Panel Discussions (continued) A. Theologians have occupied them selves with this question for cen turies. Those who believe the soul enters the body at conception argue that God, at birth, puts into the body an entirely new soul. But there is no distinct Scripture that says so. Our position is that the soul enters at conception. Q . Fullerton, California — “Why did God make believing the requirement of ) salvation? Why is it that fa ith is so important? Wouldn’t it be simpler if He gave us a set form of rules to observe or a kind of ritual to per form?” A. There is nothing simpler than God's plan of salvation for man. There is nothing we can do, of ourselves, to work for our salvation. It is not what we do, but that which has already been done, which commends us to God. If, as an example, God said we would have to walk on our hands and knees for ten miles on spikes to be saved, there would be many who would never know the joy and re lease of sins forgiven. And for the few who did get to heaven we would find it a place with individuals talk ing about how sharp the spikes were and how bravely they endured all things. The Gospel message assures us that we cannot do anything but to accept the accomplished work of Christ on Calvary’s cross. But al though it is a simple plan of salva tion, it is not cheap in any sense of the word. It is the most expensive program the Almighty could possi bly have provided. It cost the death of the infinite Son of God on Calvary’s cross to make our salvation possible. No wonder that when we get to heav en, all saved on the same basis of faith, we will sing the song of the redeemed, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” Q . Tucson, Arizona — “My brother is a chronic alcoholic and yet he is in terested in religion at times. Can you
tell me what my responsibility is to him?” A. By being interested in religion we trust you mean the truth of God’s Word, not just any religious ritual or practice. Your responsibility is a three-fold one. First, show him true Christian love. Don’t be impatient or always condemning. No doubt he is condemning himself already. Second, pray with real earnestness and expec tation for him. Third, witness to him, not in an obnoxious way, but when you have the opportunity to press the claims of Christ upon him in a loving and gentle manner. Q . Denver, Colorado — • “Since God told Adam and Eve to be fru itfu l and to multiply, do you think they had chil dren before they fell?” A. The statement for them to be fruitful is found in the very first chapter of Genesis. The birth of chil dren is first indicated in the 4th chap ter of Genesis after the fall. There is no indication, however, that having children, or the bearing of children, is connected with the fall. There is no verse of scripture indicating they had children before they fell. There is no such thing as a pre-Adamic race (Romans 5:12). WHAT IS LIFE? "What is life?" asked a little child As he romped on a golden day. Out of his life the answer came: "Life is play! Life is play!" "W hat is life?" asked the sturdy man As he toiled through the sun and rain, And the woe in his heart cried out aloud, "Life is pain! Life is pain!" "What is life?" asked the old, old man As he gazed on the stars above. And his wise, wise heart sang joyfully, "Life is Christ! Life is Love!" “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
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