with Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland and Dr. Charles L. Feinberg
Q . Tucson, Arizona — “I would like help on Matthew 21:30 which tells of ‘the sign of the Son of man in heaven’ It says that they shall see Him ‘coming in the clouds of heaven.’ Is this when Jesus comes for His people or when He comes to rule here on the earth?” A. Again, the context is vital. Notice the little word immediately in connec tion with the tribulation spoken of in the preceeding verse. This portion therefore refers to His coming to set up His visible millennial reign upon this earth. The Rapture, spoken of in I Thessalonians 4:13-18, will be when born-again believers will meet the Lord in the air. This is when Christ comes to receive His church unto Him self. It is the event which precedes the tribulation. Q . Independence Mo. — “Can you give me help on I Corinthians 15:29? This has to do with ‘baptism for the dead.’ ” A. From this verse some cults have built erroneous doctrines. In this chap ter Paul, through the Spirit of God, is dealing with the question as to wheth er there can be a resurrection of the human body. He concludes that there must be such a thing or else Christ could not have been raised. He shows the many implications and disastrous consequences to our faith if the Sav iour didn’t die and rise again. Some theologians believe the reference was to some kind of a pagan custom the 20
Q . Stockton, Calif. — “What do you think of initiations of people into church activities, such as women’s circles, young people’s groups, etc. ? Is there any Scripture for or against such?” ■ A. No, there is none which would spe cifically apply. We do not believe in secret initiations. Such leads to snob bishness and exclusiveness. Christians ought to be out in the open in order that they might reach the unsaved. Many church groups, however, have “installations” which are basically a “charge” or “challenge” to new offi cers or to members to be faithful in their ministry and service for Christ. This is very fitting and proper. Q . Nampa, Idaho — “Why do people call their dads ‘father,’ ivhen Matthew 23:9 says ‘Call no man father upon the earth’?” A. As with other portions of the Bible, this Scripture must be taken in its proper context. Our Lord is speaking to those who were opposing Him. He talks about the burdens the scribes and Pharisees bind upon others. He de nounces their religious hypocrisy. The exclusion of this word is based on calling a man “father” as a final, absolute authority. This does not refer to our parents. As we know from the Ten Commandments, we are to honor our father and our mother. (This is repeated in the New Testament.)
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