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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 11, 1901

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 27, No. 50.

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Question Corner

1189. Misquoting Scripture.
A FRIEND writes that “the SIGNS is accustomed to misquote ‘Scripture;’” that the printing of LORD in small capitals as representing “Jehovah” is not accidental; it is a part of the translation, but the SIGNS pays no attention to it.
We have not thought this necessary, because (1) It is not customary; (2) People can look it up in their Bibles if they desire particularly to know; (3) The name is not so printed in the New Testament. Compare Isa. 40:3 with Matt. 3:3. In Isa. 40:3 it is “LORD;” in Matt. 3:3 it is “Lord.” The SIGNS sometimes quotes from the common version, sometimes from the Revised; sometimes it mixes the two, or brings in others; but in all it is the Scripture. If a doctrinal point is involved; if there is particular reason for giving the version, we always aim so to do.
1190. “Whatsoever Is Sold in the Shambles.”
Please explain 1 Cor. 10:25 and Rom. 14:14. V. S.
1 Cor. 10:25: “Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, ‘asking no question for conscience sake,’” has no reference whatsoever to the kind or quality of food one should eat, whether clean or unclean. All that is told elsewhere. The question is as to the connection of the food with idols. The Christian knows that the idol is nothing, and the food offered in market is not affected by being offered to an idol; therefore ask no questions about it. But if some one else is troubled in conscience, do not eat of it for his sake. See verses 26–29.
In Rom. 14:13–15, and in fact the whole chapter, the instruction is that we should not judge or condemn our brethren, nor should we put a stumbling-block in their way. To us they may eat and drink wrong, and we may condemn them, but God will save them despite our judgment. Verse 4. Important as food is, there are things more important.
The Bible is not a book of exact prohibitions and directions as regards every little detail of life. It is a book of principles. God has plainly declared what is the best food. Experience and education and common observation also teach us. He desires us to receive the Lord Jesus Christ, let Him dwell in the heart, and then, in all things guided by His Word, His Spirit, His providence, eat and drink and do all else to His glory. 1 Cor. 10:31. We are sure that there is blessing in a diet of fruits and grains, and that health, endurance, intellectual vigor, and spirituality are thereby promoted, but we do not propose to sit in judgment upon those who do not so see. We will endeavor to teach them the better way, and leave them with God.
Kindly give me the full explanation of 1 Cor. 11:1–16. R. F. K.
Our correspondent will have to be more explicit. What is the special point or points he desires explained? We could write much more than this department will permit, and then perhaps not touch the point at all. Ask just what is wanted; for our answers must be brief.
1192. Grieving the Spirit.
Do you think if we had grieved the Spirit away for the last time that we would still be troubled and desire to be a Christian?
We do not. The desire to be a Christian is awakened by the Spirit of the Lord. Of course there are desires to escape sin’s punishments and consequences, desire for selfish peace and ease, desire to be rid of the prickings of conscience, all of which may be without true repentance. But every desire to do right, to be just what God wishes us to be, to unite with Christ Jesus in all He asks, is born of God, and He will answer, and fill the heart which responds to His call. There is absolutely no limit to God’s mercy. The reason why certain sins can not be forgiven is that the soul thus sinning has rejected God’s mercy, light, and goodness to that extent that they can affect him no more. Jesus Christ came to save the lost. We are lost without Him. We are lost without His Spirit. We may tell that Spirit to go away forever, yet will its sweet voice come again and again, till we hear it no longer. If our desire to become Christ’s is strong enough to lead us to choose Him in preference to all else, there is hope and life. If it is not, there is no hope, as long as we so treat Him. Read Micah 7:18, 19; Isa. 1:18; 1 John 1:9; Eze. 33:11; Isa. 55:7, margin.
1193. Idol. 1 Corinthians 8.
What is the meaning of “idol” in 1 Corinthians 8? C. R. W.
The representation of a false god. It is the shaping of a human conception of the Deity. It comes from eidolon, an image. Idol-worship is the worship of sense,—what we see, and feel, and hear.
1194. “Corban.” Mark 7:11–13.
Please explain Mark 7:11–13.
The passage is the plain reproof of Jesus to the Jews. Men worship God in vain if they obey men’s commandments instead of His. They counted their numerous trivial requirements about the washing of pots and cups of more importance than what God required. And then He gives a strong illustration of how they made void in their own teaching and lives and influence God’s law. God enjoined upon them, as others, the duty to honor father and mother. Of course that included their care in helpless old age. To get rid of this the Jew would dedicate nominally his property to God, calling it “Corban,”—“given to God;” and when his parents needed help, he would say that he had no means; it was all given to God. Yet he used it for himself as before. Thus, by a tradition which God never gave, men made void a command He had given. The principle is equally true now.
1195. Born of Water and the Spirit.
Please tell us through the SIGNS OF THE TIMES what Jesus meant to teach when He said a man must be born of water and of the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. John 3:5. H. E. T.
Water baptism as a sign of the renunciation of the world and the reception of the Spirit of God, with its regenerating, life-giving power from above. For extended instruction on John 3:1–17 read “Desire of Ages,” chapter 17.