saturn. These names are wholly unscriptural, and are not even mentioned in Scripture.

2. The true names of the days, the Bible names, are the First Day, the Second Day, etc. to the Sabbath, or Seventh Day. The old Hebrew numbering is the First Day to the Sabbath, Second Day to the Sabbath, Third Day to the Sabbath, Fourth Day to the Sabbath, Fifth Day to the Sabbath, Sixth Day to the Sabbath (or Sabbath Eve, or Preparation Day), Sabbath. So every day by its name called attention to the holy day commanded of God.

3. Those who are misled, desiring with all the heart to know God’s will and to do that and that alone, will we believe be saved of God. He will not deny the soul that seeks only harmony with Him. There are some who do not wish to study, who long for an easier way, who are willing that some one else shall point out an easier way. We must not lay it all to the preachers. God knows just how to do justice to each and all. To us Jesus says, “Follow Me.”