Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 6, 1901

NOTE.—We wish those who ask questions to take particular notice: (1) Only such questions will be answered here as we believe to be of general interest and information. (2) We can not undertake to explain from four to a dozen scriptures, as in one sentence we are often requested to do. (3) Do not ask to “explain” a certain text or passage. State clearly the point in question. (4) Give full name and address, not for publication unless desired, but as evidence of good faith, and to give us the privilege of replying by letter if deemed best. (5) Unsigned communications of any kind find the quickest way to the waste-basket. (6) It is always well to inclose stamp. (7) “Foolish and unlearned questions avoid,” also those that minister to mere curiosity. (8) Study the Scriptures yourselves.

1117. W. W. P. Isa. 4:1. “What is the meaning of this verse?”—“In that day” is “the day of the Lord of hosts.” See ch. 2:11, 12, 17, 20; 3:18. It refers to the last days, when the calamities predicted will come upon the nations of earth. “Seven women,” the apostate churches, seven symbolizing all. “One man,” the Man Christ Jesus. “Take hold of,” a mere profession of religion, as seen by the latter part of the verse: “We will eat our own bread [not the bread of life, the Word of God, but tradition, human lies], and wear our own apparel [not the righteousness of Christ, witnessed by the law, but a human substitute].” It is the last-day apostasy of the daughters of Babylon.

1118. J. W. H. Gen. 3:21. “What does the word ‘skins’ refer to?”—It means skins of beasts, doubtless those offered for sacrifice. It was not necessity that was laid upon God that led Him to take “skins,” but the sacrifices offered, as well as the garments worn, taught man the heinousness of his sin, and that the sin demanded life; and the animals slain for sacrifice symbolized the sacrifice of the Son of God.

1119. J. J. L. Job 9:32, 33.—This text does not disagree with Rom. 14:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:10, and similar scriptures. The latter state that “we must all appear before the judgment-seat” of Christ in the last day; but Job had a present contention with God, and he longed to come with the Lord before some court. He complains that he can not meet God that way; that there is no daysman—umpire, judge—between them to lay hands upon both. Job afterward saw the folly of this contention.

1120. W. W. P. 2 Cor. 12:7. Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh.—It seems to have been defective eyesight. He was blinded when stricken down on the Damascus road (Acts 9:8-18); and his eyes were not fully restored, as he employed, except on rare occasions, an amanuensis, simply signing the epistle with his own hand (compare 1 Cor. 16:21; Gal. 6:11, R.V.; Col. 4:18; 2 Thess. 3:17). He tells the Gauls that he preached to them under difficulties which so aroused their sympathies that if possible they would have plucked out their own eyes and given them to him, thus indicating that his trial was his defective sight. Gal. 4:13-15. He besought God that this might be removed, but received the assurance that God’s grace was sufficient. 2 Cor. 12:9.

1121. A. A. H. Secret Societies.—Jesus said, “I spake openly to the world; . . . and in secret have I said nothing.” John 18:20. Of all His teaching to His disciples alone He instructed them: “There is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light; and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.” Matt. 10:26, 27. The very genius of Christianity is directly opposed to secret societies. The latter are organized and conducted for the benefit of their membership. From that membership all probable profitless ones are almost universally excluded. For instance, masonry will not accept an old man in his dotage or a young man in his nonage, and it also excludes all with certain infirmities and disabilities. Its charity is self-centering. Christianity is diffusive. It gives to all of all. It welcomes all. Its benefactions especially go out to the poor, the maimed, the crippled, the blind, the aged, the weak, the infirm. It has been misrepresented. If it had not been, perhaps secret societies would have found no place. But there is certainly no harmony between the two.