QUESTION CORNER by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 18, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 16.

QUESTION CORNER

By Editor

1035. F. M. V. Isaiah 11.—We have not space in this column for any such extended explanation. In general, it is a prophecy of Christ, His work, and His kingdom.

1036. B. L. T. Luke 22:36.—We can not believe that Jesus advised His disciples to arm themselves with carnal weapons, in the light of what He told Peter concerning it: 'Put up again thy sword into his place, for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.' Matt. 26:52. That He did not wish them all to bear swords is shown by Luke 22:38: 'They said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And He said unto them, It is enough.' By His disciples having these swords, (1) Jesus was reckoned 'among the transgressors;' and (2) His disciples for all time were taught that the sword should not be used in defense of the Gospel. Rotherham translates: 'But now he that hath a purse let him take it, in like manner also a satchel; and he that hath nothing, let him sell his mantle and buy a sword! For I say unto you—This that is written must needs be completed in Me,—and with lawless ones was He reckoned; for even that which concerneth Me hath completion. And they said, Lord, lo! two swords here! And He said unto them, It is enough.'

1037. M. V. H. (1) 'What are the 'first principles' of the doctrine of Christ? (2) Do you believe that a man must be called of God by prophecy and by laying on of hands by those in authority to preach the Gospel and administer the ordinances? (3) Do you believe in apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, as in the primitive church? (4) In the gifts of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc.? (5) The literal gathering of Israel, the restoration of the ten tribes, that Zion will be built on this American Continent, that Christ will reign personally on earth, and that this earth will be renewed? (6) In rebaptism? (7) In modern revelation? (8) Do you think the Mormons are right?'

This is a long list of questions. We may reply to them better, perhaps, by saying that we believe the Bible to be the Word of God, and its teaching the teaching of God. In brief, then:—

1. The first principles of the doctrine or teaching of Christ are those Christ taught. See Mark 1:15: 'Repent ye, and believe the Gospel.' See also Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21. Of course belief in God must precede repentance; but saving faith follows repentance. Other principles or teaching are further mentioned. See Heb. 6:1, 2.

2. We believe that a man should be called of God to preach, and that he should know he is called. If he is truly called, his brethren in the ministry will recognize it; and when his gift is proved by fruits, he should be set apart by the laying on of hands 'of the presbytery,' or elders, and ordained to the work. See Acts 6; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; 5:22, and others.

3. Certainly; the Lord declares that He has given these gifts to the church till the body of Christ is complete. Eph. 4:11-13.

4. Certainly, again. The Word declares that 'God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles,' etc. 1 Cor. 12:28, 8-10. We believe it all. These gifts are given till the perfect shall come. 1 Cor. 13:9-13. That is not yet here. The gifts are still needed to perfect the church, which shall 'come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.' 1 Cor. 1:7.

5. We believe in the gathering of all the Israel of God (Rom. 9:6-8), even the twelve tribes, to the New Jerusalem on high, already built (Rev. 22:14; 21:10-14). That city will come down upon this earth at the close of the thousand years of Revelation 20 (21:10); after the purifying fires shall have completely cleansed and renovated it (2 Peter 3:5-13; Rev. 21:1-7). The true Israel are those who are so by faith, even as Jacob became Israel. Over the regenerated people of God, in a regenerated earth, Christ will personally rule. Dan. 7:26; Isa. 62:1-7; Rev. 22:1-4. The idea of the gathering of ten fleshly tribes, and the rebuilding of an earthly city where Christ will reign, is a delusion and a snare.

6. Baptism is immersion. When new light came to a company of early Christians, they were rebaptized. It is entirely proper in certain cases. See Acts 19:1-5. It must rest with the individual conscience.

7. This is answered in No. 4. If all the gifts of the Spirit continue, there will be new revelations of God's fulness and glory. See Acts 2:17, 18. The last days include the last day. Compare also Rev. 12:17 with 19:10. But all true revelation will be in harmony with all that God has given before; it will not in anywise conflict with God's holy law of Ten Commandments. Compare Isa. 8:20; Matt. 7:21; 1 John 2:1-6; Rev. 14:12.

8. No; we do not believe the Mormons to be right.

1038. These Kings. P. H. S.—'What nations are now these kings?'—The very last phase of the Roman Government. Some of them will be, doubtless, the governments which now exist in Europe. The number is ten. See Rev. 17:12, 13.