a sinner needing a Saviour, and should forever settle the question as to whether a Christian should pray to her. A beautiful character to be sure, but bom again by faith in the atoning work of the eternal Son of God. Mary was with the disciples and the other women in the upper room. Read Acts 1:14 where it is specifically stated that Mary, the mother of Jesus was present, where they were praying and waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit, in accordance with the command of Christ. Not only was she obedient to Him here, but she made no claim to superiority. She is listed as just one with the other be lievers in the Lord Jesus, praying to the Father in the name of the Son, even as He had commanded. This verse in Acts 1:14 is the last reference to Mary which is to be found in the Bible. Meaning of Melchisedec Was Melchisedec an appearance of God in the form of an angel? I refer to Hebrews, chapter 7. Some Bible teachers do hold the view that Melchisedec was an appear ance of God in angelic form, basing their opinion on the Scripture you mention. Most students of the Word of God hold the other view, that he was merely a man, a type of Christ in His High Priestly Person. I am convinced that this latter interpreta tion is correct, for these reasons: 1) He was king of Salem, the an cient site of the city of Jerusalem, which means “ the city of peace.” “ Salem” means peace; therefore, as king of peace, Melchisedec was a type of Christ, the Prince of Peace and King of Peace. 2) He was also “by interpretation king of righteousness,” a type of the Lord Jesus, who one day will rule in righteousness. 3) As Priest of the most high God, he was a type of Christ, our Priest. 4) Nothing is written of Melchise dec in all the Bible except the story recorded in Genesis 14:17-20; the statement that he is a type of Christ in Psalm 110:4; and the explanation of the type in Hebrews 6:20, 7:1-28. Very evidently the Holy Spirit omit ted all reference to Melchisedec’s par ents, in order that he might be a type of the eternal Son of God, who verily
has “neither beginning of days, nor end of life.” In this connection please note the Revised Version for thé word descent of the Authorized Version of Hebrews 7:23. Accurately translated, it means without father, without mother, without genealogy; in other words, Without recorded genealogy, in order that he might be a type of the eternal Son of God. Let it be remembered that the whole argument presented in He brews is that, as Melchisedec was greater than Aaron, the first high priest in Israel, so also Christ is greater than Aaron in His eternal priesthood. The Holy Spirit was seek ing to lead Christian Jews away from Judaism to Christ Himself. The Aaronic priesthood had served God’s purpose, and had been done away in Christ; therefore, why return to Judaism? Baptism of the Spirit W ill you explain the statement in First Corinthians 12:13. If every be liever is baptized with the Spirit how can he know it? This Scripture specifically states that every believer is “ baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” Paul made it very clear that the “ baptism of the Spirit” is that operation of the Spirit, by which a believer is made a member of the body of Christ. When the Apostle wrote, “We are all baptized into one body” by the Spirit, he was writing to the Corinthians, the most carnal of all the apostolic chinches. The baptism of the Spirit is not an ex perience following conversion; it is a dispensational act, whereby God imites the born-again soul to the true church, which is the body of Christ. There is no such thing as a Christian who is not a member of the body of Christ. God has made a definite state ment in this Scripture, and that should settle the matter beyond all controversy. Every Christian is baptized with the Holy Spirit the moment he is born again, for it is the quickening power of the Holy Spirit which re generates the soul. In this present age there is no visible sign accompanying the baptism of the Spirit, but there is a change in the life and testimony.
Crown Controversy In Revelation 3:11, I read, “Hold fast that thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” If the believer is eter nally secure as I have heard you af firm, why should the Lord give him that warning? You will notice the Lord did not say “ that no man take thy salva tion” but He did say “ that no man take thy crown.” And these two state ments mean two entirely different things. Salvation is the free gift of God. The crowns are rewards given for service in Jesus’ name and for His glory, after one has been bom again. They are to be given at “ the judgment seat of Christ,” where only the redeemed shall appear before God and His holy angels. (Read Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10.) I cannot see any difficulty in this passage. If you are a truly born-again soul, no one can take your salvation from you. If you neglect your duty and allow others to step in and do what Christ intends you to do, then they will receive your reward, or crown. A careful reading of First Corin thians 3:11-15, makes very clear the meaning of rewards as distinguished from the gift of salvation. Verse 14 declares, “ If any man’s work abide” which he has done in the service of Christ— after having believed in His finished work on Calvary, he shall receive a reward. But suppose a Chris tian is spiritually proud, self-seeking, vain-glorious—and all too often Satan causes the Christian’s testimony to be so marred—to such a man the Holy Spirit says, “ If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire” (R.V.). Was Mary a Sinner? One of another faith asks why you believe Mary was a sinner just like other women. 1 cannot answer her, but will you do so? Protestants believe Mary was a sinner according to the Scripture. For one reason she confesses her need in the statement she made to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. In the beautiful Magnificat in Luke 1:46, 47, she declared: “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” Here is the definite statement that Mary was
24
THE KING'S BUSINESS
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker