Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Feb 22, 1905

1624.—The Added Law. Gal. 3:19.

In Gal. 3:19 what law was “added”? L. H. (1) What is the meaning of “added” as here used? (2) For what purpose was it “added”? (3) For how long was it added?

1. The Greek word is prostithemi, defined “to place additionally,” “to lay beside,” to “repeat.” It is translated in Heb. 12:19, “spoken to them any more.” Referring to the original account from which the passage in Hebrews was taken, and we learn that it refers to the Ten-Commandment law: “These words Jehovah spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice; and [in harmony with their request] He added no more. And He wrote them on two tables of stone, and gave them unto me.” Deut. 5:22. It seems very evident, then, from this study, that the added law of Gal. 3:19 is the Decalogue.

2. For what was it “added” or spoken?—“Because of transgressions.” So that God’s people, sunken and hardened by sin, might see outside of themselves what sin was. As expressed by the same apostle in another place: “Moreover the law entered [was spoken and given in its written form], that the offense might abound” (Rom. 5:20); “that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful” (Rom. 7:13). The law of God was spoken additionally, placed along side of man that he might see how sinful he was, and so seek God’s salvation. And the Decalogue is the only law which points out sin.

3. For how long is it thus given to man?—“Till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made.” That Seed is Christ. That promise is the inheritance of the whole world. Rom. 4:13. He came once to prepare the way. But His kingdom is yet in the hands of usurpers, and will so continue till He shall come whose right it is; then God shall give it Him. Eze. 21:27. Till then there will be sinful men who will need the diagnosing power of the law as to their condition, in order that they may seek the great Physician.

1625.—1 Cor. 15:29.

What is the meaning of 1 Cor. 15:29? L. H.

It is the climax of Paul’s argument that the dead are raised. The whole argument turns on the “if.” See how the apostle uses it all through the chapter. “Christ died for our sins.” “He rose again the third day.” Now if He did not rise there is no hope. Faith is vain, sin is not forgiven, all the dead are perished, and all who are baptized in view of death and the resurrection are enacting a lie; why are they over the dead baptized into Christ’s likeness if the dead rise not. We may before long print a portion of what the Bible Commentary has to say upon this text. There is absolutely nothing in it for vicarious baptism.