DR TALBOT' BELIEF OF DEMONS Q. Please explain 2:19, “ The demons also believe, and tremble.” A. If you read the context, you will see that James, in writing to the man whose empty profession of faith does not bear fruit, says, in substance, “ Thou believest that God is one; thou doest well [or, to paraphrase, ‘so far so good’ ]: the demons also believe [that God is one], and tremble.” And why do they tremble? Because they know that their doom is sealed, and that they will one day be cast into the lake of fire with the devil and all his wicked angels. Theirs is a head- knowledge, but not a heart-knowledge. The same might be said of any hu man being who knows that there is one God, yet refuses the atoning work of Christ on the cross. He trembles at the thought of judgment — unless Satan has so blinded him that he has deceived him into a false sense of security. When the Lord Jesus was on earth, the demons recognized Him as “ the Holy One of God.” On one occasion they “ cried out saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come to torment us before the tim e?” (Matt. 8:29). Here they express a knowledge of certain doom. When the Lord Jesus “ suffered them not to speak” of Him as the Son of God, it seems as though He would not receive this testimony from demons. SINLESS PERFECTION Q. What is sanctification, if it is not holiness or sinless perfection? A. “ Sanctification” and ‘'saint” are kindred words, and imply separation from the godless world. We are set apart for God; that is sanctification. Sanctification, however, is two-fold: One aspect of the term has to do with our standing before God; the other, with our state. Sanctification as to our
shall have transpired in the rapture of the church—so blinded will they be by Satan. Unbelief will find a plausible explanation for the rapture as it does for every act of God. However, let it be remembered that there will be the martyred remnant of believers during the tribulation period, those who will accept the messages of the 144,000 Jews, God’s messengers on earth during that dark time. PRAYERS FOR THE SICK Q. When we pray for the restoration of a dear one's health, should we add, “ Thy will be done” ? I have been told that, to do this, shows a lack of faith, and that we are to claim healing. A. In matters like bodily healing, we should be submissive to the will of God; in fact, we should always glory in the will of God, whatever that will should bring. Sometimes it is contrary to the will of God that we should be healed, as in the case of Paul. In II Cor. 12:7-10 he tells us that, lest he should “ be exalted above measure,” become proud because of the revelation given unto him from God, he was given a “ thorn in the flesh,” to keep him humble. Bible students generally agree that this “ thorn in the flesh” was very poor eyesight. Paul prayed thrice that it might be removed, but God said, rather, “M y grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” We should not demand things of God, regardless of His will. The pro per attitude of faith is to submit one’s self unto Him, knowing that His will is best. Bodily healing is not on the same basis as salvation. If it were so, we should not have to wait for Christ to return to redeem the body. Dr. Talbot will be special speaker at the Biola Family Conference at The Firs Bible and Missionary Conference in Washington, August 22 - 28. For reservations write: The Firs, 4605 Cable Street, Bellingham, Wash. THE KING'S BUSINESS
standing before God is brought about by the blood of Christ, and is eternal, complete, once for all. “We are sancti fied through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Heb. 10: 10 ). Sanctification as to our state and daily walk is another thing. This is brought about through the operation of the Word of God, as we read it and allow it to judge our walk and ways. Christ said in His prayer for His dis ciples, “ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17: 17). And Paul wrote of the same thing in Eph. 5:25, 26: “ Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.” As we read the holy Scrip tures, meditate upon them, love them, and seek to live by them, we are being separated from the things that would defile. This is sanctification in respect to our life and walk. We have become afraid of the term, because those who teach sinless per fection in this life have appropriated it and perverted its scriptural mean ing. But that should not cause us to give up the word or its message to us. It is the Christian’s duty and privilege to be sanctified, though he can never claim sinless perfection this side of heaven. Then, “ when he shall appear, we shall like him” in glory'— free from sin and its power. EFFECTS OF THE RAPTURE Q. W ill the unsaved living on earth know it when Christ translates the church? A. There is nothing in the Scripture to indicate that they will know what has taken place. Certainly they will miss loved ones and friends. To the godless world, the translation of the church will doubtless be as a “ seven- days’ wonder.” Then the Antichrist will be revealed and his actions will so occupy the minds of unregenerate men that many will soon forget what
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