Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 27, 1898

“Enquire and make search and ask diligently.”

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 (4) Give full name and address, not for publication unless desired, but as evidence of good faith, and to give us the privilege of replying by letter if deemed best.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.

707. Dan. 12:11, 12.

Please explain Dan. 12:11, 12. What is the abomination that maketh desolate? F. S. S.

The “abomination that maketh desolate” is the mystery of iniquity which crept into and perverted the Christian church, generally known as the system of the Papacy. The 1,290 days or years are supposed to begin in A.D. 508 and end in 1798; and the 1,335 days begin in A.D. 538 and end in 1843. See “Daniel and the Revelation,” by U. Smith.

708. 1 Peter 3:19. Spirits in Prison.

How and when did Christ preach to the spirits in prison?

Prison indicates a condition of bondage. The sinner is taken with “his own iniquities,” and is “holden with the cords of his sins.” Prov. 5:22. He who is “under the law”—in a state of condemnation—is “shut up” in a prison of which faith in Christ is the only door. It has been the mission of Christ to open the prison door of sin in all ages. He did this by His Spirit in the days of Noah to the souls in the bondage of sin there. He did it when the long-suffering of God was waiting, “while the ark was a-preparing.” 1 Peter 3:20. The Gospel was preached by the Spirit of Christ through Noah. 2 Peter 2:5.

709. Luke 12:10. Sinning against the Holy Spirit.

What is sinning against the Holy Ghost?

It is utterly rejecting the calls and evidence and manifest work of the Spirit of God, so that the heart becomes so hard that the Spirit of God can not impress it. The Jews sinned against the Holy Ghost when they attributed to Beelzebub the miracles of Christ. Mark 3:28–30.

710. Mark 12:26, 27. God of the Living.

What does God mean by saying: “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living.” Are not these men dead?

Yes, these men are, so far as all earthly power is concerned, dead; but in God’s purpose they live, because they will be raised from the dead. This is what this scripture proves. It does not prove that these men live apart from their bodies, and therefore they do not need a resurrection; but it does prove that, God being their God, and the God of the living, they will be raised from the dead. They live in His purpose. See Luke 20:38 and Rom. 4:17.