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Dr. Charles L.
Dr. J. Richard Chase
Discussions
Q. Kingsburg, Calif. "Is there any place in the Bible that tells us what the departed saints are doing while waiting for the Rapture?" A. The Lord has not seen fit to reveal any specifics to us. We do know that they are in His pres ence, awaiting the time when they will receive, with us, their resur rection bodies. You may be sure that being with Christ is the ulti mate in the Christian's outlook (Philippians 1:23). To be absent from the body in physical death means for the believer to be pres ent with the Lord. This is an inex plicable state of precious, perfect rest and contentment with the Sav iour. Some people believe that those in heaven can look down now and see activities here on earth. Scripture does not indicate this to be the case at all. They are totally consumed with being with Christ.
Q. Los Angeles, Calif. "Would you please explain the phrase 'led cap tivity captive' (Ephesians 4:8)? Also, could you help me to understand Psalm 68:18?" A. The Old Testament passage is stated for us in the New. The Psalm ist is speaking of God, "Thou hast ascended on high." This in itself is an unusual statement since the Father already lives on high. This shows that He has been on earth. He gives gifts to men. This is so that they may in turn minister those gifts to the outside world. This re fers to the Saviour Himself who is the One who gives everyone ac cording to the measure of gifts that He will use in administering the word of life. The passage in Ephes ians is taken from Psalms 68:18 where it finds fulfillment. When Christ went down into the lower parts of the earth in His death He there did a tremendous work of re-
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