Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 25, 1897

“Enquire, and make search, and ask diligently.”

No. 495. The Earth Renovated.

WHERE, in the light of 2 Peter 3:10, 13, do we find any scriptural proof that this present earth will be renovated, when the same text says that “the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up”?

Punctuation is not inspired. In fact, it is but a recent invention. Read 2 Peter 3:10 thus: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens [atmospheric] shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also; and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” God created the earth “not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited.” Isa. 45:18. Therefore “the earth abideth forever.” Eccl. 1:4. It will be inherited by those who now prove faithful to God. Ps. 37:9, 11, 18, 22. But this will not be in its sin-cursed state. Christ was manifested to destroy the devil and his works. Heb. 2:14; 1 John 3:8. This includes all works blasted and ruined by sin. But out of the purifying fires God will create new heavens and a new earth. Isa. 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13. But he does this by making, through the power of his word, the old new, even as he makes the sinner who submits to him a new creature. 2 Cor. 5:17; 2 Peter 3:7. He does not say, “I make all new things,” but, “Behold, I make all things new.” Rev. 21:5. Read from verse 1. Then when this is done, when everything that defiles has been gathered out of that kingdom (Matt. 13:41), the first dominion (Gen. 1:28) will return to man, the second Adam (Micah 4:8), and the saints will inherit the kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world (Matt. 25:34; Dan. 7:27). But this could not be if the earth were burned up. The change in punctuation makes 2 Peter 3:10 in harmony with all these other passages we have cited, and many more.

No. 496. Ps. 28:3, 4. “Endeavors.”

PLEASE explain Ps. 28:3, 4. What is the meaning of the word “endeavors”? J. M.

These verses are an inspired prayer of the psalmist that he might not be drawn away with the wicked, and workers of iniquity, who deceive by speaking peace while it is in their heart to do mischief. The fourth verse is simply that the Lord may deal with such justly, and leaving them in his hands. “Endeavors” means “doings,” and is so translated by the Revised Version.

No. 497. Christ’s Brothers.

PLEASE explain Matt. 13:55. Did Christ have any brothers? F. W.

This text needs no explanation; the statement in this and the following verse is as simple as any one can make it. Of course Christ had brothers (and sisters), or the Scripture would not say so. The same statement is made in Mark 6:3; and there is reference to “his mother and his brethren” in Matt. 12:46, 47; John 2:12, and Luke 8:19, 20. In John 7:3, 5 there is a clear distinction drawn between his “brethren” and his “disciples.” And Paul, in Gal. 1:19, refers to “James the Lord’s brother.” However, it is supposed by some that these brethren were the sons of Joseph by a former marriage, but that would not stand in the way of their being reckoned as Christ’s brothers.