Dr. Talbot’s Question Box
and we should not be, afraid of God, if we have trusted His atoning work on Calvary for our salvation. In His death and resurrection, our Lord Je sus took away even “ the fear of death” (Heb. 2:14,15). And death is Satan’s most powerful weapon. Adam and Eve were afraid of God because they had sinned. But God clothed them with “ coats of skins” having shed the blood of the animal sacrifice in order to obtain a garment for His sinning creatures to wear as they stood in His holy presence. Even so, no man can stand before a holy God dressed in his own good works, or by his own righteous acts. He must be clothed in “ the righteousness of Christ.” Having received this cover ing for his sins he is no longer afraid of God. Nor is he afraid of death or the grave. He knows that, in Christ, he is victor over death and the grave. Yea; he longs for “ the appearing” of his Saviour; longs to see Him and to be with Him forever. There is no fear of God to the born-again soul; rather, there is a consciousness of love and trust and worship and praise. Knowing the Will of God How may I know the will of God for my life? Volumes have been written on this vital subject. Let me outline a few brief ways which are considered fun damental by Bible-loving Christians in determining the will of God: 1. The prayerful, consistent study of His Word. 2. Definite, earnest prayer. 3. Doing well the things at hand to do, trusting God to open doors or to close doors according to His will. 4. Taking into consideration the re sponsibilities and duties God has placed in your path. These may hin der your going to the foreign field, for instance. Or the lack of these may indicate a call to go. 5. Heeding an urgent desire to re spond to God’s call to some field in foreign lands or in the homeland. This may be the result of listening to another telling of the need for the gospel message. 6. Asking the prayers and counsel of a godly saint, who may be able to advise, and who certainly can pray. 7. Being willing — yes, glad — to follow the Lord wherever He may lead.
There are many precious promises of definite leading for the child of God who seeks His will. He says in Psalm 32:8— “ I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Read also Exodus 33:14; Deut. 31:6; Josh. 1:6; Psa. 37:3-5; Isa. 30:21; 41:10; Matt. 18:19; Rom. 8:28. Work Out Your Salvation What is the meaning of “ Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” found in Philippians 2:12? Mark you, 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 work out. 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 Spir it, saith the Lord of hosts” (Zech. 4:6). Are All Christians Sons of God? Will you please explain the first part of Galatians 4? This is concern ing sonship. Are not all Christians sons of God? The contrast is between the status of Jewish believers before the death and resurrection of Christ, and that of all believers, whether from among Jews or Gentiles, afterwards. In the old dispensation, believers were in the position of minor children and position of full-grown sons, free from the law, and in partnership and fel lowship with the Father. The “ ele ments of the world” (v. 3) are the Commandments of Sinai (cp. vv. 9, 21, and Col. 2:20). The law was an e l eme n t a r y “ s c ho o lma s t e r unto Christ,” that they might be justified by faith. But after faith came they were delivered from the old school master, being no longer under law, but under grace (Gal. 3:23-25; Rom. 6:14). In Galatians 3:26 the word children should read sons. The whole matter is worked out in the fourth chapter.
Dr. Louis T. Talbot Chancellor, Bible Institute of Los Angeles
The Jews' Salvation What is your idea of the Jews' salvation — 1) as individuals; 2) as a people? The Scriptures teach that there is no difference between Jew and Gen tile. As individuals Jews are to be saved through the gospel the same as Gentiles; as a nation, the people of Israel are set aside for the time being, “ until the fulness of the Gen tiles be come in” (Rom. 11:25). This is the same as saying, until the Church, which is the body of Christ, is completed. When that time will be, no man can tell. It jnay be at any moment that the Church will be completed and be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Happiness in Heaven If my mother was saved and I was lost could she be happy in heaven without me? Those who go to heaven will cer tainly be happy there. Just how it could be worked out in the case you mention is not revealed, but it is perfectly clear that heaven is a place of joy and happiness for all who get there. It is good to remember that all who desire to go to heaven may surely do so if they go by the blood- sprinkled way. The Fear of the Lord What do you understand the fear of the Lord to mean? I do not like to think of being afraid of God. This is an Old Testament expres sion which really means reverential trust. You are right; we need not be,
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
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