Corinthian citizens had, before they were saved. This does not seem likely. In a certain sense when the first gen eration of believers died they were as a mighty army for Christ. Many of them fell as martyrs. Others came along, however, who filled up the ranks. Paul pointed out the futility of Chris tianity if only after death there is oblivion. Then he points out with strength and affirmation that there is a resurrection from the dead. When the old regiment gathers together in its whole complement, with all of its divisions ,the body of Christ will be complete. Q . Phoenix, Arizona — “Is there any Scripture that says God does not hear the prayers of the unsaved?” A. This does not mean that the Lord’s ears are deaf to prayer. He knows and understands all things. He does not look in sympathetic favor upon the prayers of the unsaved. He does not answer such requests, except prayers for salvation. Psalm 66:18 tells us, "If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me.” If this is true of Christians, and it is, how much more true it is of the unsaved. Mat thew records Christ’s exhortation that we not pray as the hypocrites (Matt. 6:5-7). Peter quotes the words of the Psalmist reminding us, “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (I Peter 3:12). Q . Albuquerque, New Mexico — “In Revelation we are told that no one is to add or to take away from the book. Haven’t some faiths added to the Bible, as well as taken away from it? Does this Scripture mean just Revela tion, or the entire Bible?” A. The apostle John is stating God’s Word that no man on earth is allowed to add anything primarily to the book of Revelation. Scripture is God’s final, absolute authority. No man under heaven, no matter how great his theo logical training and experience, is al
lowed to introduce or take away from Holy Writ. If this is true of Revela tion, it applies equally to the other 65 books of the Bible. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. Every cult and “ism” brings in its own false teachings and writings in order to further its erroneous goals. Q . San Diego, Calif. — “Can a person change his name without making any difference to God? After all, God did change names Himself such as Abra ham and Paul?” A. Yes, the Lord did change the names of men and women in the Bible. What is the reason today for a person to change his name? There may be a very legitimate cause, or then again it may be for a selfish or sinful pur pose. As far as the Lord is concerned names down here are not necessarily significant to Him. In S c r ip tu r e times, there was a significance at tached to many of the names which were used. Any names we get down here are only temporary. We are going to get new ones up in glory. Q . San Fernando, Calif. — “I noticed that during the funeral services for the late P r e s id e n t Kennedy the phrase was omitted, ‘For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory
Former Biola students are pictured here with Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland, Biola president, during a recent Alumni gathering on the Biola Campus. From left to right are Dr. Milton C. Gould, pastor of the First Baptist Church ol Downey, California; Rev. Ken Poure, well-known evangelist and youth leader; Dr. Sutherland and Mr. Al Sanders of Biola.
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