Question Corner by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA · Sep 6, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 36.

Question Corner

By Editor

1712.—False Religion. Matt. 7:22.

Please explain Matt. 7:22, 23, with Mark 9:39. Is there not a contradiction? K.

The first text simply shows that the last days will reveal the hypocrite and the false wonder-worker. Not signs then, but character, will avail. The second text points this lesson, that no disciple of Christ has been set as judge. It was not the business of the disciples to command or prohibit what should be done by others in Christ's name. Another question is asked on “1 Cor. 29.” We do not know to which of seven chapters it refers.

1713.—Absent from the Body, etc. 2 Cor. 5:6-9.

What does Paul mean in 2 Cor. 5:6-9, and Phil. 1:21-23? L. E. D.

1. We see no light in that theory which makes this passage pertain wholly to this world and the changes that take place in conversion.

2. Note the condition presented in verses 1-9; for the passage is one: (a) “the earthly house,” “in this,” “in this tabernacle,” “mortality,” “at home in the body,” “absent from the Lord,” are expressions which refer to Christians in this earthly life. (b) “Found naked,” “unclothed,” refer to a state or condition in death. (c) “A building of God,” “house not made with hands,” “clothed upon,” “being clothed,” “house which is from heaven,” “swallowed up of life,” “absent from the body” (from the mortal state), “present with the Lord,” refer to the condition of immortality which awaits the people of God. Compare with Rom. 8:23. What Paul longed and groaned for in Romans he did in Corinthians. He wanted a better condition than mortality here gave; but that was not death. He did not wish to be naked or unclothed; he wanted mortality to be swallowed up of life; in the resurrection and the gift of immortality at Christ's coming.

The same three conditions are set forth in the second scripture: to live or to die, or the departing and being with Christ. Paul did not know which to choose—life or death. In either way God would get glory. But Paul did have choice of another thing, namely, to go to Christ, to be translated, to be with Him. This was “far better” than the other two things. The word rendered “departing” is in Luke 12:36, rendered “return.” The comfort offered to mortals is through the resurrection or translation. 1 Thess. 4:13-18.

1714.—Every Eye Shall See Him.

If this earth is round like a globe, how can every eye behold Christ as He comes in the clouds at the second advent? A SUBSCRIBER.

Does not the earth revolve? If the Lord Jesus should first appear as directly overhead, it would only take twenty-four hours for all the longitudes of earth to see him. In that fearful day the earth may revolve more rapidly at the will of her Maker; and angels will gather the elect.

1715.—The Bottomless Pit.

It has been said that the term “bottomless pit” of Rev. 9:1 refers “to the unknown wastes of the Arabian desert.” Why should it not refer to the Arabian desert in Rev. 20:3, instead of to the entire earth? A. S.

We do not know that it does so refer in Rev. 9:1. The original term, abussos, “the deep” (Gen. 1:2, Septuagint), refers to the earth in its condition of chaos, and the term in Rev. 20:3, to the earth as it will be when sin has finished its work, and chaos comes again (Jer. 4:23-25; Isa. 24:1-5). Does not abyss in that highly figurative prophecy of the trumpets refer to the very elements of hell which reduce the earth to chaos? The one is a type of the other.