Since God invites man to reason on His Word (`Isa. 1:18`), we must know that His Word is reasonable. The quotation in the question is unreasonable. But is it a part of God's Word? We answer, No. St. `Mark`'s Gospel originally ended with verse nine, chapter sixteen; the additional verses (10-20 inclusive), which includes the … Continue reading “Is it possible for Christians to handle deadly serpents and to drink poisons without suffering injury in any form as stated in `Mark 16:18`? (R.F.D.)”
Why did God give us a Bible so difficult to understand? Why was not the Bible written in such a way that it could be as easily understood as the daily paper? (Scribe.)
The Bible is generally conceded to be one of the most difficult books in all the earth to understand. The brightest minds of the world for centuries have differed as to its teachings. Whole libraries of books have been written by authors whose views have conflicted woefully with one another. The entire Christian world today … Continue reading “Why did God give us a Bible so difficult to understand? Why was not the Bible written in such a way that it could be as easily understood as the daily paper? (Scribe.)”
Why is the Bible so hard to understand? Why cannot EVERY ONE capable of reading the printed page comprehend the Word of God?
The Bible was not written for the unbelieving, nor was it written in such a manner that the world could understand its teachings. In order to understand the Bible we must come into the attitude of pupils of Christ and must be taught of him. The Bible is like a telescope; it is not sufficient … Continue reading “Why is the Bible so hard to understand? Why cannot EVERY ONE capable of reading the printed page comprehend the Word of God?”
Why is there so much confusion existing in the world today as to the true teachings of the Scriptures?
The study of the Scriptures, as with all other lines of investigation, must be conducted systematically, else confusion results. The Apostle Paul counsels us along this line saying, "Study to show thyself approved unto God (not unto men), rightly dividing the word of truth." Many have erred in failing to follow this rule. For instance, … Continue reading “Why is there so much confusion existing in the world today as to the true teachings of the Scriptures?”
Please explain 2 Pet. 3:16: “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction.”
From the reading of this chapter, it is evident that "these things," referred to by the Apostle, are the things relating to the three worlds and the three heavens of which he was writing. In `2 Cor. 12:1-4`, the Apostle Paul relates how that special visions and revelations had been given him by the Lord, … Continue reading “Please explain 2 Pet. 3:16: “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction.””
Were the dinosaurs still in existence at the time of Adam’s creation and, if so, were they destroyed in the Flood of Noah’s day? Which epoch or “day” the dinosaurs appeared on the earth. Apparently, we alleged that they appeared on the fourth day.
First, we need to make a correction. If we said that it was the fourth day when the dinosaurs roamed the earth, we were incorrect. We should have said the fifth day, which is in keeping with the Genesis account (Genesis 1:20-23). In regard to the age of the earth in general, as well as … Continue reading “Were the dinosaurs still in existence at the time of Adam’s creation and, if so, were they destroyed in the Flood of Noah’s day? Which epoch or “day” the dinosaurs appeared on the earth. Apparently, we alleged that they appeared on the fourth day.”
How can we prove to the extremely critical that the people taken for the name of the Lord (`Acts 15:14`) are the ones referred to, in the Scriptures, as the “Bride,” “the wife of the Lamb” “The New Jerusalem,” etc.? (H.J.K.)
The "extremely critical" are the very ones to recognize the reasonableness of the doctrine of election so positively outlined in this passage. It is the thinking, critical minds that are rejecting the antiquated, obsolete theories of the past, and now are coming to see the truth concerning the Divine purpose. How reasonable, then, to those … Continue reading “How can we prove to the extremely critical that the people taken for the name of the Lord (`Acts 15:14`) are the ones referred to, in the Scriptures, as the “Bride,” “the wife of the Lamb” “The New Jerusalem,” etc.? (H.J.K.)”
Rev. 22:17 says: “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come.” Has this Scripture been fulfilled, and if not, when will it be”?
This will he fulfilled in the future for the following reasons: There is no "Bride" now. Jesus during the Gospel Age has been preparing a place for the Bride as he declared (`John 14:2-4`). The union of the Bride and the Bridegroom takes place at the second coming of our Lord (`Rev. 19:6-8`). During the … Continue reading “Rev. 22:17 says: “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come.” Has this Scripture been fulfilled, and if not, when will it be”?”
Will you please explain the `16th verse of the 45th Psalm`, “Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou, mayest make princes in all the earth.” (J.W.A.)
Considering the `connecting verses`, it becomes evident that this is one of the Messianic Psalms and is, in the main, a prophecy relating to the Church of Christ– the Bride class. The King's Daughter, the Bride of the King's Son, was to be formed of an elect class made up of Israelites, both those who … Continue reading “Will you please explain the `16th verse of the 45th Psalm`, “Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou, mayest make princes in all the earth.” (J.W.A.)”
When did our Lord become the “only begotten Son of God?”
The pre-human existence of the Lord Jesus is clearly established in the Scriptures. His own testimony of Himself was that He is "The faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God." `Rev. 3:14`. We find then that our Lord became the "only begotten Son of God" at the time of his creation, … Continue reading “When did our Lord become the “only begotten Son of God?””