The Intermediate State
1. By what figure does the Bible represent death?
"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 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 4:13, 14.
NOTE: When one is sound asleep, he is wholly lost to consciousness; time goes on unmeasured, and the functions of the mental organs are suspended for the time being.
2. Where do the dead sleep?
"And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake," Daniel 12:2.
3. How long will they continue to sleep in the dust of the ground?
"So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep," Job 14:12.
4. What does Job say he will wait for?
"If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come," verse 14.
5. Where will he wait for this change?
"If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness," Job 17:13.
6. While in this condition, what does one know of those he has left behind?
"His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them," Job 14:21.
7. In what condition are the thoughts of the dead?
"His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish," Psalm 146:4.
8. Do the dead know anything?
"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten," Ecclesiastes 9:5.
9. Do they have any love, hatred, or envy?
"Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever in any thing that is done under the sun," Ecclesiastes 9:6.
10. Are the dead able to praise the Lord?
"The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence," Psalm 115:17.
11. Is there any remembrance of God while in the hands of the enemy death?
"For in death there is no remembrance of Thee: in the grave who shall give Thee thanks?" Psalm 6:5.
12. Did David ascend into the heavens?
"For David is not ascended into the heavens " Acts 2:34.
13. With what one thing will David be satisfied?
"As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness," Psalm 17:15.
14. If the dead will never be raised, what would be the result?
"For if the dead rise not, then is Christ not raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished," I Corinthians 15:16-18.
15. Is there a promise of a resurrection of the dead?
"Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead," Isaiah 26:19.
"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.
16. When does the resurrection of the righteous take place?
"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first," I Thessalonians 4:16.
The leaflets in autumn may wither and fade,
The forest be naked and bare —
The friends of our youth in the grave may be laid,
And we may be laid with them there;
But the winter will pass, and the spring will return
And the forest again will be green,
And the faithful who sleep in death’s mouldering urn
Will arise and in glory be seen.
Immortality of Man
1. What do we understand by the words immortal and immortality?
Not dying; deathless.
2. How many times is the word immortal found in the Bible?
One time.
3. To whom is it applied?
"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen." I Timothy 1:17.
4. How many times does the word immortality occur?
Five times.
5. How may we gain immortality?
"To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life," Romans 2:7.
6. What part of man will put on immortality?
"For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality," I Corinthians 15:53.
7. What will be said when mortality will have put on immortality?
"So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory," I Corinthians 15:54.
8. At the present time, who only hath immortality?
"Which in His times He shall shew, Who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; Whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to Whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen," I Timothy 6:15, 16.
9. How was immortality brought to light?
"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, Who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel," II Timothy 1:10.
10. What does the word mortal mean?
Subject to death. Webster.
11. To whom is this word applied?
"O Lord, Thou art our God; let not man prevail against Thee," II Chronicles 14:11.
12. What is man declared to be?
"Shall mortal man be more just than God?" Job 4:17.
13. How does the apostle Paul speak of this same subject?
"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof," Romans 6:12.
"But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you," Romans 8:11.
"For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh," II Corinthians 4:11.
NOTE: Man, a mortal being, cannot become immortal except through a resurrection of the righteous, at the second coming of Christ.
14. What will take place at the first resurrection?
"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. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality," I Corinthians 15:52, 53.
15. What can be truthfully said at the resurrection, that cannot be said now?
"Death is swallowed up in victory," I Corinthians 15:54.
16. What else happens at this same time?
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" verse 55.
17. How may this victory be won?
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ," verse 57.
Are Men Judged at Death?
1. How far back in this world’s history do we find the judgment spoken of?
"Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the Lord, because He cometh to judge the earth," I Chronicles 16:33.
2. Is there a time to judge the righteous and the wicked?
" I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work," Ecclesiastes 3:17.
3. Has God appointed a day in which to judge the world?
"Because He [God] hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness," Acts 17:31.
4. Was the judgment yet future in Paul’s day, A. D. 60?
"And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come," Acts 24:25.
5. Since the judgment was future in Paul’s day, at what time will it be?
"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who shall judge the quick (living) and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom," II Timothy 4:1.
NOTE: This is a plain statement, testifying to the fact, that the judgment takes place at Christ’s second coming, and not at death, as is commonly taught by modern teachers. As all know, that Christ’s second coming is in the future, so all should know that the judgment is also future. Another fact is, that, "the living know that they shall die, but the dead know not any thing," Ecclesiastes 9:5. So it would be impossible for them to have been judged at death and come on down to this time, not knowing anything about it.
6. Was the revelator given a glimpse of the coming judgment?
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books," Revelation 20:12.
7. At this time, how complete will the resurrection be?
"And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell [margin, the grave] delivered up the dead which were in them," Revelation 20:13.
8. After the sea and the grave give up their dead, then what takes place?
"And they were judged every man according to their works," Revelation 20:13
9. How old is the doctrine of Christ’s coming, and the judgment?
"And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all," Jude 14, 15.
10. Who must appear in the judgment?
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad," II Corinthians 5:10.
11. How does the Apostle Peter speak of the judgment?
"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished," II Peter 2:9.
12. What condition will be in the world at the judgment day?
"And the nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged," Revelation 11:18.
13. When will the separation of righteous and wicked take place?
"When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered all nations: And He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats," Matthew 25:31, 32.
14. In this judgment, what work will be brought up?
"For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil," Ecclesiastes 12:14.
What Will Become of the Wicked?
1. How long will the punishment of the wicked last?
"And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal," Matthew 25:46.
2. What is the punishment of the wicked 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.
3. In what way does James speak of the same thing?
"Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished bringeth forth death," James 1:15.
4. What is said of the soul that sinneth?
"Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die," Ezekiel 18:4. See also verse 20.
5. What of the man that turneth away from righteousness?
"When a righteousness man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die," Ezekiel 18:26
6. To what are the wicked compared?
"But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way," Matthew 13:25.
7. What will finally be done with the tares?
"Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn," Matthew 13:30.
8. In what way will the wicked be destroyed?
"For while they be folden together as thorns, and while they are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry," Nahum 1:10.
NOTE: Those of us who at the present, or some time in our lives have lived on the farm, know what it is to burn off the stubble field, or the bunches of weeds or trash that accumulates. We know that after the fire has been kindled, it only takes a very short time until the stubble or trash is in ashes.
9. What day does the prophet Malachi say is coming?
"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven," Malachi 4:1.
10. In that day what will the proud, and also the wicked be?
"And all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble," Malachi 4:1.
11. And what will become of them?
"And the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch," Malachi 4:1.
12. After they have been burned, then what will they be?
"And ye [the righteous, see verse 2] shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of Hosts," Malachi 4:3.
13. Since the wages of sin to be death, where will the wicked receive their reward?
"Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner," Proverbs 11:31.
14. How does this harmonize with the Revelation?
"And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them," Revelation 20:9.
15. What is this death declared to be?
"And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death," Revelation 20:14.
16. In what way does Isaiah speak of the punishment of the wicked?
"And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the Lord shall be consumed," Isaiah 1:28. See also 66:17.
17. What does the Psalmist say of the transgressors?
"But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off," Psalm 37:38. See also verses 9, 10, 20, 34.
Our purpose in life is usefulness,
And is not confined to us alone;
Through our faith and love and truthfulness,
God will grant us a heavenly home.
We all should live in helping others
Redeem the time, and forsaking sin,
Thereby truly love one another,
Through the Holy Ghost their hearts to win.
Our words, our deeds, whether good or bad,
Are all recorded in heaven above;
Have your sins blotted out, thus be glad
You’re saved thru Christ’s redeeming love.
The judgment day is coming to all,
Are you now just what you ought to be?
If not, flee to Christ, on Him now call,
If eternal life you wish to see.
Are you right with God, in all you do?
You must answer this question some day;
These solemn words now appeal to you,
When you meet Jesus what will you say?
— I.S. Sherwin
Will the Majority be Saved or Lost?
1. Upon one occasion, what question was asked Christ?
"Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved?" Luke 13:23.
2. What answer did Christ give to this question?
"And He said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able," verses 23, 24.
3. Which road leads to the eternal city, the narrow or the broad one?
"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life," Matthew 7:14.
4. Will the majority be traveling this narrow way?
"Few there be that find it," verse 14.
5. To where does the broad road lead, and will there be a great number traveling it?
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at," verse 13.
6. How does Christ speak of the days of Noah in connection with His coming?
"But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be," Matthew 24:37.
7. What conditions existed in the days of Noah?
"And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually," Genesis 6:5.
8. Seeing the condition as it was, what did God purpose to do?
"And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth Me that I have made them," Genesis 6:7.
9. How many people were landed safely over the flood?
"And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood," Genesis 7:7.
NOTE: This made a total of eight that were saved over the flood. Although Noah was a preacher of righteousness for one hundred and twenty years, he was unable to make the people see the coming destruction, which would take them all away unless they would turn to God. Christ likens His second coming to the days of Noah, and believing His words to be true, we cannot expect the majority to turn from their wicked ways.
10. How many were saved out of the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah?
"And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city," Genesis 19:15.
NOTE: This time, there were only four started safely on their way to the place of safety.
11. After these people had left the city, and because of Lot’s wife looking behind her, what did she become?
"But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt," verse 26.
12. Does not Christ admonish us to remember Lot’s wife?
"Remember Lot’s wife," Luke 17:32.
13. Since we have found that only a very few people were saved upon these two occasions, and these things were written for our admonition, what promise does Christ make to the few?
"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom," Luke 12:32.
14. For what reason has the promise been made to the few?
"Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations," Deuteronomy 7:9.
15. What does Christ say concerning the same thing?
"Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven," Matthew 7:21.
16. Will there be many pleading for admittance into the kingdom?
"Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out demons? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?" verse 22.
17. How will they be answered?
"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity," verse 23.
Almost I hear the shout of God,
His bugle soon to sound;
Almost I see the disrupt sod
Show opened graves around.
Almost I feel the quickening thrill,
Which shouting saints attend;
When that instant change of likeness will —
Give rapture without end.
Almost the sinner’s grief I see
O’er hopes forever past
I hear their doom, "Depart from me."
Their wail and woe at last.
What is the Soul, and Is it Immortal?
1. From what was man made in the beginning?
"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground," Genesis 2:7.
2. And by what act was he made alive?
"And breathed into his nostrils the breath of life," Genesis 2:7.
3. What did man become after the breath of life had been breathed into him?
"And man became a living soul," Genesis 2:7.
4. According to Paul, what was the first man Adam?
"And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul," I Corinthians 15:45.
NOTE: As Paul has said, "Adam was made a living soul," and we learn by Genesis 2nd chapter that it was the act of placing breath within him that made him, the man himself, a living soul. Not, a living soul placed within the man, but the man was the living soul.
5. By what act is man a dead soul?
"Thou hidest Thy face, they are troubled: Thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust," Psalm 104:29.
NOTE: By placing breath within man, he was made alive, and by removing that breath he returns to the dust from whence he came.
6. What part of Christ was made an offering for sin?
"Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief: When Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin," Isaiah 53:10.
7. Was His soul poured out unto death?
"Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong; because He hath poured out His soul unto death," Isaiah 53:12.
NOTE: By these two verses we learn that even Christ’s soul was poured out unto death, that it was made an offering for sin. We are aware of the fact that the Christ Himself was the offering made for sin, and was the one who cried out, "It is finished."
8. Is it possible for the soul to eat?
"And in the first day there shall be . . . an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man [margin soul] must eat, that only may be done of you," Exodus 12:16. Also see Levitcus 7:18, 20, 25, 27.
9. Can it be possible for the soul to come in contact with anything by touching?
"Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he [the soul] also shall be unclean, and guilty," Leviticus 5:2.
10. Is the soul subject to death?
"Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is Mine: the soul that sinneth it shall die," Ezekiel 18:4. See also verse 20.
11. Is it possible for man to kill souls that should not die?
"And will ye pollute Me among My people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to My people that hear your lies?" Ezekiel 13:19.
12. How will man’s souls be redeemed?
"But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for He shall receive me," Psalm 49:15.
13. According to the Bible where was Christ’s soul placed?
"He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell [grave], neither His flesh did see corruption," Acts 2:31.
14. Since we have found the soul to be the man, is he not mortal?
"Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his Maker?" Job 4:17.
15 In what condition are we, according to Paul?
"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof," Romans 6:12.
Mortal: "Subject to death," - Webster.
16. At the present time who only hath immortality?
"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever," I Timothy 1:17.
"Who only hath immortality," I Timothy 6:16. Immortal: "Exemption from liability to die," - Webster.
17. How can man possess immortality?
"To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life," Romans 2:7.
18. When will those who continue in welldoing be given immortality?
"Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 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. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality," I Corinthians 15:51-53.
The Spirit of Man
1. At death what leaves man and returns to God?
"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it," Ecclesiastes 12:7.
NOTE: The statement is made, "To God who gave it," and it is now our duty to find what God gave man in the beginning. If we are successful in finding this from the standpoint of the Bible, it will be very easy to locate what this spirit is, that returns to God.
2. From what was man composed in the beginning?
"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground," Genesis 2:7.
3. After man had been composed from the dust of the ground, what did God place within him to bring life?
"And breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul," verse 7.
NOTE: In this verse we have located what God gave man in the beginning. Since this is what God gave man in the beginning, and the only thing He did give him, it is very reasonable to conclude that this is what leaves man at death, and it is termed breath and spirit throughout the Bible.
4. Let us hear the Psalmist on this same thought.
"Thou hidest Thy face, they are troubled: Thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust," Psalm 104:29.
5. What thought does he express in another place?
"His breath goes forth, he returneth to his earth," Psalm 146:4.
6. Then, what becomes of the thoughts of man?
"In that very day his thoughts perish," same verse.
7. Does the beast have the same breath or spirit as man?
"For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity," Ecclesiastes 3:19.
8. After this spirit or breath leaves man, what do they know?
"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten," Ecclesiastes 9:5.
9. What becomes of their love, hatred, and envy?
"Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun," Ecclesiastes 9:6.
10. What is said to be in the nostrils of both man and beast?
"All in whose nostrils was the breath of [Margin, spirit of] life, of all that was in the dry land died," Genesis 7:22.
11. How does Job express the same thought?
"All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God [Margin, the breath which God gave him] is in my nostrils," Job 27:3.
12. Without what does James say the body is dead?
"For as the body without the spirit [Margin, breath] is dead, so faith without works is dead also," James 2:26.
NOTE: By these readings we find breath and spirit to be used interchangeably, meaning one and the same thing, when used in connection with what God gave to man in the beginning. They are consistently used this way in both Old and New Testaments.
Man’s Origin and Nature
1. What shows the importance of this study?
"What is man, that Thou are mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him?" Psalm 8:4.
2. What is the origin of man?
"And the Lord God formed man," Genesis 2:7.
3. Of what was man composed?
"Of the dust of the ground," Genesis 2:7.
4. What was added to make him alive?
"And breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul," Genesis 2:7.
5. Was man subject to death?
"But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die," verse 17.
6. After man had disobeyed God by eating of the forbidden fruit, what sentence was passed upon him?
"In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return," Genesis 3:19.
7. What precautions did God take to prevent man from living forever in his disobedient condition?
"And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So He drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life," verses 22, 23, 24.
8. How many were affected by this death sentence?
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned," Romans 5:12.
9. Since the death sentence has been pronounced upon all men, are they mortal or immortal?
"Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his Maker? Job 4:17.
"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof," Romans 6:12.
10. At the present time, who only hath immortality?
"Who [God] only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; Whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to Whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen," I Timothy 6:16.
11. How may man gain immortality?
"To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life," Romans 2:7.
12. What will those gain who fail to continue in well doing?
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord," Romans 6:23.
NOTE: We have learned that man is mortal at the present time and subject to immortality at the last day, if he will be obedient to the teachings of the Bible, or as Paul said, "by patient continuance in well doing." We have also learned that those who are disobedient to the teachings of the Bible will gain the reward of the sinner, death.
Put all the armor on,
Like valiant soldiers stand;
Let all your loins be girt with truth,
Waiting our Lord's command.
While Jesus is our Friend,
And His rich grace supplies,
We'll march like valiant soldiers on:
We're sure to win the prize.
The battle's almost o'er;
The race is nearly run;
Then with our glorious, conquering King
We'll sit down on His throne.
Then prepare for life, everlasting life!
Charles Wesley
Then those who have suffered, toiled for His name,
Though hated, rejected, unknown,
No longer shall suffer the world's scorn and shame
When Jesus returns for His own.
There's coming a wonderful, wonderful day,
Its glory has never been known;
When free from our burdens we're going away.
As Jesus returns for His own.
The Resurrection of the Dead
1. What is man's present relation to death, and why was it pronounced on him?
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned," Romans 5:12.
2. As death has come upon man, what do the scriptures tell us of a set time of remembrance?
"O that Thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that Thou wouldest keep me secret, until Thy wrath be passed, that Thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me. If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Thou shalt call and I will answer Thee," Job 14:13, 14, 15.
3. What important testimony does the witness Isaiah give of the resurrection?
"For, behold, the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: The earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain," Isaiah 26:21.
4. What promise is made of redemption from the grave?
"I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction," Hosea 13:14.
5. As death entered the world through one man, through Whom will life again come to him?
"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." I Corinthians 15:22.
6. Does this imply that everybody who has died in the past will be resurrected, both wicked and righteous?
"Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation," John 5:28, 29.
7. Will there be order in the resurrection of the dead and which class of people will be brought to life first, the righteous or wicked?
"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming," I Corinthians 15:22, 23.
8. What great event do the scriptures declare will transpire in connection with the resurrection of the dead?
"The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first," I Thessalonians 4:16.
9. What further evidence have we that the righteous dead will be resurrected before the wicked dead?
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years," Revelation 20:6.
10. When will the wicked dead be resurrected?
"But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished," Revelation 20:5.
11. Before whom will the dead stand when they are resurrected, and by what records will they be judged?
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works," Revelation 20:12.
NOTE: "The books were opened, and another book was opened which is the book of life." The books that are first opened when the dead are judged, spoken of here are evidently the Old Testament Scriptures, and the book of the New Testament. Then besides these books we have mentioned the book of life, and in it are the names written of all who will be saved.
12. How extensive and complete is the resurrection and does it take in all portions of the globe?
"And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works," Revelation 20:13.
13. What becomes of those in the resurrection whose names are not found written in the book of life?
"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire," Revelation 20:15.
14. What classes of people are especially mentioned that have their part in the lake of fire, and what becomes of them?
"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.
Promises to the Fathers
1. To whom were the promises made?
"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made," Galatians 3:16.
2. What was the promise referred to here that was given to Abraham and his seed?
"And the Lord said unto Abram after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever," Genesis 13:14, 15.
3. Did God renew and repeat this promise to Abraham's son Isaac?
"Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father," Genesis 26:3.
4. Was this promise of a land inheritance renewed and declared to Isaac's son Jacob?
"I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south; and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed," Genesis 28:13, 14.
5. Under this promise how long were the fathers and their seed to possess the land?
"And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession," Genesis 17:8.
6. What were the exact boundary lines of the promise to Abram and his seed?
"In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates," Genesis 15:18.
7. According to the New Testament were these promises fulfilled and realized by Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their seed to possess the land?
"And he said, Men, brethren and fathers, hearken; the God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee. Then came he out of the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. And He gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that He would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child," Acts 7:2-5.
8. Did Abraham expect to receive the fulfillment of the promise during his natural lifetime, or did he look to the future?
"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off," Hebrews 11:8, 9, 13.
9. For what reason did the apostle Paul stand in judgment before King Agrippa?
"And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews," Acts 26:6, 7.
10. What is said of the importance and nature of these promises?
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature," II Peter 1:4.
11. What does Paul say of the promises made to Abraham regarding their territorial dominion?
"For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith," Romans 4:13.
12. To whom does the statement "to thy seed," refer which is so often mentioned in the promise to Abraham?
"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ," Galatians 3:16.
13. Do the benefits of this promised inheritance to Abraham extend only to his literal descendants, or will Gentiles of every race and nationality likewise share as heirs of this promised inheritance?
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise," Galatians 3:27, 28, 29.
The Saints' Inheritance
1. With what planet or physical body is all our present life connected?
With this earth.
2. What position was man given when created?
"Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth," Genesis 1:28.
3. This being man's position, what did the Creator say of the earth?
"For thus sayeth 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: I am the Lord; and there is none else," Isaiah 45:18.
4. Will the righteous ever be removed from the earth?
"The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth," Proverbs 10:30.
5. Where shall the righteous receive their recompense?
"For yet a little while and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace," Psalm 37:10, 11.
6. To whom is the earth given?
"The heaven, even the heavens are the Lord's; but the earth hath He given to the children of men," Psalm 115:16.
7. What promise did Christ make to the meek?
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth," Matthew 5:5.
8. How did the Savior teach us to pray?
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven," Matthew 6:10.
9. Are there any scriptures which state with whom the righteous will be in the future, and their office?
"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years," Revelation 20:6.
10. Where will the righteous be during this reign of one thousand years as kings and priests with Christ?
"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests; and we shall reign on the earth," Revelation 5:9, 10.
11. Do we have any other scripture which represents the earth as the future home of God's people?
"And the kingdom and dominion and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High," Daniel 7:27.
12. Will this earth be redeemed from its present condition?
"Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory," Ephesians 1:14.
13. Do we have a definite statement in regard to the future home of God's people?
"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely," Revelation 21:1-6.
14. What more is said about the scope of our inheritance?
He that overcometh shall inherit all things [margin] and I will be his God, and he shall be my son," Revelation 21:7.
Only waiting now for Jesus
Mid the care and pain and strife
Waiting for the blessed promise
And the crown of endless life.
Waiting, waiting, ever waiting,
For the coming of our King;
And our souls are filled with rapture,
While His praises here we sing.
Mary E. Welch
The Glorious City
1. What is said of the glorious city?
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah," Psalm 87:3.
2. By whom was this city built?
"For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God," Hebrews 11:10.
3. To what city will the righteous come?
"But ye are come unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels," Hebrews 12:22.
4. What promise is given the overcomers?
"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out:and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of My God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God: and I will write upon him My new name," Revelation 3:12.
5. How long will this city remain?
"As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it forever. Selah," Psalm 48:8.
6. Will the holy city be supplied with water, and in what form?
"There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High," Psalm 46:4.
7. What did the apostle John say of this city?
"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband," Revelation 21:2.
8. Does the glorious city come to the earth while present conditions prevail, or after the earth has been made new?
"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband," Revelation 21:1, 2.
9. What proclamation from heaven is given at this time?
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God," Revelation 21:3.
10. What is the size of this city?
"And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal," Revelation 21:15, 16.
11. Of what will this city be composed?
"And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass," verse 18.
12. How many foundations has the wall of this city, and what names are contained therein?
"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb," verse 14.
13. Of what are these foundations composed?
"And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst," verses 19, 20.
14. How many gates are in the walls of this city, and of what are they composed?
"And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl," verse 21.
15. With what very precious metal are the streets of the new Jerusalem paved?
"And the street of the city was pure gold' as it were transparent glass," verse 21.
16. What, or who will act as the temple of this wonderful city?
"And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it," verse 22.
17. By what will the city be lighted?
"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof," verse 23.
18. Who will be allowed to walk in the light of the new Jerusalem?
"And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it," verse 24.
19. Will the gates of this city be shut at all?
"And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there," verse 25.
20. Will there be any death or pain in this glorious place?
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away," verse 4.
21. What is necessary in order to enter that city?
"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son," verse 7.
22. By what standard will our lives be measured to determine whether or not we are fit subjects for this city?
"Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city," Revelation 22:14.
New Jerusalem Comes When, Where
1. When Christ comes to reign, where will His throne be located?
"The Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever," Luke 1:32, 33.
2. Since David's throne was on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, then will not this be the exact location of Christ's throne?
"The Lord shall reign over them in Mount Zion from henceforth, even forever. And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem," Micah 4:7, 8.
3. Since by reason of disobedience the temporal city of Jerusalem was not suffered to continue, then should we not look for one to come?
"For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come," Hebrews 13:14.
4. As old Jerusalem was called the mother city under the old covenant promises, then is not New Jerusalem the mother city under the new covenant promise?
"But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all," Galatians 4:26.
5. In the promise of eternal inheritance made to Abraham, Genesis 13:14, 15, was this holy city included?
"For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God," Hebrews 11:10.
(Note this is a real city with foundations.)
6. Have we any prophetic account of this city coming down to earth?
"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men," Revelation 21:2, 3.
7. Have we any description of the shape and size of this holy city?
"And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal," Revelation 21:16.
NOTE: By counting eight furlongs to a mile, this makes the city measure 1500 miles in circumference or 375 miles square.
8. Is there a wall around this city, if so how many gates to enter the city through the wall?
"And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates," verse 12.
9. What is the material composition of this city, and of this wall?
"The building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass," verse 18.
10. Of what are the gates composed, and the streets which enter the city?
"And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was of pure gold, as it were transparent glass," verse 21.
11. What is this city to be lighted with?
"The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof," verse 23.
12. Will those who are changed to immortality, I Corinthians 15:51, I Thessalonians 4:17, and made kings and priests, Revelation 5:10, be permitted to enter this holy city?
"And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it," verse 24.
13. Will any except the righteous be permitted to enter this holy city?
"And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life," verse 27.
"Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city," Revelation 22:14.
14. Will wickedness be on the earth after Christ begins His reign in the holy city?
"For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie," Revelation 22:15. "There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out," Luke 13:28. "The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies," Psalm 110:2. "The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity," Matthew 13:41. "For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet," I Corinthians 15:25.
15. Christ comes and concludes the Battle of Armageddon, Zechariah 14:1-4. Will this walled city be here then?
"And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates," Ezekiel 38:11.
NOTE: this chapter outlines Armageddon Battle, Christ comes, verse 20.
16. Will this walled city be here immediately after Christ comes?
"But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid," Micah 4:1-4.
NOTE: This condition never was nor will be until Christ comes.
17. What proof have we that the walled city, the New Jerusalem, will be called the mountain of the Lord?
"Thus saith the Lord; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain," Zechariah 8:3.
18. Will Satan be on earth at the end of the thousand years?
"And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison," Revelation 20:7.
19. When Satan is loosed what will he do and to whom will he go?
"And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea," Revelation 20:8.
NOTE: Do we not learn that the saints' dwelling place is in the holy city with Christ?
20. Will not the holy city still be on earth at the end of the Millennium?
"And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them," Revelation 20:9.
21. Since Christ must reign till all enemies are put under His feet, I Corinthians 15:25, then will not His throne endure the flames which destroy the wicked?
"But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever," Hebrews 1:8. "As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God; God will establish it forever. Selah," Psalm 48:8.
Sobriety
1. To what extent did the wise man test the pleasures of the world?
"Whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy," Ecclesiastes 2:10. "I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure," verse 1.
2. How much true enjoyment did such a course afford?
"Behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun," Ecclesiastes 2:11. "Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness," Proverbs 14:13.
3. To whom alone is such mirth enjoyable?
"Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom," Proverbs 15:21.
4. What conclusion did the wise man reach?
"Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness," Ecclesiastes 2:13.
5. Why is sobriety preferable to levity?
"Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better," Ecclesiastes 7:3.
"It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart," verse 2.
6. Of what does the wise man bid the young to be mindful, even in the pursuit of pleasure?
"Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment," Ecclesiastes 11:9.
7. What injunction to sobriety does the apostle give in his epistle to Titus?
"That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober . . . . Young men likewise exhort to be soberminded," Titus 2:2-6.
8. What similar advice is given in the epistle to the Romans?
"Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying," Romans 13:13.
9. What testimony does the apostle Peter bear on this point?
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ," I Peter 1:13.
10. Why is vigilance necessary?
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour," I Peter 5:8.
11. What other consideration should lead us to sobriety?
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer," I Peter 4:7.
Saving Faith
1. Give the Bible definition of faith.
"Now faith is the substance [margin, ground or confidence] of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen," Hebrews 11:1.
2. What is necessary in order to render acceptable service to God?
"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. How may one know that God exists?
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork," Psalm 19:1, see also Romans 1:19, 20.
4. How may one have faith in Him as a being who cares for mankind?
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," Romans 10:17.
5. Are the promises of God of any value to those who do not believe them?
"I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye 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; see also Hebrews 3:14.
6. After believing in God and repenting of his sins, in whom must one believe in order to be saved?
"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.
7. When one believes on the Son of God, what evidence does he have that his sins are forgiven?
"He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His son," I John 5:10.
8. What is the nature of this witness?
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God," Romans 8:16.
9. When one has this witness, what does it do for him?
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," Romans 5:1.
10. Upon what conditions has God promised the forgiveness of sin?
"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 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.
11. Does the Bible warrant one believing that he receives what he asks for, before he is conscious of possessing it?
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them," Mark 11:24.
12. How may one learn to develop patience in waiting on God?
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience," James 1:2, 3, see also I Peter 1:3-9.
13. When in affliction, what ought all to believe?
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God," Romans 8:28.
14. What kind of faith is that which is unaccompanied with works?
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also," James 2:26.
15. If one knows that he is constantly disobeying God, can he have real living faith?
"Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight," I John 3:21, 22.
16. How much may one hope to receive, who asks with a doubtful mind?
"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord," James 1:6, 7.
17. What was the cause of Peter's sinking after he had started to meet the Saviour on the stormy sea?
"And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" Matthew 14:31.
18. What may one constantly have, by growing into the fullness of faith?
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost," Romans 15:13.
Nature of God's Law
1. How many lawgivers are there?
"There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy," James 4:12.
2. What is said of the stability of His character?
"For I am the Lord, I change not," Malachi 3:6.
3. What is the character of His works?
"The works of His hands are verity and judgment; all His commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness," Psalm 111:7, 8.
4. What is the character of His law?
"For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin," Romans 7:14.
5. What is revealed in that law as necessary for the carnal man to know before he can be converted?
And knowest His will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law," Romans 2:18.
6. Then, if there is a change in one's life, from the carnal to the spiritual, does the law act any part in that work?
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple," Psalm 19:7.
7. What did our Savior say to the young man who wanted salvation?
"And He said unto him, Why callest thou Me good? There is none good but One, that is God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments," Matthew 19:17.
8. Was it the intention of Christ to abolish or change any part of God's law?
"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled," Matthew 5:18.
9. What did the Savior say He came to do to the law?
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil," Matthew 5:17.
10. When used in prophecy, what does the word fulfill mean? To bring to pass.
"That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet," Matthew 4:14.
"Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory," I Corinthians 15:54.
11. But what does the word mean when associated with an obligation? To perform, or act in accordance with.
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ," Galatians 6:2, see also Matthew 3:15; James 2:8, 9.
12. What did Christ say He came into the world to do?
"Wherefore, when He cometh into the world, He saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not . . . Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God," Hebrews 10:5-7.
13. Who did the Savior say should be saved in the kingdom of heaven?
"Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven," Matthew 7:21.
14. What did He say of those who should break one of God's least commandments?
"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven," Matthew 5:19.
15. What did He say of those whose righteousness (right-doing) did not exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees?
"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven," verse 20.
16. How did they transgress the command of God?
"But He answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" Matthew 15:3.
17. How had they done this?
"For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother . . . But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, . . . and honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition," verses 4-6.
18. What kind of worship did He say theirs was?
But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men," verse 9.
19. By what rule will men's actions be weighted in the judgment?
"For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law . . . when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel," Romans 2:12-16.
20. How many of those who are condemned will be proved guilty by the law?
"Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God," Romans 3:19.
21. By whom will the saved be blessed in the bestowal of the eternal reward?
"Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world," Matthew 25:34.
22. What blessing will God give to those who have kept His commandments?
"Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city," Revelation 22:14.
Gossiping
1. What does the ninth commandment forbid?
"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour," Exodus 20:16.
NOTE: The evident object of this commandment is to guard our conversation.
2. What promise is given to those who fulfill its requirements?
"To him that ordereth his conversation aright, will I show the salvation of God," Psalm 50:23.
3. How is such a man regarded?
"If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body," James 3:2.
4. To what double use is the tongue put?
"Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be," verse 10.
5. Can the tongue ever be brought where it will not need watching?
"For every king of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: but the tongue can no man tame; It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison," verses 7, 8.
6. What is one's duty, under these circumstances?
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God," Romans 6:13.
7. Through whom may we find deliverance from this law of sin in our members?
"But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord," Romans 7:23-25.
8. Of what are one's words the index?
"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh," Matthew 12:34.
9. What will our words have to do with our standing in the judgment?
"For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned," verse 37.
10. What special sin is covered by the ninth commandment?
"Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among thy people; neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbor: I am the Lord," Leviticus 19:16.
11. What are the words of a tale-bearer like?
"The words of a tale-bearer are as wounds," Proverbs 26:22.
12. What is their effect?
"He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends," Proverbs 17:9.
13. What would follow if each attended to his own affairs only?
"Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no tale-bearer, the strife ceaseth," Proverbs 26:20.
14. What is that word like which is fitly spoken?
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver," Proverbs 25:11.
15. To whom are our words all known?
"For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether," Psalm 139:4.
16. In view of the shortness of time, what should our conversation be?
"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God," II Peter 3:11, 12.
This Savior soon is coming
To call us each one home.
He'll gather us together and
We will no more roam.
He'll gather Israel home once more,
To the holy promised land,
And there He'll reign on David's throne
With a high and holy hand.
Yes, now we pray for Thy return,
To call us each one home;
Where we can be with Thee ever more
Around the great white throne.
And then we'll sing redemption's song,
Twill ever be the same,
We'll praise Him then through endless time,
O glory to His name!
L. O. Van Nostrand
The Bible Name for the Church
1. Was there a church in existence while the children of Israel were in the wilderness?
"This is He, that was in the church in the wilderness . . . " Acts 7:38.
2. After Christ was born into the world, have we the promise of a church being in existence through the coming ages?
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this Rock [God the Father] I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," Matthew 16:18.
3. Who is the head of this church?
"And He [Christ] is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that in all things He might have the pre-eminence," Colossians 1:18.
4. Since Christ is the head of the church, then who is the head of Christ?
"But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ . . . and the head of Christ is God," I Corinthians 11:3.
5. As God is the head of Christ, and Christ built His church upon God the great head, by what name is this church called?
"Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the Church of God," I Corinthians 10:32.
6. Is the Church of God in Christ Jesus?
"For ye, brethren, became followers of the Churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus," I Thessalonians 2:14.
7. What church did Christ purchase with His own blood?
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood," Acts 20:28.
8. What is the Church of God declared to be?
"But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth," I Timothy 3:15.
9. What church was located at Corinth?
"Unto the Church of God, which is at Corinth," I Corinthians 1:2.
10. What are the members of this church called to be?
"Unto the Church of God . . . to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints," I Corinthians 1:2.
11 By what are the lives of the saints or members of the Church of God governed?
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus," Revelation 14:12.
12. By what name does Paul say the family of God, both in heaven and earth is called?
"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named," Ephesians 3:14, 15.
13. Of what church was Paul a persecutor?
"For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God," I Corinthians 15:9. See also Galatians 1:13.
NOTE: At first we find the Apostle Paul was a persecutor of the Church of God, but after his conversion he became a member of the family he had, at one time tried to tear down. Even at the time of his conversion he was on a mission of persecution, but on the way he was stricken down. Being informed what to do he went forth from that place, no more to be a persecutor and opposer of Christ and His cause, but to become the greatest writer of the New Testament. May those who read these lines, if they oppose the name Church of God and the cause for which it stands, see the truth as did Paul of old, immediately turn from the way of disobedience, and be submissive to the will of God.
Cheerfulness
1. What is said of the heavy-hearted, and the effect of cheering words upon such?
"Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad," Proverbs 12:25.
2. What is the influence of cheerfulness upon the sad and despondent?
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones," Proverbs 17:22.
3. What did Job exclaim when well-meaning friends came to him in a time of sore trouble, with words of reproach?
"I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all," Job 16:2.
4. What did he say would have been the case had their circumstances been reversed?
"I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you. But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should assuage your grief," Job 16:4, 5.
5. Are not those who have suffered and been comforted of God, best able to comfort others?
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God," II Corinthians 1:3, 4.
6. What beautiful promise is written for the upright in heart?
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart," Psalm 97:11.
7. What should be the language of the heart that has experienced help from God?
"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness," Psalm 30:11.
8. What should be the spirit of our service toward God?
"Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing," Psalm 100:2.
9. Mention a special cause for good cheer.
"Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee," Matthew 9:2, last part. "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered," Romans 4:7.
10. For what does Isaiah say he will greatly rejoice?
"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels," Isaiah 61:10.
11. Under what adverse circumstances may the Christian be joyful in God?
"Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven," Luke 6:22, 23.
12. What gracious words spoken by the Savior to His disciples, reach down through the ages to us?
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world," John 16:33.
13. What special cause for encouragement is given us by virtue of Christ's victory over the world?
"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne," Revelation 3:21.
14. How constant should the Christian's rejoicing be?
"Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, Rejoice," Philippians 4:4.
The Ministration of Death
1. Of what does Paul speak in II Corinthians 3:7?
"But if the ministration of death," II Corinthians 3:7.
2. In what was the ministration of death written?
"Written and engraven in stones," II Corinthians 3:7.
3. Upon how many stones was this ministration of death written?
NOTE: There is nothing said about the number of stones used, but there must have been a number as the word "stones" is used.
4. What happened to the glory of this ministration?
"But if the ministration of death written and engraven in stones was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away," II Corinthians 3:7.
5. Upon how many stones were the ten commandments written?
"And He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and He wrote them upon two tables of stone," Deuteronomy 4:13.
NOTE: The Bible, when speaking about the tables of stone upon which the ten precepts were written, uses the word "two" to denote the number of stones used. But with the ministration of death, the number of stones is not mentioned. So the ministration of death and the ten commandments are different and distinct.
6. In the ten commandments, is there anything said about the penalty if violated?
Answer The reader may turn to Exodus Chapter 20, and read the ten commandments. Nothing will be found telling what the penalty will be if violated.
NOTE: Since the penalty for the violation of the ten commandments is not found within that law, it cannot be the ministration of death, hence we must look elsewhere to locate the death penalty.
7. What titles are given the ten commandments?
Perfect, converting the soul," Psalm 19:7. "Life everlasting," John 12:50. "Holy, just and good," Romans 7:12. "Spiritual," verse 14.
Many titles could be given which are the opposite to death.
8. Where do we find the penalty for the violation of God's law?
"Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest Thou?" John 8:5.
9. Of what was this woman guilty?
"They say unto Him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery in the very act," John 8:4.
NOTE: The woman above referred to was guilty of violating the seventh of the ten commandments. This commandment does not say what the penalty is, but Moses said such should be put to death.
10. Did Moses write a law?
"And Moses wrote this law," Deuteronomy 31:9.
11. In what did Moses write this law?
"And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished," Deuteronomy 31:24.
12. How did Moses speak concerning the person who broke the fifth commandment?
"For everyone that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death," Leviticus 20:9.
13. What if one should violate the third commandment?
"And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death," Leviticus 24:16.
14. Under how many witnesses would they be put to death?
"At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death: but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death," Deuteronomy 17:6.
15. What were the children of Israel to do after they passed over Jordan?
"And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaster them with plaster," Deuteronomy 27:2.
16. Were any tools to be lifted upon these stones?
"And there shalt thou build an altar unto the Lord thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them," Deuteronomy 27:5.
NOTE: We will notice that the stones spoken of here were not hewn, but were used as they came from the earth, and nothing was said as to the number used.
The two tables on which the ten commandments were written were hewn. See Deuteronomy 10:1.
17. What was to be placed upon this altar of stones?
"And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly," Deuteronomy 27:8.
18. Was the above commandment ever carried into effect?
"Then Joshua built an altar unto the Lord God of Israel in Mount Ebal . . . and he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel," Joshua 8:30, 32.
NOTE: By the above scriptures we learn that Moses wrote a law in a book, and in this book of the law we find the ministration of death. Later this same law was written upon the stones of the altar in Mount Ebal, and is the law to which Paul refers when he speaks of the ministration of death. Another reason why this law is called the ministration of death, is because it demanded the death of the animal sacrifice as a remedy for the man who, through ignorance violated the commandments of God (the ten) see Leviticus 4th chapter, also Numbers 15:27-29. Verse 30 says that if one sins presumptuously, he must die.
19. Since the law of Moses with the death penalty is gone, when will the violators of God's law be punished?
"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished," II Peter 2:9.
Affliction and sorrow and death shall be o'er;
The saints shall unite to be parted no more;
Their loud hallelujahs fill heaven's high dome;
They dwell with the Saviour forever at home.
The days of our exile are passing away;
The time is approaching when Jesus will say,
Well done faithful servant, sit down on My throne
And dwell in My presence forever at home.
May we then, dear brother, midst pleasure or woe,
For that heavenly kingdom our hearts prepare;
And very shortly we most surely shall know
And feel the joy of what it is to be there.
Selected
Free Will Offerings
1. How does God regard the covetous man?
"For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth," Psalm 10:3.
2. What kind of men does God require to occupy responsible positions in His work?
"Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens," Exodus 18:21.
3. What warning does the Saviour give against covetousness?
"And He said unto them, Take heed and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth," Luke 12:15.
4. How did God regard the rich man who laid up his goods for his own ease?
"But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" verse 20.
5. What does Christ say of those who do as did the man in the parable?
"So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God," verse 21.
6. How much can one carry out of the world?
"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out," I Timothy 6:7.
7. Who gives man power to get wealth?
"But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth," Deuteronomy 8:18.
8. What is said concerning those who trust in their riches?
"He that trusteth in his riches shall fall," Proverbs 11:28.
9. What charge was Timothy required to give the rich?
"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God," I Timothy 6:17.
10. What ought they to do with their means?
"That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate," verse 18.
11. What will they thus do for themselves?
"Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life," verse 19.
12. By giving of one's substance to the Lord's work, what does he thus do?
Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase," Proverbs 3:9.
13. How does the Lord look upon the spirit of giving to the cause?
"But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased," Hebrews 13:16.
14. Does the Lord keep in mind those who assist in his cause?
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister," Hebrews 6:10.
15. If a person has but little of this world's good, is he not excused from giving?
Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which He hath given thee," Deuteronomy 16:17.
16. Then can it be the amount a man gives that is so acceptable to God?
"For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not," II Corinthians 8:12.
17. What does one provide for himself who gives freely to the cause of God?
"Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth," Luke 12:33.
18. If one's treasure has been transferred to heaven by giving to God's cause, where will his heart be?
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also," verse 34.
Ear hath not heard, nor hath eye ever seen
The joys of the Father's beloved.
Look up, little flock, who are built on the rock,
For the righteous shall not be removed.
Then rejoice in the hope of the promise, dear friends,
Every eye shall behold Him appear;
From the ocean so deep, from the grave's silent sleep,
Come forth when His voice they shall hear.
Then oh, let us work while tis still called today,
In the vineyard of Jesus our Lord,
And count nothing loss for the sake of the cross,
And the truths of Jehovah's grand word.
Ministry Supported by Tithes
1. In what especial way are we commanded to honor God?
"Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thy increase," Proverbs 3:9.
2. What portion of one's income does the Lord term the first fruits?
"And all the tithe [tenth] of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, it is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord," Leviticus 27:30.
3. And what is said of the tithe of the herd or flock?
"And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord," Leviticus 27:32.
4. Who owns all the cattle and fowls of the earth?
"For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are Mine," Psalm 50:10, 11.
5. Also the gold and silver?
"The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of hosts," Haggai 2:8.
6. In fact, to whom does the earth, and its fullness belong?
The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein," Psalm 24:1.
7. What statement of Christ indicates that man is not owner, but only a keeper of God's goods?
"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods," Matthew 25:14.
8. Who gives man power to get wealth?
"But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth," Deuteronomy 8:18.
NOTE: Since we find the world, and all that is therein belongs to God, and He being the one that gives man the power to get wealth, it would look reasonable that it is man's duty to return some part to the Lord. He has only asked for the very small amount of ten cents on the dollar, which we find is for the purpose of spreading the gospel in these last days.
9. For whose support, and for what work were the tithes devoted in Israel?
"And behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation," Numbers 18:21.
10. In what language does Paul approve of the same method of support for the gospel ministry?
"If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? . . . Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel must live of the gospel," I Corinthians 9:11, 13, 14.
11. How early in earth's history do we read of tithe paying?
"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the Most High God. . . . And blessed be the Most High God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he [Abram] gave him tithes of all," Genesis 14:18-20.
12. In what way does Paul refer to the same event?
"For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all," Hebrews 7:1, 2.
13. After what order was Christ made a high priest?
"Whither the forerunning is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek," Hebrews 6:20.
14. Did Christ approve of tithe paying?
"Ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone," Matthew 23:23.
15. Does not Paul teach that the Gentiles should pay tithes?
"It hath pleased them verily: and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their [Gentiles] duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things," Romans 15:27.
16. Of what is one guilty who withholds the tithes and offerings.
"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings," Malachi 3:8.
17. Concerning what does the Lord ask us to prove Him?
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it," Malachi 3:10.
Judgment of the Transgressor
1. Regarding the wicked, what question does Peter ask?
"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" I Peter 4:17.
2. What does Paul say is the wages of sin?
"For the wages of sin is death," Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 18:4. (Die. To cease to live; to expire; to decease; to perish. Webster.)
3. What will be the character of this death?
"Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power," II Thessalonians 1:9; Acts 3:23; Matthew 10:28. (Destroy. To kill; to slay; to ruin; to extirpate; to put an end to. Webster.)
4. What does the Savior say will befall those who do not repent?
"I tell you Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish," Luke 13:3; I Corinthians 1:18. (Perish. To die; to lose life; to wither and decay; to be destroyed; to come to nothing; to be blotted from existence. Webster.)
5. In what condition does the apostle say they shall thus perish?
"But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption," II Peter 2:12.
6. To what are the wicked in their punishment compared?
But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away," Psalm 37:20. (Consume To destroy by separating the parts of a thing by decomposition, as by fire, etc.; to bring to utter ruin; to exterminate. Webster.)
7. What will be the result of this punishment?
"As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation," Proverbs 10:25.
8. Will any part of them be left?
"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch," Malachi 4:1.
9. What will then be their condition?
"For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been," Obadiah 16.
10. Where will the place of the wicked then be?
"For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be," Psalm 37:10.
11. The earth in its present condition is and has been the place of the wicked. Where will they receive their recompense, death, which is the wages of sin?
"Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner," Proverbs 11:31.
12. How is this accomplished?
"And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them," Revelation 20:9.
13. Do the wicked go directly to this punishment at death? If not, when do they receive it?
"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished," II Peter 2:9; Job 21:29, 30.
14. The earth, the sinner's place, has been cursed with sin. To what is that reserved?
"But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men," II Peter 3:7.
15. What will be the result of this fire on the earth?
"Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?" verse 12.
16. What does our Savior call the earth when in this condition?
"The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His Kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire," Matthew 13:41, 42.
17. After the burning of the earth, what is to come?
"Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness," II Peter 3:13.
18. But where will the righteous then be found?
"Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father," Matthew 13:43.
19. What promise of the Savior's will at that time be verified?
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth," Matthew 5:5.
20. What universal song will be sung?
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever," Revelation 5:13.
Punishment of the Wicked
1. Will all the dead be restored to life?
"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive," I Corinthians 15:22.
2. What does Christ say about this subject?
"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation," John 5:28, 29.
3. Why will the wicked be restored to life?
"When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die," Ezekiel 18:26.
NOTE: By the above statement, we learn that it is necessary for the wicked to have a resurrection in order that they be punished for their own sins which they have committed. The death by which the human is being overcome today is not for their sins, but was pronounced upon them because of the transgression of our foreparents in the garden of Eden. Hence it is necessary that they come from the grave to receive their just recompense of reward, which will be death.
4. Has God promised to punish the wicked?
"And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible," Isaiah 13:11.
"Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered," Proverbs 11:21.
5. How will the wicked be punished?
"For the wages of sin is death," Romans 6:23.
"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.
6. What example have we of the punishment of the wicked?
"Even as Sodom and Gomorrha and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire," Jude 7.
NOTE: These people who are set forth for an example "suffered the vengeance of eternal fire." Not that the fires remain burning, but the result, consumption and death remain eternally. There are no fires now burning on the sites of these accursed cities, neither did the Lord remove these people from the earth to some place (no one knows of) called hell, to punish them. They received their punishment on the earth, and the punishment of the wicked will be on the earth as we will show later.
7. Were the above cities to be an example to those who live ungodly?
"And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly," II Peter 2:6.
8. How does Christ express the same thought?
But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed," Luke 17:29, 30.
9. How did the smoke of these burning cities appear to Abraham?
"And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the Lord: and he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace," Genesis 19:27, 28.
10. What does the Psalmist say of the punishment of the wicked?
Upon the wicked He shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup," Psalm 11:6.
11. Will there be any place for the wicked?
"For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be," Psalm 37:10.
12. When this prophecy is fulfilled, where and in what condition will the wicked be?
"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch . . . . And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts," Malachi 4:1, 3.
13. Where will the wicked be rewarded?
"Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner," Proverbs 11:31.
Ask for the guide-book, the Bible from heaven,
For our salvation its pages were given.
If for a truth you are seeking today,
Ask for the guidebook, it teaches the way;
Thousands are traveling in death's downward way.
Few walk the path that is narrow today;
One leads to darkness, the other to light;
One is the wrong way, the other is right.
Christ the Great Teacher
1. What report did the officers bring who were sent out by the chief priests and Pharisees to take Jesus?
"The officers answered, Never man spake like this man," John 7:46.
2. How did Christ teach the people?
"For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes," Matthew 7:29.
3. Why was Christ's teaching so impressive?
"And they were astonished at His doctrine; for His word was with power," Luke 4:32.
4. With what was He filled?
"And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness," Luke 4:1.
5. How freely was the Holy Spirit bestowed upon Him?
"For He Whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him," John 3:34.
6. How had Christ's teachings by parables been foretold?
"I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old," Psalm 78:2.
7. How was this fulfilled?
"All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake He not unto them," Matthew 13:34.
8. What question did Christ's wonderful teaching call forth?
"And when He was come into His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?" Matthew 13:54.
9. According to the prophet what would be Christ's attitude toward the law of God?
"The Lord is well pleased for His Righteousness' sake; He will magnify the law, and make it honourable," Isaiah 42:21.
10. In the sermon on the mount, what did Christ say as to the lasting force of His Father's law?
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled," Matthew 5:17, 18.
11. In what special way did Christ magnify the law of His Father?
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire," Matthew 5:21-22.
12. What lesson is Christ here setting before the people?
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God," verse 8.
NOTE: Here we find Christ teaching the people that the impure thoughts are a violation of His Father's law, and that one will be punished for entertaining these thoughts within his mind. For further information on this same thought see verses 27, 28 of this chapter.
13. By whose authority did Christ speak?
"For I have not spoken of Myself; but the Father which sent Me, He gave Me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak," John 12:49.
"He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father's which sent me," John 14:24.
14. How profitable are His Father's commandments?
"And I know that His commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto Me, so I speak," John 12:50.
15. How does the Psalmist express this same thought?
"Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward," Psalm 19:11.
16. In the Revelation of Christ how is this same thought carried out?
"Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city," Revelation 22:14.
17. What does John say of the great Teacher?
"In Him was life; and the life was the light of men," John 1:4.
18. In referring to His own life, what does Christ say?
"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.
19. To what life did He refer?
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world," John 9:5.
There's but one book, one hope, one creed;
There's but one way to meet the need;
There's but one thought to give to men,
And that is Christ, our diadem.
The Christ of hope, of peace, of love;
And make it like to heaven above;
To give mankind the power divine,
Who said to us, "The world is thine."
Go fill it full of mercy, love,
And make it like to heaven above.
That all may know there's but one way
To live in Christ, with God to stay.
Selected
Reconciled to God
1. What is enmity to God?
"The carnal mind is enmity against God," Romans 8:7, first part.
2. Why is the carnal mind considered an enmity?
For it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be," last part of same verse.
3. Can one please God while he is carnally minded?
"So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God," verse 8.
4. What will those receive who remain in that state?
"For to be carnally minded is death, verse 6.
5. How may this condition be changed?
"We pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God," II Corinthians 5:20.
6. How was this reconciliation brought about in the case of the wicked Ninevites, when Jonah prophesied their destruction?
The King of Nineveh said, "Let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands." "And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that He had said that He would do unto them; and He did it not," Jonah 3:8, 10.
7. Are repentance, confession, and a new life, essential to reconciliation in the gospel age also?
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out," Acts 3:19.
"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.
8. Is this work effected independently of the sinner's action?
"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.
"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.
9. How is the carnal mind destroyed?
"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," Romans 6:6.
10. When the work on the part of the sinner has been thoroughly done, how complete will be the change in him?
"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.
11. How may we know whether or not one has experienced this change?
"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them," Matthew 7:20.
12. If one has a spiritual mind, what fruit will he bear?
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance," Galatians 5:22, 23.
13. What is the first result of justification?
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," Romans 5:1.
14. How complete is the justification of that person who becomes reconciled to God?
"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.
15. When thus reconciled to God, how will the individual stand?
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit," Romans 8:1.
Continue with Part 4.
Return to Part 1.
Return to Home.