The Bible is the Book through which God has reveled His will to man, and in which mankind have set before them the ways of life and death.

The Bible is as perfect as are all the productions of God, and is therefore without fault. It contains within itself proof of its claim for divinity, that cannot be shattered by the strongest thrusts of the infidel.

The Bible contains sixty-six books or pamphlets bound together in one volume. The word "Bible" is derived from the Greek word "ta biblia" meaning the book, or the book of books. The word is derived from a root designating the inner bark of the linden tree on which the ancients wrote their books. It is spoken of as "the book" being superior to all books. But the application of the word Bible to these sixty-six books can only be traced back to the fifth century of our era, the word scriptures prior to this time was applied to these carefully preserved sacred writings.

  There are at least thirty-six different authors, who wrote in three continents and many countries, during a period of fifteen hundred years. Among these authors were men in every vocation of life, thus touching all the experiences of men. It was written in two languages, Hebrew and Greek with the exceptions of a few passages in the Old Testament which were written in Chaldaic (Ezra 5: 8; 6: 12; 7: 12-26; Daniel 2: 4-7, and verse 28, and Jeremiah 10:28), and the remainder of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew.

Ancient Manuscripts 

At the present time all of the ancient records of the original documents, of the Old Testament now in existence are recorded on baked clay tablets deposited in museums of antiquity. During the nineteenth and twentieth century, some striking excavations confirming Bible history have been made. Clay tablets have been unearthed at various periods the most noteworthy of which were the excavations made in 1845 from the long buried ruins of the ancient city of Nineveh where at one time was one of the world’s greatest libraries.

Of the ancient manuscripts of the New Testament Greek there are several now in existence, in a state of excellent preservation. One of these was found in Alexandria Egypt as late as 1628. It was copied from one of the first manuscripts, is dated A.D. 350, and is now in the British Museum. This one like those discovered at various intervals of this era strikingly agrees and harmonizes with all other manuscripts now in existence, and shows how God in His infinite wisdom and in miraculous ways has watched over and preserved His revelations to mankind.

The Old Testament was first written in the Hebrew language upon long scrolls of papyrus (paper), which were afterwards translated into other languages. The Septuagint is oldest of the versions, meaning by its name the translation "by the seventy." It was composed from the original records at Alexandria for the Alexandrian library, by a company of seventy learned Jews, about 285 B.C. The order of this translation is according to reliable testimony given by Alexander the Great, following his visit to Jerusalem 332 B.C., at which time he had become familiar with the prophecies of Daniel 8:21, concerning himself, regarding his career and fate, which were so accurately fulfilled in his life, death and the division of his kingdom after his death. This is mentioned by Josephus book 11, chapter 8.

Before mass printing, the Scriptures were very costly, owing to their limited circulation. Few people had an opportunity to read them for themselves and therefore they knew but little about their contents. Because of this, their illuminating and life saving truths were unknown and the error and dark superstition of the imaginative minds of the people, were worldwide.

It required much effort and long tedious hours of writing to transcribe new copies of the Scriptures; but by the employment of hundreds of scribes, thousands of bulky volumes of this sacred book were finally copied and sold for a high price.

During the 6th century A.D. when the world was suffering under the plague of the Turkish and Arabian hoards led by the notorious outlaw Mohammed, Palestine was overrun, Jerusalem was captured; and as their conquests spread throughout northern Africa, Alexandria was sacked. The great Alexandrian library fell into their hands, and the book including many Bibles, were distributed among the four thousand departments of the capitol, and served to feed the fires six months.

From this time forward darkness spread its gloom over the known world. While the light of God’s word was kept from this part of the world, by the followers of the false prophet Mohammed, the other portions were likewise darkened by the influences emanating from Rome, as the Papacy grew extending her power universally, bringing the world into that long period known in history as the dark ages, which continued until the beginning of the reformation in the 13th century. At the time when Antichrist was climbing to the summit of his impious dignity in the Southern hemisphere, the papacy was forging the chains of delusion in the Northern hemisphere.

The translation of the Bible into the English language in 1380 by John Wycliff was the chief event of the beginning of the Reformation. To perform such a work at this time of the world’s dark drama, required a bold heart and fearless purpose that danger could not appall. For undertaking this work, Wycliff was attacked from many quarters. It was said that he was introducing among the multitudes a book that was reserved exclusively for the priests, and it was claimed that by doing this the gospel by him was laid open to the laity, and the gospel pearl would be cast aboard and "trodden under the foot of swine." The people at large, regardless of station were exhorted, in the preface of his translation, to read the scriptures.

At the age of twenty, while the great reformer, Martin Luther, was attending the university of Erfurt, he found a Bible; holding it in his hands, he was thrilled with joy, and exclaimed, "Oh God, could I but have one of these books, I would ask no other treasure." And later, while in a convent, he had free access to a Bible which was chained, so as not to be removed, and by constant and diligent study, he finally became master of the language in which it was written, and made a complete translation of the New Testament in 1332, and of the entire Bible in 1334.

William Tyndale likewise inspired by the same motive that actuated the zeal and work of Wycliff, translated the New Testament into the English language in 1525, and later portions of the Old Testament scriptures. The purpose of his whole life seemed to be an ardent desire to give the Bible to the common people and thus the light of divine truth began once more to shine forth, but as before, not without opposition. These brave reformers in so dealing with the words of the living God, were trampling on the feet of Satan, and thereby courting persecution. And, as usual, he was not without agents to do his bidding, so men endeavored to stem the rising tide of the reformation by burning the Bibles, and the reformers as well.

  The burning of Bibles were commenced in England with the destruction of Tyndale’s edition of the New Testament at St. Paul’s Cross, London, in 1527, followed by the burning of the second edition three years later. Not many years after this there were wholesale burnings of the writings of Wycliff and all the early reformers.

It seemed that the commencement of this period of hunger and thirst for the Word of God could be traced to John Wycliff, and toward him the minds of the tyrants of the time turned in awe inspiring hatred, and revenge. Forty three years after his death by order of the Council of Constance his bones were dug up and burned. By order of Charles V of Germany, Tyndale was strangled and burned at the stake, at Vilvord Brussels Oct. 6, 1536. The vengeance of other rulers was also appeased at the mercy of the reformer who stood for God and His word, but with the price of blood was God’s message to man as well as redemption purchased, and amid scenes of trying persecution His truth marched steadily on to triumphant victory.

This work so nobly commenced was sanctioned by divine approval and could not be suppressed. The word of God could no longer be bound; that keen desire to read and know the scriptures was rooted in the minds of each individual so deeply that it could not be easily dispensed with. The conflagration kindled, the fire of persecution was beyond the power of human strength to suppress, and men and women could see that the Bible gave them the right, which had hitherto been denied them, of reading and acquiring spiritual knowledge and strength for themselves. Schools were established, the art of printing discovered, and the commencement of a new and glorious era of the world burst forth.

The first book printed from moveable type was a Latin Bible, printed by John Gutenberg at Metz, Germany, in 1456. A copy of the edition of the scriptures was sold in New York City in 1911 for $50,000.00. This was the highest price ever paid for a single book.

  After the long dark night of sin had spread her black wings over the earth, and Bibles had been destroyed out of the land, the rays of morning light burst forth; the reformation began, the period of knowledge and education came with thousands of wonderful inventions the chief of which, for the dissemination of knowledge, was the steam printing-press 1811. Bibles were printed by the thousands and great Bible societies were organized; the greatest, perhaps, of these is the "British and Foreign Bible Society" which has published the scriptures in nearly 500 different languages. A total of 227,150,770 Bibles and portions of the Bible had been printed by this company alone up to 1912. The American Bible Society since its organization in 1816 has printed over 100,000,000 Bibles, in over one hundred languages. While these are the largest Bible societies, there are twenty-five others printing and distributing Bibles, by the millions, to the world.

These facts bring to our minds the statement of Christ in Matt. 24: 14, "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." God is truly preparing the people for His final judgment, and providing them with the light of His word, thus giving an opportunity for each to make a choice, according to the teaching of the word, before the end of the reign of sin and wickedness, and the coming of Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Ask for the guide book, the Bible from heaven,

For our salvation, its pages were given,

If for a truth we are seeking today,

Ask for the guide book, it teaches the way.

1. From what source do we get the scriptures, and by whom are they given?

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God," II Timothy 3:16.

2. Of what value are the scriptures, and for what are they profitable to us?

"All scripture is . . . profitable, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works," II Timothy 3:16, 17.

3. What are we admonished to do, that we may understand the Word correctly, and finally receive divine approval?

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," II Timothy 2:15.

4. By studying and receiving a knowledge of the sacred word, what will it finally acquire for us?

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus," II Timothy 3:15.

5. Why is a personal knowledge of the scriptures of vital importance to every person, and without it why might they be deceived?

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world," I John 4:1.

"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness," II Corinthians 11:14-15.

6. In what way does God warn His people to be on guard?

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day . . . . having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with he preparation of the gospel of peace," Ephesians 6:13-15.

7. We notice that when Satan was tempting Christ for forty days and nights (Luke 4:1-12), that Christ always answered him by quoting a text of scripture. What does the Holy Spirit instruct us to do, when we are likewise tempted?

"Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear," I Peter 3:15. "Prove all things, hold fast that which is good," I Thessalonians 5:21.

8. Why did Paul declare the people of Berea to be more noble in God’s sight than those living in Thessalonica?

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so," Acts 17:11.

9. From what source did the prophecies of the Bible come to us?

"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost," II Peter 1:21.

  1. By whom and when were both the heavens and the earth made?

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth," Genesis 1:1.

2. For what purpose did God make the heavens and the earth?

"For thus saith the Lord, that created the heavens: God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain: He formed it to be inhabited," Isaiah 45:18.

3. What do the Scriptures state that the heavens declare?

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork," Psalm 19:1.

4. To whom is worship and adoration at all times due?

"O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker," Psalm 95:6.

5. What will become of the graven images and false gods of the heathen?

"Thus shall ye say unto them, the gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth and from under these heavens," Jeremiah 10:11.

6. How does God contrast His own power with that of false gods, and in what way does He inform us to distinguish between them?

"Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things what they be, that we may consider them: and know the latter end of them, or declare us things for to come. Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods," Isaiah 41:22, 23.

7. Who created man, and whose likeness is he?

"So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him, male and female created He them," Genesis 1:27.

8. The character and power of man is just a little inferior to what great class of God’s creatures?

"What is man that Thou art mindful of him? And the son of man that Thou visitest him? For Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour," Psalm 8:4, 5.

9. What home did God first give man after his creation?

"And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed," Genesis 2:8.

10. What did the Lord provide for food for this man, and what did He give him to do?

"And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food . . . . And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it," Genesis 2:9, 15.

11. What great lesson may we learn through the things that are made?

"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made: even His eternal power and Godhead: so that they are without excuse," Romans 1:20.

12. In view of the curse upon this earth by reason of disobedience and sin, what hath our Creator promised?

"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered nor come into mind," Isaiah 65:17.

All praise to Thee, eternal Lord,

Clothed in a garb of flesh and blood;

Choosing a manger for Thy throne,

While worlds on worlds are Thine alone!

Once did the skies before Thee bow;

A virgin’s arms contain Thee now:

Angels, who did Thee rejoice,

Now listen to Thine infant voice.

A little child, Thou art our guest,

That weary ones in Thee may rest;

Forlorn and lowly is Thy birth,

That we may rise up from this earth.

Thou comest in the darksome night

To make us children of the light;

To make us, in the realms divine,

Like Thine own angels round Thee shine.

All this for us Thy love hath done;

By this to Thee our life is won;

For this we tune our cheerful lays,

And tell our thanks in songs of praise.

— Martin Luther

  1. Is it important for one to walk in the light of God’s Word as it is revealed to them?

" . . . Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth," John 12:35.

NOTE: The foregoing statement telling His disciples to walk in the light while it was here with them, was made by Christ while He was here on the earth. So today each one has the same life revealed to us through the Bible.

2. What statement did Christ make regarding His life?

"Then spake Jesus again unto them saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life," John 8:12.

3. Did Christ have reference to His life here on the earth?

"As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world," John 9:5.

4. What expression does Paul make concerning the life of Christ?

"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life," Romans 5:10.

5. In what condition must one be, in order to receive the benefits of the blood of Christ?

"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin," I John 1:7.

6. What is said of the path of the just?

"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day," Proverbs 4:18.

7. For what reason are men condemned who do not come to the light?

"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil," John 3:19.

8. If one is really sincere, and seeking truth, what will he do?

"But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God," John 3:21.

9. In rejecting light is there danger of being made to believe error?

"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness," II Thessalonians 2:11, 12.

10. What is the Bible said to be?

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path," Psalm 119:105. See also Proverbs 6:23.

11. Since the Bible is a lamp to our feet, what important thing does it give?

"The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple," Psalm 119:130.

12. Does Christ place a blessing on those who read, and obey the Revelation?

"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein," Revelation 1:3.

13. After one sees, and obeys Bible light, may he then be rejected because of unbelief?

"I will therefore put you in remembrance, though you once knew this, how that the Lord having saved the people out of the land of Egypt afterward destroyed them that believed not," Jude 5. Also see Ezekiel 18:24.

14. For whom are these things written?

"Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come," I Corinthians 10:11.

15. Upon what conditions only may we be made partakers of His promises?

"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end," Hebrews 3:14.

O Word of God incarnate,

O wisdom from on high,

O Truth unchanged, unchanging,

O Light of our dark sky!

It is the golden casket

Where gems of truth are stored;

It is the heaven-drawn picture

Of Christ the living Word.

— William Howe

1. For what does Hosea say some will be destroyed?

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," Hosea 4:6.

2. What words of instruction are given by Isaiah?

"Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail," Isaiah 34:16.

3. Through what source did Christ say one could learn of Him?

"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me," John 5:39.

4. Why could they learn of Christ by searching the scriptures?

"For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me," John 5:46.

5. What does Paul tell us to do?

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," II Timothy 2:15.

6. Will all the evidence on any one subject be found in one place?

"For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little and there a little," Isaiah 28:10; see also verse 13.

NOTE: Or in other words, appeal to each of the Bible writers and find out what they all have to say about any one subject.

7. By whose authority were the scriptures given?

"All scripture is give by inspiration of God," II Timothy 3:16.

8. For what is it profitable?

"And is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," II Timothy 3:16.

9. Why are they profitable for the foregoing?

"That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works," II Timothy 3:17.

10. What knowledge will one gain from a study of the scriptures?

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus," II Timothy 3:15.

11. How does Christ say one can be made free?

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free," John 8:32.

12. What is declared to be truth?

"Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth," John 17:17. See also Psalm 119:142.

13. What are God’s ministers to preach?

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine," II Timothy 4:2.

14. What of those who teach otherwise?

"But though we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you . . . let him be accursed," Galatians 1:8.

15. For what were Bereans commended?

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so," Acts 17:11.

16. In studying the scriptures whose guidance are we to seek?

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God," James 1:5.

17. For what purpose were these things written?

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope," Romans 15:4.

O that the Lord would guide my ways

To keep His statutes still!

O that my God would grant me grace

To know and do His will!

Order my footsteps by Thy word,

And make my heart sincere;

Let sin have no dominion, Lord,

But keep my conscience clear.

Make me to walk in Thy command

‘Tis a delightful road;

Nor let my head, nor heart, nor hands

Offend against my God.

— Isaac Watts

1. Who is declared to be the author of life?

"For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light," Psalm 36:9.

2. What does our Savior say in regard to life?

"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst," John 6:35.

3. What is the source of all present life?

"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed any thing, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things," Acts 17:24, 25.

4. How are believers now classed in relation to eternal life?

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God," Colossians 3:3.

5. When will this life, which is eternal, be given to those who deserve it?

"When Christ, Who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory," Colossians 3:4.

6. What is eternal life declared to be?

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord," Romans 6:23.

7. To whom will eternal life be given?

"To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life," Romans 2:7.

NOTE: By the above scriptures we learn that eternal life will be given only to those seeking for it. So the doctrine of eternal torment must be a falsehood as they too would have eternal life.

8. Give a few scriptures telling who will have eternal life, and when it will be given.

"For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me," Job 19:25-27.

"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed," I Corinthians 15:52.

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him," I Thessalonians 4:14.

"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works," Matthew 16:27.

9. Is there any possibility of death for the righteous after the resurrection?

"Neither can they die anymore: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection," Luke 20:36.

  1. What did Christ command the people of His day concerning the Scriptures?

"Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me," John 5:39.

NOTE: When this was spoken not a word of the New Testament had been written. It was to the Old Testament that the Jews looked as their guide to eternal life, and although they would not accept Christ, He said that these very books, which they esteemed so highly, testified of Him. If the Old Testament points to Christ, it is worthy of our careful study.

2. How early have we any record that the gospel was preached?

"And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham," Galatians 3:8.

3. Was it the gospel of Christ that was preached unto Abraham?

"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad," John 8:56.

4. At what other time is it said the gospel was taught in the Old Testament dispensation?

"For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them; but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it," Hebrews 4:2.

NOTE: The persons here referred to by "them" are the Israelites when on their journey from Egypt to the promised land, as will be seen by the Scripture connection. Paul says the gospel was preached unto us as well as unto them, putting "them" ahead, and letting "us" have the gospel afterward.

5. Why did Moses give up the riches of Egypt?

"Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt," Hebrews 11:26. People in that age, even as now, were influenced by the riches of Christ to give up the world.

6. Whence came the spiritual meat and drink of the Israelites while in the wilderness?

"And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ," I Corinthians 10:2-4.

7. What was the chief cornerstone of the faith of both apostles and prophets?

"And are build upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone," Ephesians 2:20.

8. What part of the Scriptures did Philip hear a certain eunuch reading?

"And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?" Acts 8:30.

9. When asked if he understood what he was reading, what reply did the eunuch make?

"And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him," verse 31.

10. What did Philip then do?

"Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus," verse 35.

11. What are the Scriptures able to do?

"Thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus," II Timothy 3:15.

12. What was said of the Bereans because they searched the Scriptures daily?

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so," Acts 17:11.

13. By what is man to live?

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God," Matthew 4:4. If man is to live by the word of God, he certainly ought to use it daily, as daily nourishment is needed to keep him alive.

14. How greatly has God magnified His word?

"I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy loving kindness and for Thy truth; for Thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name," Psalm 138:2.

Word of the everlasting God;

Will of His glorious Son,

Without Thee how could earth be trod,

Or heaven itself be won?

Lord, grant us all aright to learn

The wisdom it imparts,

And to its heavenly teaching turn

With simple, childlike hearts.

  1. By what means is all Scripture given?

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," II Timothy 3:16.

2. For what purpose?

"That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works," verse 17.

3. To whom do things revealed belong?

"The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever," Deuteronomy 29:29. That is, they belong to the human family.

4. What is the last book of the Bible called?

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him," Revelation 1:1.

5. What is said of those who read or study this book?

"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein," verse 3. The book of Revelation, then, is not only designed to be understood, but a blessing is pronounced upon those who read or study it. No one would expect to obtain a blessing by reading a book he could not understand; hence the implication is that he who studies this book understands it.

6. How were the Old Testament prophecies given?

"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost," II Peter 1:21.

7. What is said of the interpretation of these prophecies?

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation," verse 20.

8. In giving their prophetic utterances, what did the prophets seek?

"Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls; of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you," I Peter 1:9, 10.

9. By whose spirit were they actuated?

"Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow," verse 11.

10. How did Peter confirm his former preaching on the coming of Christ?

"For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty," II Peter 1:16.

11. When did the apostle see the majesty (kingship) of Christ, and hear the approbative words of God?

"And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount," verse 18.

12. What other and more certain evidence did he have of the power and coming of Christ?

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts," verse 19.

13. At the time when Jerusalem was to be destroyed to what prophecy did Christ point His disciples as a guide to their actions?

"When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand)," Matthew 24:15.

14. When were all the prophecies in the book of Daniel to be understood?

"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased," Daniel 12:4.

When Jesus was born in a manger

God’s angels came down to this earth,

And told to the lowly shepherds

The news of His wonderful birth.

Oh, quickly they hastened to find Him

Their Savior, Redeemer and King;

"Peace, peace upon earth" was the message

The angels did joyfully sing.

They found Him at last, in the manger,

Just as the angels had said,

The dear little Babe with His mother,

And only the hay for a bed.

— E.E.W.

  1. How did Moses speak of Christ?

"The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken," Deuteronomy 18:15.

2. How may we know that the Prophet here spoken of is Christ?

"For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me . . . Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold these days," Acts 3:22, 24.

3. Of whom was He to be born?

"Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel," Isaiah 7:14.

4. Where was He to be born?

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel," Micah 5:2.

5. Was this prediction fulfilled?

"Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king," Matthew 2:1.

6. How was His advent to be heralded?

"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God," Isaiah 40:3.

7. By whom was this fulfilled?

"And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?" "He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias," John 1:19, 23.

The hope of joy, of life and immortality,

When life at last shall close.

From all infirmity at last made free,

To fall asleep in sweet repose.

Waiting the last great call,

Restored to all we’ve known and loved,

No more before the tyrant Death, to fall,

Our hope to be of Christ approved.

Faith sees a world of life and love,

A promise given within the vail,

Our hope secure with Christ above,

Saved by His blood shall never fail.

The grandeur of a new world to explore.

Unending years in which to live and do;

To see the Christ, whom all adore,

And hear His voice, All things belong to you.

— J.A. Nugent

1. To whom does the subject of redemption pertain?

"In whom we have redemption through His [Christ’s] blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace," Ephesians 1:7.

2. Is this redemption present or future?

"And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption," Ephesians 4:30.

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your hands; for your redemption draweth nigh," Luke 21:28.

3. What was the condition of the Gentiles before they heard the Gospel?

"That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world," Ephesians 2:12.

NOTE: From the scriptures cited above we learn that redemption includes our eternal salvation, and the fulfillment of all God’s promises to the true believers.

4. What does redemption manifest?

"That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus," Ephesians 2:7.

5. What is our present relation to God?

"And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together," Romans 8:17.

6. When is the proof of our acceptance with God, made manifest to the world?

"And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body," Romans 8:23.

7. Who secured these privileges for us?

"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us," Hebrews 9:12.

8. What besides life is assured by redemption?

"But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace," Psalm 37:11. Or, the earth is redeemed to its former state of beauty.

9. What manifestation have we of divine love?

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life," John 3:16.

10. Who has the keeping of this life?

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God," Colossians 3:3.

11. When will we appear with Him in glory?

"When Christ, Who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory," Colossians 3:4.

NOTE: Eternal life is God’s greatest gift to man; nothing known to us can be compared to it. The promise of life should be accepted with the deepest gratitude, as it is simply a divine favor proving God’s love for the human family.

We praise Thee for the radiance

That from the hallowed page,

A lamp to guide our footsteps,

Shines on from age to age.

The church from her dear Master

Received the gift divine,

And still that light she lifteth

O’er all the earth to shine.

  1. Why is faith necessary in relation to a Christian life?

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him [God]," Hebrews 11:6, first part of verse.

2. Why can we not please God without faith?

"For he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him," Hebrews 11:6, last part of verse.

3. As this Christian virtue cannot be void in the life of anyone wishing to please God, what is faith?

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen," Hebrews 11:1.

4. How can we obtain this evidence of things not seen, or how is faith acquired?

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," Romans 10:17.

5. From what source do we derive the word of God, which through hearing and receiving will give us faith?

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God," II Timothy 3:16.

6. The scriptures having come from God, to the degree that having a knowledge of them will give us faith, what should be our daily practice?

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," II Timothy 2:15.

7. Why in making a study of the scriptures and prophecies do we not find contrary statements and contradictions thus destroying faith?

"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost," II Peter 1:21.

8. How does a study of the scriptures give us evidence of things not seen, or faith?

"Produce your cause, saith the Lord, bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Shew the things that are to come hereafter," Isaiah 41:21-23.

9. How does God expect us to have faith in Him, and know that He is God and that there is none like Him?

"I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done," Isaiah 46:9, 10.

10. As God claims the right to His position, and expects us to have faith in Him on the grounds that He declared the end from the beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, what evidence can we give in support of His claim?

"I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass," Isaiah 48:3.

11. Why have we faith that all good things God has promised us, which we have not realized, will come to pass?

"And ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof," Joshua 23:14.

12. As our faith for future conditions being realized, is based on the evidence we have of God’s promised declaration in the past always being fulfilled, we will give the following evidence for future conditions.

At one time in the history of the world, Babylon was the most magnificent city ever known. It stood towering in grandeur sublime, sixty miles around with its hanging gardens, terrace upon terrace, and was surrounded with mighty concrete walls 85 ft. thick and over two hundred feet high. It was the capitol city of the world, but today there is nothing left of this once glowing city, to mark where it stood.

13. What did God say of this place nearly three thousand years ago?

"Babylon shall become heaps, a dwelling place for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant . . . . Then shalt thou say, O Lord, Thou hast spoken against this place, to cut it off, that none shall remain in it, neither man nor beast, but that it shall be desolate forever," Jeremiah 51:37, 62.

NOTE: The Bible has also spoken in striking language about the future destiny of other cities, as well as races of people, nations, world kingdoms, and even individuals. The history of the past, as well as the light of the present, has been carried out to the very letter. Not one promise has ever been broken; therefore we have strong and explicit faith, through our knowledge of these facts, that everything spoken therein regarding the future will likewise be verified in reality, according to His divine pleasure.

The day of grace will soon be past,

The world will weep and wail at last,

When mercy’s door is closed and fast,

Forever, Oh! Forever!

Their anguish then will not avail,

Nor cries for open door prevail,

No answer to their bitter wail,

Forever, Oh! Forever!

They scorned the Saviour’s pleading voice,

The love of sin was made their choice.

Their doom is death while saints rejoice,

To live with Christ forever.

They come from death and everywhere

To meet the Savior in the air,

While sinners sink to dark despair,

Forever, Oh! Forever!

  1. To whom is repentance to be preached?

"And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations," Luke 24:47.

2. Who are called to repentance?

"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance," Luke 5:32.

3. How is one to know he is a sinner?

"By the law is the knowledge of sin," Romans 3:20.

4. Is this a universal rule?

"We have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin," verse 9.

5. How are sinners convinced of sin?

"But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors," James 2:9.

6. What part does the Holy Spirit act in this work?

"For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will also reprove the world of sin," John 16:7, 8, 13, 14.

7. What will be the inquiry of those who are thus convicted?

"Sirs, What must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30.

8. What reply should always be returned to this inquiry?

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins," Acts 2:38.

9. How will the convicted sinner be constrained to act?

"I will declare mine iniquity: I will be sorry for my sin," Psalm 38:18.

10. What result will godly sorrow work?

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation," II Corinthians 7:10.

11. What will any other kind of sorrow do?

"The sorrow of the world worketh death," same verse.

12. What does true repentance involve?

"Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die?" Ezekiel 18:31.

13. After repentance, how should one live?

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" Romans 6:1-1.

14. Whose servant is he that committeth sin?

"He that committeth sin is of the Devil," I John 3:8.

15. How does God regard the truly penitent?

"To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word," Isaiah 66:2.

16. What promise is made to those who confess their sins?

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness," I John 1:9.

17. By what are we cleansed from sin?

"The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin," verse 7.

18. Toward whom are we to repent?

"Repentance toward God," Acts 20:21.

19. Toward whom must we exercise faith?

"And faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ," same verse.

20. Does repentance generally precede faith?

"Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel," Mark 1:14-15.

21. How will one show that he has truly repented?

"Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance," Matthew 3:8.

22. What does the grace of God teach?

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world," Titus 2:11, 12.

  1. What is necessary to salvation?

"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven," Matthew 18:3.

2. Is it the moral or the physical nature that is changed by conversion?

"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be," Romans 8:6, 7.

3. What two steps are necessary to make this change?

"I have taught you publickly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ," Acts 20:20, 21.

4. Of what is it necessary to repent?

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out," Acts 3:19.

5. What is sin?

"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law," I John 3:4.

6. What does the Psalmist tell us is perfect, converting the soul?

"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul," Psalm 19:7. Or, turn from being a transgressor of God’s law, to be an obedient servant thereof. Conversion means a turning around.

7. What law does one transgress when he sins?

"But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors . . . For He that said [margin: that law which said], Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law," James 2:9, 11.

8. What part does the law act in repentance?

"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin," Romans 3:20.

9. When Paul was converted, what first brought conviction to him?

"I had not known sin, but by the law; for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet," Romans 7:7.

10. What more than conviction is necessary to true repentance?

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of; but the sorrow of the world worketh death," II Corinthians 7:10.

11. What does true repentance involve?

"Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgression, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit," Ezekiel 18:30, 31.

12. What does repentance further require?

"Seek ye the Lord, while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him," Isaiah 55:6, 7.

13. How will genuine repentance be shown?

"Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance [margin, answerable to amendment of life]," Matthew 3:8.

14. What besides repentance is required in conversion?

"Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ," Acts 20:21.

15. Who is Christ, that one should believe in Him?

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life," John 3:16.

16. What has Christ done for us that we should be saved through Him?

"Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures," I Corinthians 15:3.

17. In order for one to be cleansed from sin, what is required of him?

"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness," I John 1:7-9.

18. What should be one’s relation to sin after repentance?

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" Romans 6:1, 2.

19. How does one become dead to sin?

"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin," verse 6.

20. What is done with the "old man" after he dies?

"Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life," verse 4.

21. When truly converted, what does every one receive?

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:38. Therefore every real conversion is a miracle of divine grace.

22. Can any one be a Christian without having the Spirit of Christ?

"Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His," Romans 8:9.

23. What precious relation is sustained when one has the Holy Spirit?

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God," Romans 8:14.

24. Can it be known when this relation exists?

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God," verse 16.

25. When one thus stands complete in Christ, what is he?

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new," II Corinthians 5:17.

26. Of what character are the "old things" which are to be put off?

"But now ye also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds," Colossians 3:8, 9.

27. What will the new man acquire?

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering: forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness," Colossians 3:12-14.

28. Where will the affections then be found?

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth," verses 1, 2.

29. Having done all this, what will be the final result?

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory," verses 3, 4.

  1. Is there a promise for those who confess their sins?

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness," I John 1:9.

2. To whom besides the Lord should one confess his sins?

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much," James 5:16.

3. If one tries to cover up a sin, and will not properly confess it, what effect will such a course have on the delinquent?

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy," Proverbs 28:13.

4. Is it possible to hide a sin from God, by refusing to let it be known?

"For there is not a word in my tongue but, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether," Psalm 139:4; Hebrews 4:13.

5. How did David feel before he confessed his sins?

"When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer," Psalm 32:3, 4.

6. What came to him after confession?

"I acknowledged my sin unto Thee and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin," verse 5.

7. Who is the advocate of the sinner?

"If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous," I John 2:1.

8. How fully did Israel confess to Samuel when they wished him to intercede before God in their behalf?

"And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for they servants unto the Lord Thy God, that we die not; for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king," I Samuel 12:19.

9. How ought one to feel as he confesses his sins?

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions," Psalm 51:1.

10. Will there be a time when every one will confess to God?

"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.  . . . So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God," Romans 14:11, 12.

NOTE: The confessions here spoken of are those which will be made in the judgment when everyone will have to tell the exact truth regarding himself; for a record of every word and act of his life will be there. If any one has refused to acknowledge his sins before, affirming that he could not see them, he will then see just as the record has them marked. He will confess his sins when it is too late to obtain forgiveness. It is far better to acknowledge our faults now, and with the help of God put them away, while there is hope of salvation.

When my heart is sad and lonely,

With grief or sin oppressed:

I come to Thee, sweet Jesus

And Thou dost give me rest.

I know Thou carest for me

With love that ne’er can die,

And Thou art now preparing

My home from in the sky.

— G. Hooper

  1. Why did Christ come into the world?

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief, I Timothy 1:15.

2. What prompted God to give His Son to die for man?

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life," John 3:16. See also I John 4:9, 10; Romans 5:8.

3. What did the prophet say Christ would be called to endure?

"He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment; and who shall declare His generation? for He was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of my people was He stricken," Isaiah 53:7, 8.

4. Must not Christ have known beforehand of these things?

"Then He took unto Him the twelve and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated and spitted on; and they shall scourge Him, and put Him to death," Luke 18:31-33.

5. How did the Savior feel when the sins of the world were rolling upon Him?

"And He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith He unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death; tarry ye here, and watch with Me," Matthew 26:37, 38.

6. In His distress, for what did He pray?

"And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt," verse 39.

7. How great was the agony of His soul?

"And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground," Luke 22:44.

8. After this remarkable prayer, what happened to cause Him more grief?

"And while He yet spake, behold, a multitude and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" verses 47, 48.

9. To what place was He taken?

"Then took they Him, and led Him, and brought Him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off, verse 54.

10. While at the high priest’s house, what act of Peter’s caused the Savior additional suffering?

"Another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him; for he is a Galilean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest . . . And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter," verses 59-61.

11. What reproachful things were done to Christ at the high priest’s house?

"And the men that held Jesus mocked Him, and smote Him. And when they had blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face, and asked Him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote Thee?" verses 63, 64.

12. Where was Christ taken?

"And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led Him into their council," verse 66.

13. What was their object in taking Him there, since it was not in their power judicially to sentence him?

"Then said they all, Art Thou then the Son of God? And He said unto them, Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth," verses 70, 71.

14. Having procured the pretext they sought, what did they next do?

"And the whole multitude of them arose, and led Him unto Pilate, Luke 23:1.

15. When Pilate desired to let Christ go, how did they remonstrate?

"And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place," verse 5.

16. When Pilate heard that Christ had been in Galilee, what did he do?

"And as soon as he knew that He belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time," verse 7.

17. Did the chief priests and scribes follow Christ before Herod?

"And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him," verse 10.

18. What indignity did Herod put upon the Savior?

"And Herod with his men of war set Him at nought, and mocked Him, and arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him again to Pilate," verse 11.

19. When Christ was again brought before Pilate, what did Pilate propose to do?

"I have found no cause of death in Him: I will therefore chastise Him, and let Him go," verse 22.

20. How did Christ’s accusers act?

"And they were instant [earnest] with loud voices, requiring that He might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed," verse 23.

21. Besides yielding to the clamors of the Jews, what cruelty did Pilate inflict upon Christ?

"Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged Him," John 19:1.

22. What shameful treatment did He receive from the soldiers?

"And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head," Matthew 27:29, 30.

23. After bringing Him to the place of crucifixion, what did they offer Him to stupefy Him?

"They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall; and when He had tasted thereof He would not drink," verse 34.

24. What prayer did He utter as they were nailing Him to the cross?

"Then said Jesus, Father forgive them; for they know not what they do," Luke 23:34.

25. With what words did they taunt Him while on the cross?

"Likewise also the chief priests mocking Him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him," Matthew 27:41, 42.

26. As He cried out in agony on the cross, what was again offered Him?

"And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave Him to drink," verse 48.

27. What closed this terrible scene?

"When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished; and He bowed His head and gave up the ghost," John 19:30.

28. What wonderful demonstration attested nature’s sympathy with the dying Son of God?

"And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the vail of the temple was rent in the midst," Luke 23:44, 45.

29. Was it necessary for Christ thus to suffer?

"For it became Him, for Whom are all things, and by Whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings," Hebrews 2:10.

30. If Christ was permitted to suffer all this for us, what does it show?

"He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall he not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32.

  1. What inducement did God have to send His Son into the world?

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son," John 3:16.

2. For what purpose was Christ sent into the world?

"That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved," John 3:16, 17.

3. For what purpose does Paul say Christ came into the world?

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners," I Timothy 1:15.

4. In what condition are all men?

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23.

5. What is the wages of sin?

"For the wages of sin is death," Romans 6:23.

6. How many are affected by Adam’s transgression?

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered the world, and death by sin; And so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned," Romans 5:12.

7. What is the gift of God?

"The gift of God is eternal life," Romans 6:23.

8. Through whom does this life come?

"Through Jesus Christ our Lord," Romans 6:23.

9. How many may receive this gift?

"For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, Who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe," I Timothy 4:10.

"But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe," Galatians 3:22. 

10. How many does Christ say may have this salvation?

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely," Revelation 22:17.

11. Why was He to be named Jesus?

"Thou shalt call His name Jesus; for he shall save His people from their sins," Matthew 1:21.

12. Is there salvation in any other?

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved," Acts 4:12.

13. How dependent are we upon Christ for salvation?

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: . . . for without Me ye can do nothing," John 15:5.

14. How completely did Christ win the victory over death?

"I am the first and the last; I am He that liveth, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death," Revelation 1:17, 18.

15. How complete is the salvation obtained in Christ?

"Wherefore, He is able to save them to the utmost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them," Hebrews 7:25.

16. What should we say for such a Savior?

"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift," II Corinthians 9:15.

  1. In what way has God dealt with penitent sinners?

"He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities," Psalm 103:10.

  2. Why has He dealt thus with men?

"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him; for He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust," Psalm 103:13, 14.

3. What is God ready to do for all who call upon Him?

"For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee," Psalm 86:5.

4. When Abraham asked God to spare Sodom if He should find ten righteous persons therein, what did the Lord say?

"And He said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And He said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake," Genesis 18:32.

5. What prayer did Moses offer in behalf of Israel?

"Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of Thy mercy, and as Thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now," Numbers 14:19.

6. What reply did the Lord immediately make?

"And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to Thy word," Numbers 14:20.

7. When David confessed his great sin to God, what was done in answer to that prayer?

"I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin," Psalm 32:5.

8. Does the Lord always forgive sins when they are properly confessed to Him?

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness," I John 1:9.

9. How full is the Lord’s forgiveness, when one fulfills the conditions?

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon," Isaiah 55:7.

10. In what special manner has God shown His willingness to forgive the sinner?

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," Romans 5:8.

11. What does this wonderful manifestation on the part of God, vouchsafe to us?

"He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32.

12. Why has such provision been made?

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance," II Peter 3:9.

13. When the prodigal son in the parable, repented and turned toward home, what did his father do?

"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him," Luke 15:20.

14. Upon the son’s asking to be made only a hired servant what order was issued on behalf of the penitent one?

"But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry," Luke 15:22-24.

15. Is God as willing to do for His children as earthly parents are for theirs?

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" Luke 11:13.

16. How many receive forgiveness from God?

"Every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened," Matthew 7:8.

17. Does the Lord forget the cries of those who call upon Him?

"Can a woman forget her sucking child? . . . yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee," Isaiah 49:15.

1. What spirit should accompany prayer?

"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses," Mark 11:25.

2. Will God pardon the unforgiving?

"But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses," Mark 11:26.

3. How shall we ask for pardon?

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors," Matthew 6:12.

4. How many times should we forgive?

"Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven," Matthew 18:21, 22.

5. In what parable are we taught forgiveness?

"Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done," Matthew 18:23-31.

6. In dealing with the erring, what feelings should actuate us?

"Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?" Matthew 18:33.

7. In forgiving, should we be satisfied with mere formalities?

"So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses," Matthew 18:35.

8. How should we bestow mercy?

"Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness," Romans 12:8.

9. What should we do when a great sin is confessed?

"So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow," II Corinthians 2:7. The forgiving spirit manifested by Joseph, who "kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them" (Genesis 45:15), notwithstanding the great wrong they had done him, furnishes an example worthy of imitation by all Christians.

10. In restoring the erring, what grace should we exemplify?

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted," Galatians 6:1.

11. In forgiving, whose example do we follow?

"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye," Colossians 3:13.

12. Did God anciently forbid grudging?

"Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord," Leviticus 19:18.

13. What says the New Testament?

"Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the Judge standeth before the door," James 5:9.

14. Does one forgive who holds a grudge?

Some, when pretending to forgive, say: "I can forgive, but I cannot forget," Such "hold a grudge."

15. What duty, recognized in the Lord’s prayer, is the only one to which the Master adds a comment?

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors," "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses," Matthew 6:12, 14, 15.

1. What warning is given in the Bible concerning unbelief?

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God," Hebrews 3:12.

2. Is it possible to please God without faith?

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him," Hebrews 11:6.

3. Why did Christ not do many wonderful works in His own country?

"And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief," Matthew 13:58.

4. Why did Christ reprove the eleven?

"Afterward He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen," Mark 16:14.

5. Why were the Jewish people, or branches from the tame olive tree, broken off?

"Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear," Romans 11:20.

6. Concerning unbelief, what warning does God give the human family of today?

"For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off," Romans 11:21, 22.

7. On what grounds will the Jewish people be grafted in again?

"And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again," Romans 11:23.

8. Upon whom is the wrath of God coming?

"Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience [margin: unbelief]," Ephesians 5:6.

9. What did Christ say to Thomas because he did not believe the testimony of his brethren concerning His resurrection?

"Then saith He to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing," John 20:27.

10. Faith and belief being parallel with each other, how may one acquire them?

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God," Romans 10:17.

11. Why did many fail to enter into God’s rest anciently?

"And to whom sware He that they should not enter into His rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief," Hebrews 3:18, 19.

12. How are these unbelieving ones spoken of?

"But with whom was He grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness?" Hebrews 3:17.

13. What lesson should we learn from their course?

"Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it," Hebrews 4:1.

14. What should all labor to do?

"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief," Hebrews 4:11.

15. What rest is spoken of here?

"For He spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all His works," Hebrews 4:4.

16. In the Revelation of Christ what is said of the unbelievers?

"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death," Revelation 21:8.

Soldiers of Christ, arise,

And put your armor on;

Fight, for the battle will be ours;

We fight to win a crown.

We fight not against flesh,

We wrestle not with blood;

But with principalities and powers,

And for the truth of God.

With wicked spirits, too,

That in high places stand,

Perverting of the Word of God,

And say ‘tis by command.

1. Can we be holy on this earth?

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect," Matthew 5:48.

2. Can we be without fault?

"Be holy and without blame before Him [God] in love," Ephesians 1:4.

3. Can the Church be holy and without blemish?

"That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish," Ephesians 5:27.

4. Are the commandments of God holy?

"Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good," Romans 7:12.

5. Should we pray that men should become holy, and without blemish?

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ," I Thessalonians 5:23.

6. Can we see the Lord without being sanctified?

"Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord," Hebrews 12:14, R.V.

7. Is it God’s will that we be sanctified?

"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification," I Thessalonians 4:3.

8. Can husbands be sanctified who are

members of the church who do not love their wives?

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish," Ephesians 5:25, 26, 27.

9. How far back do holiness and sanctification date? Has it been a privilege to live holy and sanctified before this age?

"God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth," II Thessalonians 2:13.

10. Can we be holy of our own selves?

"But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you," John 14:26, R.V.

11. Can men who are interested in the world, and love the things of the world, receive this gift?

"Even the spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him," John 14:17.

12. Will God’s children know they have this gift?

"But ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you," John 14:17. Is it not a fact that men who do not believe in holiness are of the world?

13. Will those who have this gift boast of themselves?

"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me," John 15:26.

14. Whom did Christ say the Holy Spirit would glorify?

"He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you." John 16:14.

15. Will the Holy Spirit help us to understand the deep things of God?

"But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God," I Corinthians 2:10.

16. Were the scriptures written by men or by the Holy Spirit?

"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost," II Peter 1:21.

17. If we believe the holy scriptures what protecting care will the Holy Spirit be to us?

"In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise," Ephesians 1:13.

18. Can we grieve this Spirit and miss the sealing benefits?

"Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption," Ephesians 4:30.

19. Is there danger in delaying to seek for this important gift?

"And the Lord said, My Spirit shall not always strive with man," Genesis 6:3.

20. If we fail to pray, will the Spirit remain with us?

"Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me." Psalm 51:11.

21. Will those who do not pray for the Holy Spirit receive it?

"If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" Luke 11:13.

22. How can we live without fault?

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance," Galatians 5:22, 23.

23. How can we impart it to others?

"The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us," Romans 5:5.

24. Will there be any confusion and difference in thoughts and speech, if all the brethren receive this gift?

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment," I Corinthians 1:10.

25. Can those who have faith be perfect without works?

"And by works was faith made perfect," James 2:22, last part of the verse.

"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you," II Corinthians 13:11.

NOTE: The Holy Spirit is the mighty energy of the Godhead, the life and power of God flowing out from Him to all parts of the universe, and thus making a living connection between His throne and all creation.

Continue with Part 2.

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