The Lord was answering a question propounded by a lawyer who was of the Pharisees, a religious sect, the members of which made great professions of morality and piety. They were great sticklers for the various features of the letter of the Law; and, as far as outward conditions of morality were concerned, they were … Continue reading “When the Lord said, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (`Mat. 22:40`), what did He mean by the “law and the prophets”?”
What is conscience?
Man when created was endowed with the moral faculties; that is, the faculties with which to determine between the right and the wrong. The faculties were perfect in the first man formed by the Creator. The Divine Law was written in the very nature of the perfect human being–Adam. When man disobeyed the Almighty Being … Continue reading “What is conscience?”
Can you tell me where I can find it stated in the Scriptures that our Lord was forty days old when He was presented in consecration to the Heavenly Father by His parents? Is this the basis for the custom observed by some in presenting their children to the Lord?
As narrated in the second chapter of Luke, verses 21-23, (`Luke 2:21-23`) the mother of Jesus, in conformity with the Law which had been given to the Israelites by the Lord God through Moses, presented Him in consecration to the Heavenly Father. (See `Exo. 13:12,15,6`.) This presentation could not take place until the time of … Continue reading “Can you tell me where I can find it stated in the Scriptures that our Lord was forty days old when He was presented in consecration to the Heavenly Father by His parents? Is this the basis for the custom observed by some in presenting their children to the Lord?”
What did Christ mean when he referred to John the Baptist as Elijah? (`Matt. 17:2,12`). Is this an evidence that he recognized re-incarnation as the truth?
The theory of re-incarnation is nowhere taught in the scriptures. Our Lord Jesus and the Apostles never, in all their teachings, said a word about re-incarnation. As to the meaning of the Savior's words referred to in the question, we recognize that He was calling to mind the prophecy of `Mal. 4:5,6`. John the Baptist … Continue reading “What did Christ mean when he referred to John the Baptist as Elijah? (`Matt. 17:2,12`). Is this an evidence that he recognized re-incarnation as the truth?”
`Heb. 11:5`, we read that Enoch was translated that he should not see death. Then in the `13th verse` we read that these all DIED in faith, referring to those mentioned in the preceding verses. Would this include Enoch among those mentioned? And if so please harmonize the two statements.
From the Genesis statement (`Gen. 5:22-24`) and the Apostles' words in the 5th verse of this 11th chapter of Hebrews, (`Heb. 11:5`) we are inclined to believe that the Lord translated Enoch that he should not see death; that in some way Enoch's life was preserved. As the scriptures do not say where the Lord … Continue reading “`Heb. 11:5`, we read that Enoch was translated that he should not see death. Then in the `13th verse` we read that these all DIED in faith, referring to those mentioned in the preceding verses. Would this include Enoch among those mentioned? And if so please harmonize the two statements.”
What did Jesus mean when he said, “In my Father house are many mansions”?
In the larger sense, the Universe is God's home or house, and this earth is His footstool. We know not how many angelic orders there are, but the Scriptures intimate that there are spirit beings of various grades, of different nature, each perfect, but differing one from the other. The Divine Plan, in connection with … Continue reading “What did Jesus mean when he said, “In my Father house are many mansions”?”
The Apostle says–“We are fools for Christ sake!”–what did he mean by this expression? How are Christians made fools? See `1 Cor. 4:10`.
The Apostle Paul, because of his zeal and earnestness in the cause of Christ, had suffered opposition and persecution of various kinds and had even endured hunger and thirst and hardships, as he proceeds to narrate in this same chapter. To those without faith in Christ and His teachings this was all foolishness on the … Continue reading “The Apostle says–“We are fools for Christ sake!”–what did he mean by this expression? How are Christians made fools? See `1 Cor. 4:10`.”
Please explain what is meant by Preaching the Gospel, and what is the Gospel?
The word gospel signifies a message of glad tidings. Preaching the Gospel means proclaiming the good tidings, or massage of gladness, to others. When the Lord Jesus came He declared, "The spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek." During the three … Continue reading “Please explain what is meant by Preaching the Gospel, and what is the Gospel?”
If hatred is not a virtue, why does it say in `Eccl. 3:8` “There is a time to hate?” Why does Christ say in `Luke 14:2` “If any man come to me and HATE not his father and mother, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple?”
Our Lord in all of His instructions to His followers continually admonished them to love one another, and not only this but that they were to love their enemies as well. (`John 13:35`; `Mat. 5:43,44-46`; `1 Pet. 2:23`.) Therefore, it would not be consistent to think that the Lord would counsel His followers to HATE … Continue reading “If hatred is not a virtue, why does it say in `Eccl. 3:8` “There is a time to hate?” Why does Christ say in `Luke 14:2` “If any man come to me and HATE not his father and mother, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple?””
Is it true that the “Highway of Holiness” is opened now and that the way of salvation is so plain that a “wayfaring man though a fool shall not err therein” (`Isa. 35:8-10`)?
We are not surprised that you have failed to find the "Highway." The Lord Jesus referring to the conditions of salvation during this present Gospel Age, declares that "Strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life and few there be that find it." As a matter of fact the Scriptures … Continue reading “Is it true that the “Highway of Holiness” is opened now and that the way of salvation is so plain that a “wayfaring man though a fool shall not err therein” (`Isa. 35:8-10`)?”