Q . Woodburn, Oregon — “In Psalm 103:3 we read, ‘Who forgiveth all thine iniquities and healeth all thy diseases.’ Why do most fundamental churches accept the first part of this verse, but reject or have reservations on the latter part ? Does this not state definitely that healing is in the atone ment just as is salvation?” A. The reason is right in the passage itself. The Scripture is talking about blessing God’s name for His benefits which are not primarily material bene fits. Notice the statements, “thine in iquities,” “redeem thy life from de struction,” “crown thee with loving kindness.” The latter is not an actual material, visible crown. These dis eases are basically those which are spiritual. If this verse taught that it meant literally physical illnesses, how and by what reason would you explain the fine Christian people who are saved and yet who are still ill? Can we say that because they are not healed physically their souls are not redeemed spiritually? That would be a tremendous charge to make against many of God’s children and against God’s Word as well. In Isaiah 53:5 we read, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Many people quote this verse saying, “That means physical healing.” Then just a few words be
fore that we find, “The chastisement of our peace is upon him.” This would then mean that a believer, who is truly saved, is never to be found in a state of war, or in a country where strife and fighting exists. The only thing this could mean, however, is spiritual peace. The same is true with healing. Paul writes to the Corin thians, Christ who was rich became poor for our sakes that we through his poverty might become rich. Here he is not talking about monetary, economic, financial riches at all. We must .find that God’s truth is revealed throughout His blessed Word as Scrip ture stands with Scripture. Q . Goldendale, Washington — “Is it right to wash, iron, have parties and so forth, on the Lord’s Day? Many here and elsewhere go to the movies and other entertainment. I’ve always felt that one day, at least, should be ob served in worship of God." A. Certainly that is true for there should be one day set apart for the worship of God. We need also to re mind ourselves that if we had more Christianity and lived more like the Lord Jesus Christ each day of the week and less piously (self styled) on Sunday, our testimonies would even be more worthwhile. No one can give a categorical statement as to whether it is right to wash, iron or to have other activities on the Lord’s Day. There are circumstances when it is
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