and Jacob being considered a part of the kingdom, but then cast into outer darkness." A. The context is that of our Lord's healing the centurian's servant. This Roman captain over 100 sol diers besought our Lord concern ing his servant who was ill at home. Christ said He would come and heal him. The man showed an amazing amount of faith. He re sponded, "Lord, You do not have to come. All you have to do is say the word and it will be done." The Saviour remarked, "I have not yet found so great faith even in Israel." This man had not been familiar with the covenants and Old Testa ment Scriptures. He had no hope of the Messiah's coming. On the other hand the privileged ones with so many blessings, cast aside God's truth. Such people will not enjoy eternal salvation for they have rejected the promises. They may have the background, the an cestry, the lineage, but such will never save. It takes personal com mitment to the very Son of God. The verses to which you refer speak of those to whom the king dom was first promised. Because of a lack of faith they enter the tragedy of a Christless eternity. Q. Seattle, Wash. "Does I Tim. 4:10 indicate that all people will some day be saved? Is it possible to be saved without believing?" A . No one can be saved without believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour (John 3:16-18; Rom. 10:9,10; Heb. 11:6). Christ's aton ing work is sufficient for every person who has ever, or who will ever, live.
nations and the like? Suppose ath eistic communism were imposed upon us. Would we have to obey this form of government?" A. As a general principle the Bible does indicate that we are to be subject to the government under which we live. In Paul's day Nero was emperor and there is little doubt that a more evil and diffi cult ruler ever lived. This was im moral paganism at its worst. You will find a similar helpful encour agement in Rom. 13:1-3. Study this and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart. Do you remember how the Pharisees tried to trap our Lord? They wanted to know if they should pay tribute to Caesar. If He said "yes" He would be patron izing an evil government. If He said "no" He would be guilty of treason. Wisely He called for a coin and asked, "Who's picture is on it?" When they told Him the obvious, He responded, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, but unto God the things that are God's." There may come a time when we will have to do like the early Christians who were willing to go so far but no farther. Such a stand cost them their lives. The same could hap pen here. In our nation now, how ever, there are free elections. We have a duty and privilege for those whom we think will guide us right ly. Our first allegiance is to God, and then under that to country. Let us then be faithful in praying for our leaders that they may seek that true wisdom which is from above. Q. Seattle, Wash. "/ am confused by Matt. 8:11-12 which tells about those sitting with Abraham, Isaac, Page 14
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