In his prayer, St. Paul evidently distinguishes between spirit, soul, and body. We should bear in mind that his letter was addressed to the Church collectively, and not so much to individuals. We can be quite sure that the Apostle did not refer to individuals, for whatever interpretation we may put upon "soul and spirit," … Continue reading “St. Paul, in `1 Thes. 5:23`, prays God…”Your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless,” etc. If not, kindly enlighten fully”
Do you mean to say that the spirit of the Thief, who died upon the cross when the Lord Jesus was crucified, remained in the grave with his body? If so, do the spirits of our dear friends, who turned to Christ in this life, remain with their bodies in the grave until the return of our Lord?
The inspired writers of the Bible tell us just what became of the spirit of the thief who died upon the cross. And they also tell us what becomes of the spirits of those who were devoted followers of Christ and were faithful even unto death. It would not do for us to say what … Continue reading “Do you mean to say that the spirit of the Thief, who died upon the cross when the Lord Jesus was crucified, remained in the grave with his body? If so, do the spirits of our dear friends, who turned to Christ in this life, remain with their bodies in the grave until the return of our Lord?”
What is meant by these words, “The Spirit and the Bride say come?”
The Spirit clearly refers to Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom. His Bride is to be the Church glorified. (See `Rev. 21:9`; `Rev.19:7-9`.) The marriage, or union, referred to in the last Scripture, takes place at the second coming of Christ (`John 14:3`). The reign of Christ (Bride and Bridegroom) follows, and then the message will go … Continue reading “What is meant by these words, “The Spirit and the Bride say come?””
What is a spirit being?
According to the Scriptures, it is a creature, or personality, inhabiting the spiritual plane of existence, a higher plane than that of the human or earthly creatures. Just as the Divine nature, the nature of God, is the highest order of the spiritual realm, so man is of the highest order of the animal or … Continue reading “What is a spirit being?”
Do Spiritualist Mediums really communicate with the spirits of the dead?
Spiritualism is a rapidly growing movement, numbering several millions of people, among which are some of the brightest minds of the day. There is no question as to many of the facts clearly established in the rites and ceremonies of Spiritism. Many of the phenomena produced, with the aid of spirit mediums, have been pronounced … Continue reading “Do Spiritualist Mediums really communicate with the spirits of the dead?”
“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.”–`Exo. 22:18`. From this expression would we not understand that the writers of the Scriptures believed in the existence of witches? What is a witch?
Throughout the world today there are thousands and millions of people who firmly believe in what is known as "Spiritism." Among those who thus believe are some of the brightest minds of the day–doctors, lawyers, judges, professors, etc., a class of people who would not be deceived by mere sleight-of-hand performances, or by hallucinations. These … Continue reading ““Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.”–`Exo. 22:18`. From this expression would we not understand that the writers of the Scriptures believed in the existence of witches? What is a witch?”
Please explain `Isa. 8:19-22`, where the Prophet speaks of “familiar spirits,” and “wizards” that work in the dark.
The "familiar spirits" are the demons that infest earth's atmosphere, and who are busily engaged in impersonating the dead, representing that they are the spirits of the departed ones, and thus confusing and deceiving many, who have not given heed to the instructions of the Scriptures to the effect that the dead are dead, and … Continue reading “Please explain `Isa. 8:19-22`, where the Prophet speaks of “familiar spirits,” and “wizards” that work in the dark.”
Please explain `Jer. 2:12,13`. What are the “heavens” referred to; and what do the “broken cisterns that can hold no water” represent?
Evidently the Prophet is using highly symbolic language to convey his thoughts. The larger portion of the prophecies of the Bible are put forth in figurative expressions and in parables and dark sayings, for they were not intended of the Lord to be understood until at the time of their fulfillment. The "heavens" would symbolize … Continue reading “Please explain `Jer. 2:12,13`. What are the “heavens” referred to; and what do the “broken cisterns that can hold no water” represent?”
What is the meaning of the words “the sea and the waves roaring?”
The murmuring of the rising wind is distinctly audible to the ear. The sea and the waves of the troubled masses of humanity are already beginning to heave and toss and foam. The increasing winds of strife are driving the great sea of mankind into a frenzied state of revolt against the present social order–"the … Continue reading “What is the meaning of the words “the sea and the waves roaring?””
Is the Scriptural statement, “and there were no more sea,” to be taken literally? See `Rev.21:1`
In the Scriptures the word "sea" is used, not merely as a name for a body of water, but also symbolically, as representing lawless, restless, dissatisfied, discontented humanity. In His great prophecy (`Luke 21:5-36`) our Lord tells us that in the time of trouble, with which the Millennial Age will be introduced, the sea and … Continue reading “Is the Scriptural statement, “and there were no more sea,” to be taken literally? See `Rev.21:1`”