Our Bible Reading by A. C. Plowman

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Apr 26, 1910

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 16.

Our Bible Reading

By A. C. Plowman

Evidences or Full Assurance of Acceptance with God

1. Who are accepted of God? "Whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." Acts 10: 43. "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?" Gen. 4: 7.

2. Since by nature man can not work righteousness, the carnal mind being "enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God" (Rom. 8:7), what transformation is necessary? Be "born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God." 1 Peter 1: 23. Be "a new creature [in Christ]: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Cor. 5: 17.

3. By what agency is the new birth produced? "That which is born of the Spirit is spirit." John 3: 6. "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; . . . the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life." John 6: 63.

4. What do we receive in Christ? "In whom [Jesus] we have redemption, . . . the forgiveness of sins." "He hath made us accepted in the Beloved." Eph. 1: 6, 7. "All are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's." 1 Cor. 3: 22, 23.

5. Through what act on the part of the receiver are sins forgiven? "Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace." Rom. 4: 16.

6. What relation is thus established between God and the believer? "I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." 2 Cor. 6: 17, 18. Also "one flesh, one spirit." See 1 Cor. 6: 17-20.

7. Can such a relationship exist and one not be conscious of the fact? "But ye know Him [the Spirit of truth]; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." John 14: 17. "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Rom. 8: 16. "Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit." 1 John 4: 13.

8. What does the knowledge of our acceptance with God bring? "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5: 1.

9. Of what nature is the believer's peace? "My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14: 27.

10. What does the world give those who have Christ's peace? "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16: 33.

11. What will be one of the delights of the converted man? "I delight in the law of God after the inward man." Rom. 7: 22. His delight is in the law of the Lord.

12. How may true believers be identified? "By their fruits ye shall know them." "He that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven." Matt. 7: 20, 21.

13. What is the fruit of the Spirit? "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Gal. 5: 22, 23.

14. Can one bear this fruit himself? "As the branch can not bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me." John 15: 4.

15. What was the experience of the two disciples who talked with Jesus on their way to Emmaus? "They said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?" Luke 24: 32.

16. What blessed experience may all have? "Rejoice in the Lord alway. . . . And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4: 4, 7. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." Isa. 26: 3. "Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Ps. 119: 165. A. C. Plowman.