T c L l l D O t ’S Q , i x e s t i o n B o x
it was not motivated by the Spirit of God, neither did it emanate as the expression of saving faith in Christ. The Lord knew the condition of their hearts and minds for He “ needed not that any should testify of man . . . he knew what was in man” (John 2 :25 ). Again, from His words “ I . . . know my sheep, and am known of mine” (John 10:14), we learn that He knows all who belong to Him. Christ has promised, “ Him that com- eth to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). The person who estab lishes the right relationship between himself and the Lord may be con fident that it will be recognized by Him, and that it will be an everlast ing bond. JUDAS THE ANT ICHR IST? Q. A Bible teacher recently stated that the antichrist will be the rein carnation of Judas Iscariot. He sup ported his argument by linking John 17:12, where Judas is called “ the son of perdition," with Second Thes- salonians 2:3 where the antichrist is also mentioned in the same words. Please explain. A. I do not think these two verses refer to the same person. It is mere speculation to say that Judah will be the antichrist. Both were and will be children of Satan. ASK ING THE W ILL OF GOD 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 o f 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 Second Corinthians, 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 stu dents generally agree that this “ thorn in the flesh” was very poor eyesight. Paul prayed thrice that it might be removed; but God said, rather, “My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made per fect in weakness.” We can never do wrong in seeking God’s will in any thing. SANCT IF ICAT ION 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. Sanctifica tion as to our standing before God is brought about by the blood of Christ, and is eternal, complete, once for all. “We are sanctified through the offer ing 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 disciples, “ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Paul wrote of the same thing in Ephesians 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 Scriptures, meditate upon them, love them, and seek to live by them, we are being separated from the things that would defile. This is sanctifica tion in respect to our life and walk.
WORK ING OUT SALVAT ION Q. What is the meaning of Philip- pians 2:12, “ Work out your own sal vation with fear and trembling"? A. Note carefully this verse does not say, "work for your own salvation” but “work out your own salvation.” It is your own salvation that you are to express in your daily life. The text is best explained when considered in connection with the verse which follows: “ For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” The entire passage means that the Chris tian is to manifest, or show forth to the world, his salvation by a godly and careful walk. This he cannot do in his own strength; he can do it only by the power of God. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts” (Zech. 4 :6 ). BACKSLIDERS A N D NON-BELIEVERS Q. Please explain Jesus’ words, “I never knew you” (Matt. 7:23). Is it possible that some of those ad dressed were formerly sincere Chris tians who were at this time in a backslidden condition? A. These words of our Lord’s were the outcome of the conditions re ferred to in the two preceding verses (vs. 21, 22), and show the futility of profession of Christ without faith in Him. We cannot believe that those for whom these words were meant could ever have been sincere Christians. One of the tests of belonging to Christ is one’s endeavor to do the will of the Father, and according to Christ’s words, “ ye that work in iquity” (v. 23), those to whom He was speaking, were not performing the Father’s will. Their service was no doubt glamorous—prophecy, mira cles, “many wonderful works” all done in Christ’s name (v. 22) ; but
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