will. As an example, we read, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." This does not refer to the physical organ since we know all thought processes are achieved in the brain. It is really the central part of one's entire existence rep resenting the complete personality. The ancient Greek philosophers used the same reference, even as we do today. Q. Portland, Ore. "In Romans 11:26 we read, 'And so all Israel shall be saved.' Does this mean that all Jewish people will be saved?" A. There is a natural concern since, as we look about us today we discover that the majority of the natural descendants of Abraham have never professed Christ as per sonal Saviour. This is not to say that God is through with His chosen earthly people. At this present hour He has a remnant according to the election of grace who have been saved by faith. Then after all God's purposes are fulfilled in this age the entire na tion will turn to David's greater Son, our Saviour. We need to un derstand what the word "all" sig nifies as far as totality is concerned. This is a part of what we know as the "language of appearance." We say, "the sun rises and the sun sets." This is not scientifically cor rect, it simply appears this way. Today we may say such things as, "You know, all the city was out to hear such a person." That doesn't mean that every single individual was there. It simply appeared to be since there were representa tives of so many households. Dur ing the Kingdom of our Lord, the nation of Israel shall be saved, al though there will obviously be in- Page 19
standards. The Bible tells us that because of this God has given them up (Romans 1:24, 26, 28). They had rejected and turned aside from his truth for too long. The Lord gives a person up until first of all that individual has deliberately turned his back upon God. You see, it is possible for a man to be given up by God because of continual re jection until he goes to his own place in the lake of fire. Q. Spokane, Wash. "In Matthew 25:1-13 it sounds to me like a 'split-rapture.' Will all the church go to be with the Lord at the same time?" A. Such an interpretation fails to realize that the context of this passage deals with what will take place with Israel in the end times. The church is not in view in these chapters at all. The cross was yet to come. Matthew 24 and 25 has reference to the Kingdom age which is also known as the Millen ium. Certainly the ten virgins are not the Bridegroom and not the Church or the Bride. They are really the bridesmaids. The only split in the Rapture will be between be lieving and unbelieving; those who go to be with Christ, and those who are left here on earth. Q. San Diego, Calif. "What about the word 'heart' in Scripture? How are we to understand it?" A. It has several different applica tions. In certain instances it does refer to the human heart which pumps the blood through our physical bodies. Generally, how ever, it does not refer to this hu man organ. It denotes one's entire being, intellect, feelings, mind, and
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