Question Corner by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Aug 30, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 35.

Question Corner

By Editor

1708.—"Lifted Up." John 12:32.

In what sense are we to understand the words of our Saviour, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me"? P. B. G.

The lifting up referred to His death on the cross. That cross stood for the utter self-sacrifice, self-abnegation, of His life for the sake of others. That was His character, which has made Him a center of attraction in all the earth. Men have misunderstood His work; He has been reviled and exalted; His work has been viewed in parts only; nevertheless in one way or another He has drawn the attention of all to Himself; and in the judgment His words and life will condemn or save.

1709.—They Are Virgins. Rev. 14:4.

What is the meaning of "these are they that were not defiled with women; for they are virgins"? P. B. G.

The word "woman" is used as symbolical of a church. "I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman." Jer. 6:2. A good, pure woman represents a true church. See Revelation 12; 2 Cor. 11:2. A corrupt, licentious woman represents a corrupt, fallen, apostate church. See Rev. 17:1-6; 18; Ezekiel 16; Jeremiah 3, and other scriptures. The word "virgin" means an unmarried daughter; but it is also used in a spiritual sense of the true church of God. Isa. 37:22; Lam. 2:13. The passage in Revelation 14 would therefore mean that the special class spoken of were not identified with corrupt and apostate churches; they were free in God, members of His church alone.

1710.—Change in Reckoning.

Has any change in the reckoning of time been made which would change the days of the week? If so, when, and by what authority? L. E. D.

There has been no such change. The matter of months and days, through change in calendar and nation, have confused and are confusing. The week, the oldest period of time above the day, has not been affected by the changes in calendar in any way. Of course, we know that men have been made to believe that the sacred day of the week has been changed from the seventh to the first or the sixth, and some nations have had no week at all, even as they have had no true God at all, but the order of the days of the week may be easily traced from the Bible.

1711.—Question of Conscience.

Please explain Matt. 19:12; 1 Cor. 7:32-37. K.

Look in any dictionary for the definition of "eunuch," and read our Lord’s words in the light of what the word means. What men have done is not commanded or even advised. In the latter text the apostle simply says that if one can give up all legitimate marital relations and devote himself or herself wholly to God, it is well; but if not, either commits no sin in marriage. It is no duty to urge upon another, nor to boast of oneself. Remain unmarried if all of life and strength are devoted to God; but do not place yourself in temptation.