ment on the cross, and His resur rection from the dead. In a quest for orthodoxy, if a person could subscribe to these five fundamen tals he was considered conserva tive. There could be added other fundamentals, as well. We believe one very important truth would be the return of the Lord. This is very vital to our Christian belief. Unfortunately, over the years, some fundamentalists have not been earnestly contending for the faith. They have rather been con tentious and even beligerant in their views. There appears to be no love shown in their concern. These very un-Christian attitudes will not win anyone to Christ. There are those who have a right concern for this problem who do hold to the fundamentals, but who seek to do it in love. Because they are concerned for the way in which the title "fundamentalist" has fal len into disrepute they choose to call themselves "conservatives." In all actuality there should be no dif ference between the two words. Unfortunately there are all shades of both varieties. Here at Biola, we are glad to re affirm our faith in every one of the great doctrines of the Word of Cod whenever the opportunity avails itself. This should be our per sonal desire and goal as well wher ever we may go. Q. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. " Does Scripture tell us who the two wit nesses are who will testify concern ing Christ's comingV A. We read of them in Rev. 11:3- 12. Even in this situation we see a further picture reminding us of Cod's love for sinful man. Here are two with power, and who are tor tured, as they testify of His grace. Page 36
The Bible does not tell us specifi cally who they are. As a result there has been the widest of speculation. Elijah is assumed to be one of them. Among others favored is Enoch. Both of these men did not die but were mirculously translated into Heaven. All we know for sure is that there will be two witnesses sent by Cod to prophesy three and a half years during the Tribulation. When their ministry is completed the Lord will take care of them. Q. San Francisco, Calif. "Does wa ter baptism save a person? I am confused by I Pet. 3:19-21 where we read, 'the like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us'. This seems confusing." A. It will present some difficulties unless you see the context which is given. Christ's Spirit never died. The Lord was put to death in the flesh. He was made alive in that body by the divine and omnipo tent operation of the Holy Spirit. By the same Holy Spirit the Saviour preached to those in the abode of the righteous dead from earlier dispensations. He brought them the glad news of His redemption. It should be made plain at the outset that this passage does not indicate there is such a thing as a second chance for salvation after death. The judgment of Cod in Noah's day was most thorough. Only eight people were left in the human family. The Scripture here is saying that when Noah preached, he did not do so in his own strength for those 120 years. His testimony was by the Spirit of Cod. That compassion of Christ was preach ing through Noah to people of his own day. The patriarch was able, by faith, not only to prepare the ark, but also, through that ark, to
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs