RADIO QUESTIONS ANSWERED with Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland and Dr. Charles L. Feinberg
Q. San Diego, Calif. — “Is there any thing in the Bible about people sponging off of other people ?” A. The term “sponging” is quite modern and wouldn’t be found in a translation of the Bible before the 20th century. This question could cause concern, however, on several scores. The general connotation is “to live off other people without working in the proper manner.” Scripture is against this as is clearly indicated in I Thessalonians 4:11 and 12. In II Thessalonians 3:12 we find an additional exhortation on this subject. We are also told that if a man will not work then he is not to eat. There must be a proper place for work, worship, and fellowship. Q. Santa Ana, Calif. — “Can I claim the spiritual promises of the Old Testament? Is Matthew 18:19 for this dispensation?” A. While we can make spiritual ap plications concerning the promises of the Old Testament, great heed must be given to the warnings as well. As example, look at Deuter onomy 28 and see the statements that are made here. Those who anx iously claim the promises God gave to the children of Israel somehow almost completely overlook the warn ings. They should be applied with the same diligence. We should learn from the experience of the Jews as to how the Lord deals with those who put their trust in Him, as well as those who leave Him and go after other gods. We must differentiate, 22
however, between the spiritual prom ises and the promises that God gave specifically to the children of Israel. Matthew 18:19 is something which is our privilege as we ask anything according to His will, not our own selfish desires. We do not have the right to ask God, dogmatically or categorically for this or that. Our prayers should be “nevertheless, not my will, but Thine be done.” Remem ber this, we should have more faith in the loving sovereign will of God by far than we have in our own prayers. Q . Albuquerque, N .M --- “Is it true that every person’s name is in the book of life at birth? Are their names then removed when they reach the age of accountability, unless they give their hearts to the Lord?” A. God knows everyone’s life not only at birth but before then as well. One can be registered with the vital statistics bureau and still not be in the Book of Life as indicated in the Bible. This Book refers to those who are born again. It is the same as the Lamb’s Book of Life. This is the New Testament position on the sub ject. There is no such thing as one having his name removed when he reaches the so called “age of account ability,” any more than you can be unborn from the family in which you were bom physically. Your par ents may disinherit you, but they cannot “unborn” you. Q . Santa Barbara, Calif. — “Was Judas, the traitor, saved before he betrayed
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