Question Corner by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · May 31, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 22.

Question Corner

By Editor

1674.—Japan and Russia in Prophecy.

One of your writers refers to the great struggle in which Russia and Japan are engaged as a subject of prophecy. Where can this be found? A. F. H.

It is believed that Russia is especially mentioned in Ezekiel 38 and 39 as the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, in the Revised Version called "Rosh," and that Japan is one of the means which the Lord is using to turn Russia back. Eze. 38:1-4.

1675.—A Question of Conscience.

We could only say that for ourself we would begin now personally to obey God. We should tell Him all about our business and partnership with the outside, confessing our sins and consecrating to Him our all. We should ask Him to help us close out our business to the best advantage, and soon. Putting it off will lead to compromise, and compromise in duty is death. Therefore in response to your question, "I could sell out, but what should be my course in the meantime?" we would say, Sell, and in the meantime obey God. You could refuse to take any profits from your Sabbath-transgression business. The question is one of personal duty. "Do thy duty, that is best, Leave unto the Lord the rest."

1676.—God the Healer.

God said to His people, "I am the Lord that healeth thee." But King Asa, when he was diseased, sought not unto the Lord, but unto the physicians, and he died. Would not that imply that God’s people should seek Him for healing instead of the physicians? M. I.

We think that it implies just that. Of course one ought to seek to conform unto the laws of his physical being; and good physicians ought to teach that. If they do not, it is certainly better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in men. He is ever the same.

1677.—“Come to His Temple.” Mal. 3:1.

What is the meaning of "the Lord whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple"? Mal. 3:1. O.

The "messenger" of Mal. 3:1 is John the Baptist, who came to prepare the way before Christ. Mark 1:2. "The Lord whom ye seek" is Christ, who came to His temple in Jerusalem as God’s messenger of His covenant, and also to the temple in heaven where He still ministers. Eph. 1:20; Heb. 8:1. The last expression, "Behold, He shall come," refers to the second coming, described in the first part of the second verse. The whole work of Christ is set forth in verses 1 to 5.