Note to Questioners by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Nov 7, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 45.

Note to Questioners

By Editor

NOTE.—We wish those who ask questions to take particular notice: (1) Only such questions will be answered here as we believe to be of general interest and information. (2) We can not undertake to explain from four to a dozen scriptures, as in one sentence we are often requested to do. (3) Do not ask to “explain” a certain text or passage. State clearly the point in question. (4) Give full name and address, not for publication unless desired, but as evidence of good faith, and to give us the privilege of replying by letter if deemed best. (5) Unsigned communications of any kind find the quickest way to the waste-basket. (6) It is always well to inclose stamp. (7) “Foolish and unlearned questions avoid,” also those that minister to mere curiosity. (8) Study the Scriptures yourselves.

1084. H. O. C.—The twelve tribes of Israel which are spoken of in Exodus and elsewhere in the Old Testament were the natural seed, which were typical of the spiritual seed of Abraham, who inherit the promise. The name Israel will adhere to those who are saved in the kingdom of God. Isa. 66:22. True disciples of Christ are Abraham's seed. Gal. 3:29; Phil. 3:3. The twelve apostles will be the heads of the twelve tribes when Christ sets up His kingdom of glory. Matt. 19:28. See also Rev. 21:10–14.

The explanation of Matt. 16:28 is in chapter 17:1–27. In the transfiguration there was shown a representation of the kingdom of glory. There was Christ, the glorified King; there was Moses, who had been resurrected (Jude), representing the righteous dead who will be resurrected at the Lord's second advent; and there was Elias (Elijah), who had been translated without seeing death, a representative of those who will be translated at the coming of Christ. See 1 Thess. 4:15–18.