p. 2 | Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 4, 1897

Question Corner

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

No. 498. The Eagle as an Illustration.

PLEASE explain Deut. 32:11, 12. — W. E. L.

The verses read as follows: “As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings; so the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.” This is simply a lesson from the eagle’s treatment of its young. The eagle builds her nest on some high crag, or other eminence as nearly as possible inaccessible to enemies. But this very security renders the place a dangerous one for the young birds should they attempt to leave the nest. When the old birds deem it time for the young ones to start out for themselves, they tear up the nest and force the brood out. Being their first effort at flight, the older birds watch them very carefully, and with outstretched wings dart under them if they are about to fall, and support them if weary or weak. So the Lord stirred up the nest of his people in Egyptian bondage, and brought them forth. But knowing their weakness and inexperience, he knew their need of parental care, and did not neglect to render them help in their dire necessity. In Ex. 19:4 the thought is thus expressed: “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and

brought you unto myself.” See also Deut. 1:31, and Isa. 63:9.

No. 499. Remission of Sin. Healing the Sick.

1. WHAT is the meaning of the three verses, John 20:21–23? 2. Also James 5:14, 15. In what church do we find these things? — E. A. T.

1. John 20:21–23 reads: “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” This was after the resurrection of Christ, and he was giving his parting endowments and instructions. His crowning blessing was the gift of the Holy Spirit. It was to be their guide in all truth (chap. 14:26; 16:13), through the Word (chap. 17:17). As long as they would be guided in this way, they could be entrusted with the gravest responsibilities, and their acts would be endorsed in heaven. See Jer. 1:9, 10. However, the power thus delegated to the disciples was not so delegated to any individual, but to the church in an organized capacity. As an organized body it may censure or remove censure according to Scripture rules. Through the ministration of God’s servants in proclaiming the Word of God, men would be led to believe the Gospel, and thus their sins would be remitted. This was demonstrated on the day of Pentecost.

2. James 5:14, 15 reads: “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” The prayer of faith is just as effectual to-day as it ever was. The prayer of faith is always subject to the will and the judgment of God. “Not my will, but thine, O God, be done,” is always the condition of the prayer of faith. “In what church?” it is asked. We answer, In the church of Jesus Christ, wherever there is implicit faith to comply with the directions of his Word, believing his promise. “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7. It should always be borne in mind that obedience is the test of faith.

No. 500. Judging Others.

PLEASE explain Rom. 14:5, 6. Would it be possible to observe any day out of seven to God? — W. S. C.

Yes; the true Christian will observe every day to God. Our querist probably thinks that the apostle is referring to the Sabbath day. But the commandment settles that question. Paul has no doubt special reference to the numerous feast days that were in vogue among the Jews, and which many Christians continued to observe for a time. We know of no better explanation of this text than the chapter as a whole. The pith of it may be summed up in verses 1 (with margin), 4, 10, 19, and 22. Whether a man does right or wrong, it is not our business to judge (that is, to condemn) him. That is God’s prerogative. We, as individuals, may instruct, entreat, or admonish, from the standpoint of God’s Word; but judge, or condemn, never. See Rom. 2:1. That is the position that Christ assumed when he was a man living among men. See John 12:47. The church, as a body, may censure members for disorderly walk, and may judge of matters between brethren. See 1 Cor. 5:1 to 6:8, and answer to question 499.

No. 501. Spirits in Prison.

PLEASE explain 1 Peter 3:19, and 4:6. — H. J. M.

Verses 18 and 20 explain verse 19. Christ was “put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. By which [Spirit] also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison [dead, in the grave]; which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah,” etc. Christ was quickened by the same Spirit by which he preached through Noah to the people before the flood. This also explains chapter 4:6, “For this cause was the Gospel preached to them that are dead;” it was done before they were dead, of course.