QUESTION CORNER

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 17, 1895

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 21, No. 41.

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

No. 241. Satan Working Miracles.

I SEE in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, No. 35, Sept. 5, 1895, on the last page of the paper, a statement that Satan will manifest himself in healing the sick. I wish you would inform me through the “Question Corner” in your paper where there is authority for the statement. G. N. B.

One of the evidences of Christ’s power to save was given in the miracles, or signs, that he wrought before the people in the healing of the sick, etc. The two words—“miracles” and “signs”—come from the same Greek word, semeion, and is translated, “miracle, sign, token, wonder.” See, for instance, John 9:16; 12:18; Acts 4:16; Mark 16:17, 20. The same word is used in describing the work of false prophets in Matt. 24:24; Mark 13:22; 2 Thess. 2:9. So also we read in Revelation that the agents of Satan and spirits of demons work miracles. Rev. 13:14; 16:14. Now Jesus wrought with all power and signs and wonders, in all manner of mighty miracles; when, therefore, Satan works with all power and signs and lying wonders, we may conclude that the sick will be healed, or seem to be, by him and his agents. That he can not heal where creative power is necessary, where organic disease has destroyed the parts, is self-evident; but many diseases are due to functional disorder or derangement, diseases for which he is responsible, and by which he may be able to cure by removing the bands which he has been permitted to put upon those who have yielded to him. Be assured that where we find the genuine we will find the counterfeit. “As Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses” by the counterfeit miracles and power of Satan, so do his emissaries resist the truth in the last days. 2 Tim. 3:1-9. Our safeguard is God’s truth, which will triumph over all.

No. 242. “Touch Me Not.”

1. WHY would Jesus not permit Mary to touch him after his resurrection? John 20:17.

2. Is there such a passage as, “The truth is not to be spoken at all times?” W. F.

1. Jesus tells Mary why,—he had not yet ascended to his Father; he had not yet formally received before Heaven’s court the approval of his mission; he had not yet been proclaimed as death’s conqueror. It is evident that soon after that he ascended, his mission and work were approved, and his disciples were permitted to embrace him.

2. There is no such passage in the Scriptures as what you quote. It is simply a common saying, and yet it contains an important lesson. We should not gossip over the misdoings of our neighbors or friends, for instance. The principle which should guide us in speaking the truth should be God’s glory.

No. 243. What Day Is the Sabbath?

I WRITE for information on the Sabbath question. I am not positive that Saturday is the God-given Sabbath. If you have any positive proofs of the changing of the day by man from the seventh to the first day of the week in any ancient history, kindly give such information. T. E.

1. Strictly speaking, Saturday is not the Sabbath. The Sabbath begins at what we call sunset Friday P.M., and ends Saturday evening at sunset. The word of God gives ample information on this point, and also predicts the power that should think to change the Sabbath. If our correspondent will read the SIGNS OF THE TIMES for a few months or a year, he will probably find the information he wishes given in different ways. If he wishes it in one document, we commend to him any one of the publications following: (1) “Who Changed the Sabbath?” No. 107 Bible Students’ Library, price 3 cents; (2) “The Lord’s Day, the Test of the Ages,” No. 134 Bible Students’ Library, price 15 cents, and (3) “The Complete History of the Sabbath,” sacred and secular, price $2.00; bound in paper, 3 parts, 75 cents. These works may be obtained by addressing Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.