D I S C U S with DR. SAMUEL H. SUTHERLAND/DR. CHARLES L FEINBERG
Q. Tacoma, Wash. — “When were the Northern and Southern kingdoms re united? Also, can you tell me how many tribes were in Jerusalem at the time of Christ?” A. King David reigned about 40 years until about 970 B.C. He was followed by his son, Solomon, who reigned until 930 B.C. Shortly there after, there was a revolt, caused for one thing by higher taxes. It was under Rehoboam that the tribes broke away, becoming a nation of ten and two tribes respectively. This separation has continued until this hour. There has never been any for mal gathering together of the North ern and Southern kingdoms. There will be, as is prophesied in Ezekiel 37:16 in the illustration of the two sticks. Traditionally, Judah stands for the Southern kingdom a n d Joseph, or Ephraim, represents all the Northern kingdoms. Ezekiel says the Lord is to join them one to the other into one stick to become one in his hand. Ezekiel 37:22 gives us the divine purpose. We don’t believe in any such thing as “the tribes.” While we don’t know the identity of any one of the tribes, in that sense they are all “lost.” No doubt at the crucifixion most, if not all of the tribes, were represented. Q. Vancouver, B.C. — “Will the hea then who have never heard the Gos pel be punished? How can they re- MS
ject what they have never been of fered? Will Christians who do not send the good news be held responsi ble for these who are lost?” A. The Word of God is very ex plicit concerning these matters. Keep in mind that God is able to handle those who have never heard. Our concern should be the privilege and responsibility we have of taking the Gospel to them. There is only one way of salvation and that is through the personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Look carefully at Romans 2: 11-15. This answers your question most adequately. “There is no re spect of persons with God.” If a person who never heard the Gospel could live according to the law, he would be saved. But the simple facts are “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Those who have not heard the Gospel are condemned by the light that is in their hearts, their conscience the meanwhile accusing them. We are responsible for seeing that the Gos pel reaches others. This is’nt an option, but a command. Our Lord said, “Go, ye!” We are to fulfill that exhortation to the best of our ability. Q. Ontario, Calif. — “Where did Ken neth Taylor, author of ‘Living Let ters’ get the name Cyria as the lady elect of II John?” A. This edition has proven to be
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