'filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.' Will you please explain that phrase?" A. This happened to no one else other than John the Baptist. You see, he had a position different than Isaiah, Moses, Daniel or any of the Old Testament servants since he was the closest to the actual manifestation of the prom ised Messiah. The Saviour Himself said that among those born of wo men he was the greatest since he had the privilege of being the fore runner and herald of the Son of Cod. Do not misread the verse, however. Zacharias was not told that his son would be filled with the Holy Spirit, even in his moth er's womb. There was no need for empowering there. The preposi tion is "from," as soon as he was born. Because of the kind of life John was going to lead he would need that strong empowering, comfort and consolation only Cod could give. From birth (not before it), Cod promised he would be a Spirit-filled man. Certainly he was in every respect. Q. Madison, Wis. "Are Christians who fail to witness guilty of mur der?" A. No, because the act of murder has to do with the taking of physical life. Never is it used in Scripture in connection with one's personal testimony. We are reminded of the wisdom in winning souls. This should be the occupation of every born again Christian. Keep in mind, we are not merely being asked to tell others about Christ, we are commanded to be witnesses for Him. Actually, as one has put it, "We are saved to serve."
Q. Perris, Calif. "How can I Corin thians 15:27, 28 be used to show that Jesus Christ is not God but only subject to Him?" A. Throughout the gospels the Sav iour takes a subservient position. This is beautifully shown in Philip- pians 2:5-11. In His humanity the Lord is obedient in every respect to His heavenly Father. The verse you mention states that "He (Cod) hath put all things under His (Chirst's) feet." This speaks of His reign on earth. You see, the Son in humility and reverence, for the purpose of man's redemption, al lowed Himself to be so made sub ject that the Father's will might be accomplished. This does not mean that He changed His initial nature whatsoever. Christ willingly con descended to put aside the visibil ity of His glory, as well as the in dependent use of His powers and attributes. This is what is known as the "kenosis." He emptied Him self of that which was rightly His. This does not mean that at any time He set aside His deity. Q. Walla Walla, Wash. "Please ex plain the phrase in the parable where our Lord says, 'Ye are the salt of the earth'." A. This is in Matthew 5:13 and comes as a part of the Sermon on the Mount. Consider first of all the many functions of salt. Certainly salt cleanses. As Christians we are to act as cleansing agents, directed by the Holy Spirit, to point out moral conditions and to keep the spiritual life as high as possible. Salt is flavorful. It is used on food to bring out the various tastes. Likewise we are to render that flav orful experience wherever we go in the home, the church, the neigh- Page 25
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs