Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 17, 1898

“Enquire and make search and ask diligently.”

715. Gal. 3:19 and Eze. 20:25.

Is the law of Gal. 3:19 the same law that is spoken of in Eze. 20:25. If it [the law of Gal. 3:19] is the law of Ten Commandments, to what was it “added,” seeing it is perfect and coexistent with God Himself? How could it be said to be ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator? L. H.

No; the law of Gal. 3:19 is not the law of Eze. 20:25. The word “added” refers to the law in its written form. It was added that sin might be seen to be exceeding sinful. Compare with Rom. 5:20: “Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound.” “By the law is the knowledge of sin.” God added the law in its written form that man might be left without excuse. It is the great sin detector, and will be till the Lord shall come to inherit the kingdom. It was given in connection with all the myriads of holy ones who came with the Lord to Sinai, and made of themselves a pavilion over the mount. See Deut. 33:2; Ps. 68:17; Acts 7:53.

716. Lev. 11:22. Locusts.

Will you please explain Lev. 11:22? Reader of Signs.

What explanation is needed? The scripture mentions “four kinds of locusts permitted as food; but these are not certainly known,” as stated in the margin of R. V. There are many in eastern countries who eat locusts still.

717. Who May Preach.

Is it wrong for one who has never been regularly licensed or set apart by the church to the work of the ministry, to preach or give Bible-readings occasionally, provided always that he teaches the truth? T. Z. A.

God has called out His people to “show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9. It is the duty of every child of God to teach and instruct and enlighten others according to his talent and ability. We know of no wrong in doing the Lord’s will. If the Lord wants the person to do it, let him do it. Do not run, however, without a message. If God gives you a message, bear it in His grace.

718. The Second Resurrection.

To E. M.—The necessary inference is, it seems to us, from Rev. 20:6; Luke 20:35; Phil. 3:11, and other passages, that only those in the first resurrection, who are blessed and holy, who are “accounted worthy to obtain” “the resurrection out from among the dead,” will be saved. This is the resurrection of “the just,” the other that of “the unjust.” Acts 24:15. There is nothing in Zech. 12:10 which would apply as you seem to apply it. Compare Eze. 39:17, 18 with Rev. 19:17, 18. Eze. 39:25–29 refers to the gathering of the true Israel of God from all nations of the earth. See Matt. 24:31 and Eph. 3:3–5.

719. Rev. 13:18. Number of the Beast.

Have you any solution of the problem, for it reads like a problem, contained in Rev. 13:18? Earnest Reader.

We have none brief enough for this department. There is a suggestion in “Thoughts on the Revelation,” by U. Smith.

720. Matt. 16:28; Mark 9:1.

Who are those mentioned in Matt. 16:28 and Mark 9:1?

Peter, James, and John. See the next verses. The transfiguration was a miniature representation of Christ’s second coming, as king. Compare with 2 Peter 1:16–18.