p. 11 | QUESTION CORNER by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 31, 1895

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 21, No. 43.

QUESTION CORNER

By Editor

“If ye will inquire, inquire ye.” “But avoid foolish questions.”

A Word to Our Questioners.—It is easy to ask questions, sometimes from mere curiosity, sometimes to get an answer to meet an opponent, sometimes to trap the editor if possible, sometimes to get somebody else to bear our responsibility of deciding a question,—in other words, be conscience for us,—sometimes because we really desire to know what the Lord says. It is easy to ask a half dozen questions which it would take columns to answer. This is done thoughtlessly, we are sure. For instance, before us lies a letter which desires explanation of Heb. 3:11; chapter 4, especially verse 8; chapter 6:1-6; chapter 10:26-28; of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus; “1 Timothy 1-5 inclusive,” which from the way it is written refers to chapters, but probably the first five verses of some chapter. Besides this other questions are asked, which we will try to explain. But let us say for the benefit of this inquirer and all others, that the Question Corner is limited to direct questions which can be briefly answered, simple explanations which will take but few words. And these must be such as we believe will be of interest to other readers and profitable at least to many. However, to this correspondent we will say, lest he deem us discourteous, to follow the articles by “J. H. D.” on the book of Hebrews, and he will doubtless receive the desired help. We have not space in this column for an explanation of the parable of Dives and Lazarus, or of “1 Timothy 1-5.” See Bible Students Library, No. 101, price 1 cent, for explanation of Heb. 4:4-9.

No. 245. Hope for Backsliders.

CAN a backslider be redeemed? Has the parable of the prodigal son any reference to backsliders? G. W. M.

Yes, backsliders and every one else are already redeemed. Christ redeemed the world and all things therein when he gave himself, his honor, his glory, his life. Will he not accept what he has purchased if it is delivered? Does he not plead for all to come? Does he not say to the sinner, “Turn,” and to the backslider, “Return”? For God’s feelings toward backsliders read Jeremiah, chapters 2 and 3. Read the wickedness of his people—worse than the heathen—and yet he pleads, “Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you.” “Only acknowledge thine iniquity.” “Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.” Jer. 3:12, 13, 22. Read God’s mercy inculcated in Matt. 18:21, 22; Luke 17:3, 4. God enjoins nothing that he does not himself possess in infinite measure. Yes, the parable of the prodigal son applies to backsliders, and to every one else who will come to the Father’s house deserving nothing and yet hoping in his mercy. It is sin cherished that separates us from God. He who gives up all sin and returns to God with all his heart, though it may be the thousandth time, will find a loving Father. O, how this love should constrain God’s children to abide in him!