Israel came up out of the land of Egypt they rejoiced before the Lord in His gracious provision and salvation. Similarly, we should be ready at all times to give praise to our wonderful Saviour. The repe tition is shown for the intensity of devotion and adoration which is involved. Q. Walla, Walla, Wash. " Why does Biola teach the pre-tribulation rap ture theory so strongly? It is not that clearly taught in Scripture. Furthermore, how did this popular doctrine originate?" A. We should have far more space for this discussion. Biola teaches the pre-tribulation rapture truth because that is what is clearly re vealed in the Bible. As for the or igination of the doctrine, we find it taught from the New Testament itself. As an example, in I Thessa- lonians 1:10 we read that our Lord has delivered us "from the wrath to come." There are two views concerning the word "wrath." Hell is, of course, the ultimate place of God's wrath. In a sense we as Christians are certainly delivered from that particular wrath. But the definite article in Greek is found here. It is not just "from wrath" but "from the wrath to come." When the definite article appears in the Greek it refers to something very specific rather than that which is only general. To see what this period of wrath will be you can read such verses as Revelation 6:16, 17. This is the awful time of the Great Tribulation which shall be fall this earth in God's judgment on fallen mankind. The earlier chapters of this precious book show the Church, made up of all true
born-again believers, as being up in heaven where the redeemed are worshipping the Lord. Yes, the Rapture, shown in such passages as I Thessalonians 4:13-18, very definitely reveals that this great event will precede the Tribulation and the ensuing millennial reign of our Saviour. When Christ was here on earth He declared that there would be certain signs which would precede His return. We be lieve that there is no prophetic promise that has yet to be fulfilled before His return. We are con vinced that He can come back at any time. Q. Davison, Mich. "Can you please tell me the origin of oriental and the black races? Does the Bible give us any indication?" A. It is obvious that the entire hu man family after the flood came from Noah. He, his wife, his three sons, and their wives were the on ly ones saved from that judgment. There has been a great deal of study, analysis and speculation as to the background and origination of the races we have today. The fact is that we do not have any direct, concrete evidence for any of these particular views. Perhaps, this is the way in which the Lord has ordained it. There are many things which may influence races such as the influences of geograph ical and climatic conditions. We cannot generalize, however, for there are many Caucasians who have lived in Africa for many gen erations, but who have not become negroid. You see, Scripture is not concerned about details of skin color or facial characteristics. The prime consideration and objective is man's redemption through the
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