How, When, and Why Written

After the flood, as men became numerous, and darkness was again settling over the world, holy men wrote as they were moved by the Spirit of God. Thus God spoke to His people, and through them to the world, that a knowledge of God and of His will might not perish from the earth.

For centuries this work went on, until Christ, the promised Seed, came. With Him, and the blessed message of light and salvation proclaimed by Him and by His apostles, the Scripture record closed, and the Word of God was complete.

Original Writings and Translations

The Old Testament Scriptures were first written in Hebrew, upon scrolls, or rolls of parchment, linen, or papyrus. These were later translated into Greek, the oldest translation being known as the Septuagint, or “Version of the Seventy,” made at Alexandria, for the Alexandrian Library, by a company of seventy learned Jews, under the patronage of Ptolemy Philadelphus, [pg 014] about 285 b.c. The original order for this translation is said to have been given by Alexander the Great, who previously, upon visiting Jerusalem in 332 b.c., had learned from the prophecy of Daniel that Grecia was to overthrow the Persian kingdom. See Josephus's “Antiquities of the Jews,” book 11, chap. 8, par. 5. This was the version in common use in the time of Christ.

The New Testament was all originally written in Greek, except Matthew, which was first written in Hebrew, and later translated into Greek.

Gutenberg Printing The Bible

At an early date, Latin translations, both of the Septuagint and of the Greek New Testament, were made by different individuals, and the more carefully prepared Latin Vulgate of Jerome, the Bible complete, was made a.d. 383-405.

Printing and the Bible

Printing, however, being yet unknown, copies of the Bible could be produced only by the slow, laborious, and expensive process of handwriting. This necessarily greatly limited its circulation. Worse still, its illuminating and saving truths were largely hidden for centuries by the errors, superstitions, and apostasy of the dark ages. During this time the common people knew little of its contents.

But with the invention of the art of printing about the middle of the fifteenth century, and with the dawn of the great Reformation in the century following, the Bible entered upon a new era, preparatory to the final proclamation of the gospel throughout the world.

Luther Translating The Bible

Not a little significant is the fact that the first book printed from movable type was the Bible in Latin, which came from the press of John Gutenberg, at Mentz, Germany, in 1456, a copy of which, in 1911, was sold in New York City for fifty thousand dollars, the highest price ever paid for a single book.

The Bible in Native Tongues

Thus far, however, the Bible had been published only in ancient tongues, now little understood by the common people. Without the Word of God in their hands, the good seed sown among them was easily destroyed. “O,” said the advocates of its pure teachings, “if the people only had the Word of God in their own language, this would not happen! Without this it will be impossible to establish the laity in the truth.”

And why should they not have it in their own tongue? they reasoned. Moses wrote in the language of the people of his time; the prophets spoke in the tongue familiar to the men whom [pg 016] they addressed; and the New Testament was written in the language then current throughout the Roman world.

The translation of the Bible into English by John Wyclif, in 1380, was the chief event in the beginning of the Reformation. It also prepared the way for the revival of Christianity in England, and the multiplying there of the Word by the millions, for all the world, that has followed.

To make such a translation at that time, says Neander, “required a bold spirit which no danger could appal.” For making it Wyclif was attacked from various quarters, because, it was claimed, “he was introducing among the multitude a book reserved exclusively for the use of the priests.” In the general denunciation it was declared that “thus was the gospel by him laid more open to the laity, and to women who could read, than it had formerly been to the most learned of the clergy; and in this way the gospel pearl is cast abroad, and trodden underfoot of swine.” In the preface to his translation, Wyclif exhorted all the people to read the Scriptures.

A sense of awe and a thrill of joy filled the heart of the great German Reformer, when, at the age of twenty, while examining the volumes in the library of the university of Erfurt, he held in his hands, for the first time in his life, a complete copy of the Bible. “O God,” he murmured, “could I but have one of these books, I would ask no other treasure.” A little later he found in a convent a chained Bible. To this he had constant recourse.

But all these Bibles here, as elsewhere, save in England, were in an ancient tongue, and could be read only by the educated. Why, thought Luther, should the living Word be confined to dead languages? Like Wyclif, therefore, he resolved to give his countrymen the Bible in their own tongue. This he did, the New Testament in 1522, and the Bible complete, the crowning work of his life, in 1534.

Impressed with the idea that the people should read the Scriptures in their mother tongue, William Tyndale, likewise, in 1525, gave to the English his translation of the New Testament, and later, of portions of the Old Testament Scriptures. His ardent desire that they should know the Bible was well expressed in the statement that if God spared his life he would cause the boy that drives the plow to know more of the Scriptures than was commonly known by the divines of his day.

The first complete printed English Bible was that of Miles Coverdale, printed at Zurich, Switzerland, in 1535. Matthew's Bible, Taverner's Bible, and The Great Bible prepared at the suggestion of Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, appeared soon after. Thus the light of truth began to shine forth once more; but not without opposition.

Burning of Bibles

As Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and the princes under King Zedekiah showed their contempt for God by burning the writings of Jeremiah, and confining the prophet in a dungeon (Jer. 36:20-23; 38:1-6), so now men sought to stem the rising tide of reform by burning the Bible and its translators.

Bible burning was inaugurated in England by the destruction of copies of the Antwerp edition of Tyndale's New Testament, at St. Paul's Cross, London, in 1527, followed by the burning of a second edition in 1530. A little later there were wholesale burnings of the writings and translations of Wyclif, Tyndale, Basil, Barnes, Coverdale, and others.

Burning Of Bibles At St. Paul's Cross, London

Forty-three years after the death of Wyclif, or in a.d. 1428, by order of the Council of Constance his bones were dug up and burned. Oct. 6, 1536, by order of Charles V of Germany, Tyndale was strangled and burned at the stake at Vilvorde, near Brussels. “If Luther will not retract,” wrote Henry VIII of England, “let himself and his writings be committed to the flames.”

Such, under the spiritual tyranny that ruled in those times, was the fate of many who stood for God and His Word.

The Word Not Bound

But the Word of God could not be forever bound. In attempting to prevent its circulation men soon discovered that they were undertaking a work beyond their strength.

The Bible had taken deep root in the hearts of the people. What kings and prelates had sought to suppress and destroy, kings and prelates now began to foster and supply.

In his “Stories From English History,” pages 196, 197, Henry P. Warren says: “Henry, by Cromwell's advice, ordered a translation of the Bible to be made in English, and a copy to be placed in every church. There had been English translations before, but they had not been in the hands of the people generally, and had only been read secretly and in fear.... Cromwell then appointed Cranmer and the bishops to revise the Bible, and publish it without note or comment; and in the year 1539 a copy of the English Bible was chained to the reading-desk of every parish church. From that time the Bible has never ceased to be printed and sold freely.”

The Chained Bible

Says Charles C. Coffin, in his “Story of Liberty,” page 44: “The people listen to the reading with wonder and delight. They begin to think; and when men begin to think, they take a step toward freedom. They see that the Bible gives them rights which hitherto have been denied them,—the right to read, to acquire knowledge. Schools are started. Men and women who till now have not known a letter of the alphabet, learn to read; children teach their parents. It is the beginning of a new life, a new order of things in the community—the beginning of liberty.”

The Bible to All the World

Finally great Bible societies were organized in England, America, and many of the countries of Europe, for the purpose of giving the Bible to the world,—to every nation, kindred, [pg 019] tongue, and people in its own language. Since its organization in 1804, the British and Foreign Bible Society, up to 1912, had published the Scriptures, or portions of them in 440 languages and dialects, with a total of 53,274,516 entire Bibles, 84,059,610 New Testaments, and 89,816,644 portions of the Bible, or a grand total of 227,150,770 copies.

British And Foreign Bible Society House, London

The total issue of the American Bible Society in the first ninety-six years following its organization, or from 1816 to 1912, amounts to 96,219,105 copies. It now publishes the Bible in over one hundred languages.

These, while the largest of their kind, are but two of the twenty-seven Bible societies now disseminating the Scriptures.

Thus is the world being provided with the Word of God, preparatory to the giving of the closing gospel message to all mankind, the ending of the reign of sin, and the advent of the Lord in glory. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matt. 24:14.

Bible Readings; Their Value and Use

Briefly stated, a Bible reading consists of questions asked concerning some subject, and answers to them from the Bible. In other words, Bible readings mean a topical study of the Bible by means of questions and answers.

In either receiving or imparting knowledge, there is nothing like the interrogation-point. Nothing so readily quickens thought or awakens interest as a question. Children would learn little if they asked no questions, and he would indeed be a poor teacher who asked and answered none.

Knowing the value of this means of awakening thought, arousing interest, and imparting information, God, in His wisdom, inspired those who wrote the Bible to ask many questions, that He might set us to thinking and studying about the great themes with which it deals. See Job 38:4, 7; 14:14; Ps. 8:4; Mal. 3:1, 2, 8; Ex. 32:26; 1 Chron. 29:5.

But God not only asks questions; He answers them. The [pg 022] following may be cited as a few short Bible readings, taken, both questions and answers, directly from the Bible itself:—

“What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?

“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Ps. 34:12-14.

“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

“They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.” Prov. 23:29, 30.

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in His holy place?

“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” Ps. 24:3-5. See also Psalm 15 and Isa. 33:14-17.

The Bible itself, therefore, sets the example of giving instruction and of imparting most valuable information by means of asking questions and answering them.

The readings in this book as originally prepared were contributed by a large number of Bible workers, whose experience in giving Bible readings had taught them the most effective methods of presenting the different subjects treated. Over one million two hundred and fifty thousand copies of the book as thus prepared have been sold.

The work has recently been thoroughly revised and rewritten, much enlarged, entirely reillustrated, with the readings classified and carefully arranged according to topics, by a large committee of able critics and Bible students. So extensive has been the revision, and so much and valuable the new matter added, that the present work is practically a new book, although retaining the same name and the same general plan as the former work. Thus prepared, it is once more sent forth on its mission of light and blessing.

As a help in enabling the reader quickly to discover the words which most directly answer the question asked, they are generally printed in italic, unless the entire scripture quoted is required for the purpose.

“Bible Readings” will be found an excellent aid to private, family, and public study of the Word of God.

The Scriptures

1. By what name are the sacred writings of the Bible commonly known?

“Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?” Matt. 21:42.

2. What other title is given this revelation of God to man?

“And He answered and said unto them, My mother and My brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” Luke 8:21.

3. How were the Scriptures given?

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” 2 Tim. 3:16.

4. By whom were the men directed who thus spoke for God?

“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21.

5. What specific instance is mentioned by Peter?

“Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.” Acts 1:16.

6. How does David express this same truth?

“The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and His word was in my tongue.” 2 Sam. 23:2.

7. Who, therefore, did the speaking through these men?

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets.” Heb. 1:1.

8. For what purpose were the Scriptures written?

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Rom. 15:4.

9. For what is all scripture profitable?

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Tim. 3:16.

10. What was God's design in thus giving the Scriptures?

“That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Verse 17.

11. What estimate did Job place upon the words of God?

“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12.

12. Upon what evidence did Jesus base His Messiahship?

“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27.

13. What three general divisions did Jesus recognize as including all the writings of the Old Testament?

“And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning Me.” Verse 44.

14. What does God's character preclude Him from doing?

“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” Titus 1:2.

15. What is God called in the Scriptures?

“He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He.” Deut. 32:4.

16. What, therefore, must be the character of His word?

“Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” John 17:17.

17. What test should therefore be applied to every professed teacher of truth?

“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. 8:20.

18. What does God design that His word shall be to us in this world of darkness, sin, and death?

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Ps. 119:105.

19. To what extent has God magnified His word?

“Thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name.” Ps. 138:2.

20. In what is the true poetry of life to be found?

“Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.” Ps. 119:54.

21. How long will the word of God endure?

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.” Isa. 40:8. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” Matt. 24:35.

The Study Of The Scriptures

Searching The Scriptures. "Study to show thyself approved unto God." 2 Tim. 2:15.

1. What did Christ say to the Jews concerning the study of the Scriptures?

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

2. For what were the Bereans commended?

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

3. By what comparison is it indicated that some portions of God's Word are more difficult to understand than others?

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of [pg 029] the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” Heb. 5:12.

4. In what way is this comparison further explained?

“For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Verses 13, 14.

5. What writings are specifically mentioned as containing some things difficult to understand?

“And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:15, 16.

6. Who alone comprehends the things of God?

“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” 1 Cor. 2:11.

7. How thoroughly does the Spirit search out the hidden treasures of truth?

“But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” Verse 10.

8. What is one purpose for which the Holy Spirit was sent?

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26.

9. Why cannot the natural man receive the things of the Spirit?

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Cor. 2:14.

10. For what spiritual enlightenment should every one pray?

“Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.” Ps. 119:18.

11. For what spiritual gift did the apostle Paul pray?

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Eph. 1:17.

12. Upon what conditions is an understanding of divine things promised?

“Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” Prov. 2:3-5.

13. What great blessing did Christ confer upon His disciples after His resurrection?

“Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45.

14. What beings of a higher order than man desire to study the truths revealed in the gospel of Christ?

“Which things the angels desire to look into.” 1 Peter 1:12

15. What is promised him who wills to do God's will?

“If any man will [willeth to, R. V.] do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself.” John 7:17.

16. How did Christ reprove those who, though familiar with the letter of the Scriptures, failed to understand them?

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.” Matt. 22:29.

17. What are the Scriptures able to do for one who believes them?

“And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:15.

18. When asked by the rich young man the conditions of eternal life, to what did Jesus direct his attention?

“He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?” Luke 10:26.

Jesus At The Home Of Martha And Mary. "Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42.

19. Whom did Jesus pronounce blessed?

“But He said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:28.

20. What did Christ say concerning the book of Daniel?

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

21. What other book of the Bible is especially commended for our study?

“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy [the book of Revelation], and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Rev. 1:3.

Power In The Word

Christ The Word. "He spake, and it was." Ps. 33:9.

1. Through what agency did God create the heavens?

“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.” “For He spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” Ps. 33:6, 9.

2. By what does Christ uphold all things?

“Upholding all things by the word of His power.” Heb. 1:3.

3. Of what are some willingly ignorant?

“For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.” 2 Peter 3:5, 6.

4. By what are the present heavens and earth reserved for a similar fate?

“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.” Verse 7.

5. In what other scripture is it shown that creative power is exercised through the word of God?

“Let them praise the name of the Lord: for He commanded, and they were created.” Ps. 148:5.

6. What change is wrought in one who is in Christ?

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature [there is a new creation, R. V., margin]: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17.

7. What is this new creation also called?

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3.

8. Through what agency is this new creation, or new birth, accomplished?

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” 1 Peter 1:23.

9. What is the first creative commandment recorded in the Bible? and what was the result of it?

“And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” Gen. 1:3.

10. What connection is there between the creation of light in the beginning, and the light of the gospel?

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Cor. 4:6.

11. Why were the people astonished at Christ's teaching?

“And they were astonished at His doctrine: for His word was with power.” Luke 4:32.

12. What testified to the power of the word of Christ?

“And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.” Verse 36.

13. What did Christ say is the seed of the kingdom of God?

“The seed is the word of God.” Luke 8:11.

14. Where should the word of Christ dwell?

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” Col. 3:16.

15. What did Christ say of the unbelieving Jews respecting the word of God?

“Ye have not His word abiding in you: for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not.” John 5:38.

16. How does the word of God work in the believer?

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, [pg 036] when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” 1 Thess. 2:13.

The Centurion. "Speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed." Matt. 8:8.

17. What nature is imparted through the promises of God?

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4.

18. By what are believers made clean?

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” John 15:3.

19. How may a young man cleanse his way?

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy word.” Ps. 119:9.

20. How did God heal His people anciently?

“He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” Ps. 107:20.

21. How did the centurion show his faith in the power of Christ's word to heal?

“The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.” Matt. 8:8.

22. What power has the word when hidden in the heart?

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” Ps. 119:11. See also Ps. 17:4.

23. Why did God humble Israel, and suffer them to hunger?

“And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, ... that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.” Deut. 8:3.

24. What is required beyond a mere hearing of the word?

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22.

25. What is the result of doing God's will?

“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” 1 John 2:17.

The Life-Giving Word

The Raising Of Jairus's Daughter. "His commandment is life everlasting." John 12:50.

1. What is the nature of the word of God?

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb. 4:12.

2. How are the oracles of God described?

“This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us.” Acts 7:38.

3. What did Christ declare His words to be?

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63.

4. What was Peter's testimony concerning Christ's words?

“Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” Verse 68.

5. What did Christ declare His Father's commandment to be?

“And I know that His commandment is life everlasting.” John 12:50.

6. What lesson was intended by feeding the children of Israel with the manna?

“And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.” Deut. 8:3.

7. What interpretation did Jesus give to this lesson?

“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” John 6:32, 33.

8. In further explanation of the meaning of this lesson, what did Jesus declare Himself to be?

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

9. What benefit is derived from eating this bread of life?

“As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.” Verses 57, 58.

10. What instance is recorded of one who fed upon the true manna?

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jer. 15:16.

11. What name is applied to Jesus as the revelation of the thought of God in the flesh?

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1. “And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God.” Rev. 19:13.

12. What was in the Word?

“In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4.

13. What is Jesus therefore also called?

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life.” 1 John 1:1.

14. Why did the Jews fail to find life in the Scriptures?

“Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life.” John 5:39, 40.

15. What constitutes a part of Christian experience?

“And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come.” Heb. 6:5. See answer to question 10.

16. In assigning him his life-work, what instruction did Jesus give to Peter?

“Jesus saith unto him, Feed My sheep.” John 21:17.

17. What apostolic injunction indicates the way in which this instruction is to be obeyed?

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” 2 Tim. 4:1, 2.

18. How are we instructed to pray for both physical and spiritual nourishment?

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Matt. 6:11.

Christ In All The Bible

On The Way To Emmaus. "He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27.

1. Of whom did Christ say the Scriptures testify?

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

2. Of whom did Moses and the prophets write?

“Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45.

3. From whose words did Christ say the disciples ought to have learned of His death and resurrection?

“O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?” Luke 24:25, 26.

4. How did Christ make it clear to them that the Scriptures testify of Him?

“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Verse 27

5. What did He say a little later to the eleven?

“These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning Me.” Verse 44.

6. Where in the Bible do we find the first promise of a Redeemer?

“And the Lord God said unto the serpent, ... I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.” Gen. 3:14, 15.

7. In what words was this promise renewed to Abraham?

“In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” Gen. 22:18. See also Gen. 26:4; 28:14.

8. To whom did this promised seed refer?

“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.” Gal. 3:16.

9. Whom did God promise to send with Israel to guide them into the promised land?

“Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.” Ex. 23:20.

10. Who was the Rock that went with them?

“And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed [went with, margin] them: and that Rock was Christ.” 1 Cor. 10:4.

11. In what prophecy are Christ's life, suffering, and death touchingly foretold?

In the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah.

12. Where is the price of Christ's betrayal foretold?

“So they weighed for My price thirty pieces of silver.” Zech. 11:12. See Matt. 26:15.

13. Where in the Psalms are Christ's dying words recorded?

“My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?” Ps. 22:1. See Matt. 27:46. “Into Thine hand I commit My spirit.” Ps. 31:5. See Luke 23:46.

14. How is Christ's resurrection foretold in the Psalms?

Made Known In The Breaking Of Bread. "Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?" Luke 24:32.

“I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto Me, Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee.” Ps. 2:7. See Acts 13:33.

15. Where again in the Psalms is His resurrection foretold?

“For Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.” Ps. 16:10. See Acts 2:25-31.

16. In what words does Daniel foretell Christ's receiving His kingdom?

“I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him near before Him. And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” Dan. 7:13, 14.

See also Luke 1:32, 33; 19:11, 12; Rev. 11:15.

17. How is Christ's second coming described in the Psalms?

“Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together before the Lord; for He cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall He judge the world, and the people with equity.” Ps. 98:8, 9. “Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about Him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that He may judge His people. Gather My saints together unto Me; those that have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.” Ps. 50:3-5.

18. What is Christ to one renewed after God's image? “Christ is all, and in all.” Col. 3:11.

Titles Of Christ

Creation And The Creator

Creation. "Behold, it was very good." Gen. 1:31.

1. By whom were the heavens and the earth created?

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Gen. 1:1.

2. Through whom did God create all things?

“For by Him [the Son] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him.” Col. 1:16. “All things were made by Him [through Him, R. V., margin]: and without Him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:3. See also Heb. 1:1, 2.

3. What do the heavens declare?

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork.” Ps. 19:1.

4. What was God's object in making the earth?

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

5. In whose image was man created?

“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.” Gen. 1:27.

6. What home did God make for man in the beginning?

“And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food.... And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” Gen. 2:8-15.

7. What may be perceived through the things that are made?

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

8. Whose workmanship is the Christian?

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:10.

9. What assurance is given concerning the unfailing power of the Creator?

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding.” Isa. 40:28.

10. What encouraging statement follows concerning the supply of power to the faint?

“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” Verse 29.

11. To whom are those who suffer exhorted to commit their souls?

“Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:19, R. V.

12. What gave special force to the oath of an angel?

“And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by Him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer.” Rev. 10:5, 6.

13. What contrast is drawn in the Scriptures between the Creator and false gods?

“Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.... The portion of Jacob is not like them: for He is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of His inheritance: The Lord of hosts is His name.” Jer. 10:11-16.

14. To whom is our worship justly due?

“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” Ps. 95:6.

15. In view of the curse upon this creation, what has God promised?

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” Isa. 65:17. See Rev. 21:1.

16. What is the true basis of the brotherhood of man?

“Have we not all one Father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?” Mal. 2:10.

The Origin Of Evil

The Fall Of Satan. "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." Luke 10:18.

1. With whom did sin originate?

“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.” 1 John 3:8.

2. From what time has the devil been a murderer?

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.” John 8:44.

3. What is the devil's relationship to lying?

“When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” Same verse.

4. Was Satan created sinful?

“Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” Eze. 28:15.

5. What further statement of Christ seems to lay the responsibility for the origin of sin upon Satan and his angels?

“Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matt. 25:41.

6. What led to Satan's sin, rebellion, and downfall?

“Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” Eze. 28:17. “Thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: ... I will be like the Most High.” Isa. 14:13, 14.

7. In contrast with the pride and self-exaltation exhibited by Satan, what spirit did Christ manifest?

“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Phil. 2:6-8.

8. After man had sinned, how did God show His love, and His willingness to forgive?

“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.

Cain And Abel--The First Murder. "Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother." 1 John 3:12.

The Fall And Redemption Of Man

Sin And Its Remedy. "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:23.

1. What is sin declared to be?

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4.

2. What precedes the manifestation of sin?

“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin.” James 1:15.

3. What is the final result or fruit of sin?

“And sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” Same verse. “The wages of sin is death.” Rom. 6:23.

4. Upon how many of the human race did death pass as the result of Adam's transgression?

“By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Rom. 5:12. “In Adam all die.” 1 Cor. 15:22.

5. How was the earth itself affected by Adam's sin?

“Cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee.” Gen. 3:17, 18.

6. What additional curse came as the result of the first murder?

“And the Lord said unto Cain, ... And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; when thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength.” Gen. 4:9-12.

7. What terrible judgment came in consequence of continued sin and transgression against God?

“And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth.... The end of all flesh is come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence.” “And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.... The same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.” Gen. 6:7-13; 7:6-11.

8. After the flood, what came in consequence of further apostasy from God?

“And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let Us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.” Gen. 11:5-8.

9. Into what condition has sin brought the entire creation?

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” Rom. 8:22.

10. What explains God's apparent delay in dealing with sin?

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

11. What is God's attitude toward the sinner?

“For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” Eze. 18:32.

12. Can man free himself from the dominion of sin?

“Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his [pg 055] spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.” Jer. 13:23.

13. What place has the will in determining whether man shall have life?

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

14. To what extent has Christ suffered for sinners?

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isa. 53:5.

15. For what purpose was Christ manifested?

“And we know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin.... He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:5-8.

16. What was one direct purpose of the incarnation of Christ?

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Heb. 2:14.

17. What triumphant chorus will mark the end of the reign of sin?

“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 forever and ever.” Rev. 5:13.

18. When and by what means will the effects of sin be removed?

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10.

19. How will the curse of the confusion of tongues be brought to an end?

“For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they [pg 056] may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one consent.” Zeph. 3:9.

20. How thoroughly will the effects of sin be removed?

“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.” Rev. 21:4. “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it [the holy city]; and His servants shall serve Him.” Rev. 22:3.

21. Will sin and its evil results ever appear again?

“What do ye imagine against the Lord? He will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.” Nahum 1:9. “There shall be no more death.” “And there shall be no more curse.” Rev. 21:4; 22:3.

Creation And Redemption

Creative Power. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works." Eph. 2:10.

1. What is revealed concerning God in the first verse of the Bible?

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Gen. 1:1.

2. What contrast is repeatedly drawn in the Scriptures between the true God and false gods?

“Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.... The portion of Jacob is not like them: for He is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of His inheritance: The Lord of hosts is His name.” Jer. 10:11-16. See Jer. 14:22; Acts 17:22-29; Rev. 14:6-10.

3. Through whom did God work in creating all things?

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:1-3.

4. Through whom is redemption wrought?

“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” Rom. 5:8, 9.

5. In what scripture do we learn that Christ, the active agent in creation, is also the head of the church?

“For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He 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 preeminence.” Col. 1:16-18.

6. What scripture shows that the Creator is also the Redeemer?

“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” Isa. 43:1.

7. Who is declared to be the source of power to the weak?

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” Isa. 40:28, 29.

8. What prayer of David shows that he regarded redemption as a creative work?

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Ps. 51:10.

9. Who keeps the heavenly bodies in their places?

“To whom then will ye liken Me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: He calleth them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth.” Isa. 40:25, 26.

10. What can the same Holy One do for the believer?

“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 24, 25.

11. What is the measure of the power which is available for the help of the believer?

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being [pg 059] enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places.” Eph. 1:17-20.

12. How great was the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage?

“Ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it?... Hath God assayed to go and take Him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?” Deut. 4:32-34.

13. What scripture plainly states that it is creative power which transforms the believer?

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:10.

14. Of what great work is the Sabbath both a memorial and a sign?

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man servant, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Ex. 20:8-11. “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” Ex. 31:17.

15. Inasmuch as creation and redemption are both wrought by the same creative power, of what besides the original creation was the Sabbath given to be a sign?

“Moreover also I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them.” Eze. 20:12.

16. Through whose agency is the material universe sustained?

“And He [Christ] is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Col. 1:17, R. V., margin.

17. What statement shows that all things, both material and spiritual, are sustained by the same personal agency?

“But to us there is ... one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him.” 1 Cor. 8:6.

18. Why is God worthy to receive glory and honor?

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.” Rev. 4:11.

The Character And Attributes Of God

The Bow Of Promise. "This is the token of the covenant." Gen. 9:17.

1. In what one word is the character of God expressed?

“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:8.

2. What are some of the attributes of God?

“The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works.” Ps. 145:17.

3. Does Christ possess these same attributes?

“By His knowledge shall My righteous servant [Christ] justify many.” Isa. 53:11. “Neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.” Acts 2:27.

4. When proclaiming His name to Moses, how did the Lord define His character?

“And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.” Ex. 34:5-7.

5. What is said of the tender compassion of God?

“But Thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Ps. 86:15.

6. What is said of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises?

“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.” Deut. 7:9.

7. What is said of the strength and wisdom of God?

“Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: He is mighty in strength and wisdom.” Job 36:5.

8. What treasures are hid in Christ?

“In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Col. 2:3.

9. In what language is the justice of God described?

“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He.” Deut. 32:4.

10. In what words is His impartiality proclaimed?

“For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.” Deut. 10:17. “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.” Acts 10: 34, 35.

11. To how many is the Lord good?

“The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Ps. 145:9.

12. Why did Christ tell us to love our enemies?

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matt. 5:44, 45.

13. How perfect does Christ tell His followers to be?

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Verse 48.

The Love Of God

The Burial Of Christ. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." John 3:16.

1. What is God declared to be?

“God is love.” 1 John 4:16.

2. How great is God's love for the world?

“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.

3. In what act especially has God's love been manifested?

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9.

4. In what does God delight?

“Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy.” Micah 7:18.

5. How are His mercies continually manifested?

“It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.” Lam. 3:22, 23.

6. Upon how many does God bestow His blessings?

“He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and [pg 064] sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matt. 5:45

7. What did Jesus say of the one who loves Him?

“He that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself unto him.” John 14:21.

8. Into what relationship to God does His love bring us?

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1.

9. How may we know that we are the sons of God?

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.... The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Rom. 8:14-16.

10. How is the love of God supplied to the believer?

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Rom. 5:5.

11. In view of God's great love to us, what ought we to do?

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” 1 John 4:11.

12. With what measure of love should we serve others?

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16.

13. What exhortation is based upon Christ's love for us?

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.” Eph. 5:2.

14. Upon what ground does God's work for sinners rest?

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Eph. 2:4-6. See Titus 3:5, 6.

15. In what other way is God's love sometimes shown?

“For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.” Heb. 12:6.

16. In view of God's great love, what may we confidently expect?

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

Bearing The Cross. "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love." Jer. 31:3.

17. What is God's love able to do for His children?

“Nevertheless the Lord thy God would not harken unto Balaam; but the Lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee.” Deut. 23:5.

18. When men appreciate God's love, what will they do?

“How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings.” Ps. 36:7.

19. How enduring is God's love for us?

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” Jer. 31:3.

20. Can anything separate the true child of God from the love of God?

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 8:38, 39.

21. Unto whom will the saints forever ascribe praise?

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, ... to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.” Rev. 1:5, 6.

The Deity Of Christ

Raising The Widow's Son. "In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Col. 2:9.

1. How has the Father shown that His Son is one person of the Godhead?

“But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy kingdom.” Heb. 1:8.

2. In what other scripture is the same truth taught?

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1.

3. In what way did Christ refer to the eternity of His being?

“And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was.” John 17:5. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2. See margin; and Matt. 2:6; John 8:58; Ex. 3:13, 14.

4. How was Christ begotten in the flesh?

“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35.

5. What scripture states that the Son of God was God manifested in the flesh?

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:1, 14.

6. What does Christ say is His relation to the Father?

“I and My Father are one.” John 10:30.

7. How was He manifested on earth as a Saviour?

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11.

8. Why was it necessary that He should be born thus, and partake of human nature?

“Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Heb. 2:17.

9. How was He recognized by the Father while on earth?

“And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matt. 3:17.

10. What shows that Christ sustains the same relation to the angels as does the Father?

“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works.” Matt. 16:27. See Matt. 24:31.

11. How did Christ assert an equal proprietorship with His Father in the kingdom?

“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.” Matt. 13:41.

12. To whom do the elect equally belong?

“And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?” Luke 18:7. “And He [the Son of man] shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matt. 24:31.

13. Who are equally joined in bestowing the final rewards?

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him [God, the Father]: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Heb. 11:6. “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works.” Matt. 16:27.

14. What fulness dwells in Christ?

“For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Col. 2:9.

15. What does God (Jehovah) declare Himself to be?

“Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and His Redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside Me there is no God.” Isa. 44:6.

16. In what scripture does Christ adopt the same expression?

“And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” Rev. 22:12, 13.

17. Having such a wonderful Saviour, what are we exhorted to do?

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Heb. 4:14, 15.

Prophecies Relating To Christ

The Star Of Bethlehem. "There shall come a Star out of Jacob." Num. 24:17.

1. Whom did Moses say the Lord would raise up?

“The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me, unto Him ye shall harken.” Deut. 18:15. See also verse 18.

2. What use of this prophecy by the apostle Peter shows that it referred to Christ?

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

3. In what language did Isaiah foretell Christ's birth?

“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Isa. 7:14.

4. In what event was this prophecy fulfilled?

“Now all this was done [the birth of Jesus of the Virgin Mary], that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matt. 1:22, 23.

5. Where was the Messiah to be born?

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

6. When was Jesus born?

“Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king.” Matt. 2:1.

7. Under what striking emblem was He prophesied of by Balaam?

“There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Num. 24:17.

8. In what scripture does Christ apply the same emblem to Himself?

“I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” Rev. 22:16. See also 2 Peter 1:19; Rev. 2:28.

9. What prophecy was fulfilled in the slaughter of the children of Bethlehem?

“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.” Matt. 2:16-18.

10. How was Christ's first advent to be heralded?

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

11. By whom was this fulfilled?

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

12. How was Christ to be received by His own people?

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and [pg 073] acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.” Isa. 53:3.

Christ Before Pilate. "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth." Isa. 53:7.

13. How is the fulfilment of this prophecy recorded?

“He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:10, 11.

14. What was predicted of Christ's preaching?

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Isa. 61:1.

15. What application did Jesus make of this prophecy?

“And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.... And He began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” Luke 4:16-21. See Luke 7:19-22.

16. How, according to prophecy, was Christ to conduct Himself when on trial?

“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth.” Isa. 53:7.

17. When accused by His enemies before Pilate, how did Christ treat these accusations?

“Then said Pilate unto Him, Hearest Thou not how many things they witness against Thee? And He answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly.” Matt. 27:13, 14.

18. What prophecy foretold of the disposal of Christ's garments at the crucifixion?

“They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.” Ps. 22:18.

19. What record answers to this prophecy?

“And they crucified Him, and parted His garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted My garments among them, and upon My vesture did they cast lots.” Matt. 27:35.

20. What was foretold of His treatment while on the cross?

“They gave Me also gall for My meat; and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink.” Ps. 69:21.

21. What was offered Christ at His crucifixion?

“They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.” Matt. 27:34. See also John 19:28-30, and page 167 of this work.

22. With whom did the prophet Isaiah say Christ would make His grave?

“And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death.” Isa. 53:9.

23. With whom was Christ crucified?

“Then were there two thieves crucified with Him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.” Matt. 27:38.

24. Who took charge of Christ's body after it was taken down from the cross?

“A rich man of Arimathæa, named Joseph, ... went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.... He wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock.” Verses 57-60.

25. What experience in the life of a noted prophet indicated the length of Christ's stay in the grave?

“But He answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: for as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matt. 12:39,40.

26. What prophecy foretold Christ's triumph over death?

“For Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.” Ps. 16:10. See Acts 2:24-27.

Christ The Way Of Life

At Jacob's Well. "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst." John 4:14.

1. What does Jesus declare Himself to be?

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6.

2. In what condition are all men?

“But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin.” Gal. 3:22. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23.

3. What are the wages of sin?

“The wages of sin is death.” Rom. 6:23.

4. How many are affected by Adam's transgression?

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men.” Rom. 5:12.

5. What is the gift of God?

“The gift of God is eternal life.” Rom. 6:23.

6. How many may receive this gift?

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

7. In whom is the gift?

“This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 1 John 5:11.

8. In receiving the Son, what do we have in Him?

“He that hath the Son hath life.” Verse 12.

9. What loss do those sustain who do not accept Him?

“And he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” Same verse.

10. In what other way is this same truth stated?

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36.

11. After one truly receives Christ, whose life will be manifested in him?

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20.

12. In what condition are all before they are quickened with Christ?

“God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ.” Eph. 2:4, 5.

13. What is this change from death to life called?

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” 1 Peter 1:23.

14. When man first transgressed, what was done to prevent him from living forever in sin?

“And now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.... So He drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Gen. 3:22-24.

15. What is declared to be one purpose of Christ's death?

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Heb. 2:14.

16. Through whom will Abraham receive the promise of the future inheritance?

“The Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land.” Gen. 12:7.

17. How many were embraced in God's promises to Abraham?

“And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.” Acts 3:25.

18. To whom does the “seed” in these promises refer?

“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.” Gal. 3:16.

19. What would make the death of Christ in vain?

“If righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Gal. 2:21.

20. Why have all been reckoned under sin?

“But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” Gal. 3:22.

21. How then do all become children of God?

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Verse 26.

22. With whom are the children of God joint heirs?

“If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ.” Rom. 8:17.

The Serpent In The Wilderness. "When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." Num. 21:9.

Salvation Only Through Christ

On The Cross. "He is able to save to the uttermost." Heb. 7:25.

1. For what purpose did Christ come into the world?

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

2. Why was He to be named “Jesus”?

“Thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matt. 1:21.

3. Is there salvation through any other?

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

4. Through whom are we reconciled to God?

“All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.” 2 Cor. 5:18, 19.

5. What has Christ been made for us, and for what purpose?

“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” Verse 21.

6. How dependent are we upon Christ for salvation?

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

7. What three essentials for a Saviour are found in Christ?

Deity. “But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever.” Heb. 1:8.

Humanity. “When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law.” Gal. 4:4.

Sinlessness. “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22.

8. How did Christ show from the Scriptures that the promised Saviour of the world must be both human and divine?

“While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is He? They say unto Him, The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call Him Lord; saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is He his son?” Matt. 22:41-45.

9. What two facts testify to the union of divinity and humanity in Christ?

“Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Rom. 1:3, 4

10. How complete was Christ's victory over death?

“I am the first and the last: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Rev. 1:17, 18. See Acts 2:24.

11. How complete is the salvation obtained in Christ?

“Wherefore, He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Heb. 7:25.

12. What should we say for such a Saviour?

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” 2 Cor. 9:15.

Faith

Joshua Commanding The Sun To Stand Still. "All things are possible to him that believeth." Mark 9:13.

1. What is faith declared to be?

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1.

2. How necessary is faith?

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Verse 6.

3. Is mere assent to divine truth sufficient?

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” James 2:19.

4. What is required besides a belief in the existence of God?

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

5. From whom does faith come?

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Eph. 2:8.

6. Why did God raise Christ from the dead?

“Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.” 1 Peter 1:21.

7. What is Christ's relation to this faith?

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Heb. 12:2.

8. What is the basis of faith?

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom. 10:17.

9. What relation does faith bear to knowledge?

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.” Heb. 11:3.

10. By what principle is genuine faith actuated?

“In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” Gal. 5:6.

11. Of what is faith a fruit?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” Verse 22.

12. What in the early church showed living faith?

“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love.” 1 Thess. 1:3.

13. What is necessary in order that the preaching of the gospel may be profitable?

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

14. What is the character of any act or service not performed in faith?

“Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Rom. 14:23.

15. How does Abraham's experience show that obedience and faith are inseparable?

“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.” Heb. 11:8.

16. With what, therefore, is the faith of Jesus joined?

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12.

17. In what other statement is the same truth emphasized?

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:20.

18. How is faith brought to perfection?

“Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” Verse 22.

19. What is the result of faith's being put to the test?

“The trying of your faith worketh patience.” James 1:3.

20. What relationship to God is established by faith?

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:26.

21. How do the children of God walk?

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Cor. 5:7.

22. Upon what condition may one expect answers to prayer?

“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.” James 1:6.

23. To what parts of the ancient armor is faith compared?

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Eph. 6:16. “Putting on the breastplate of faith and love.” 1 Thess. 5:8.

24. What chapter in the Bible is devoted to faith?

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews. In verses 33-38 are summarized the victories of the heroes of faith.

25. What gives victory in our conflicts with the world?

“This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4.

26. What is the ultimate purpose of faith?

“Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8, 9.

Hope

Return Of The Dove. "Blessed be God ... which ... hath begotten us again unto a lively hope." 1 Peter 1:3.

1. What is the relation between faith and hope?

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1.

2. Why were the Scriptures written?

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Rom. 15:4.

3. Why should God's wonderful works be rehearsed to the children?

“We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done.... That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.” Ps. 78:4-7.

4. In what condition are those who are without Christ?

“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, ... that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers [pg 087] from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.” Eph. 2:11, 12.

5. What does hope become to the Christian?

“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.” Heb. 6:19.

6. Who have hope in their death?

“The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.” Prov. 14:32.

7. In bereavement, from what hopeless sorrow are Christians delivered?

“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.” 1 Thess. 4:13.

8. Unto what has the resurrection of Christ begotten us?

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3.

9. What is the Christian's hope called?

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13.

10. At what time did Paul expect to realize his hope?

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:8.

11. What will this hope lead one to do?

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1 John 3:3.

12. What does the prophet Jeremiah say is a good thing for a man to do?

“It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” Lam. 3:26.

13. What is said of the hope of the hypocrite?

“So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish: whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web.” Job 8:13, 14.

14. What is the condition of one whose hope is in God?

“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” Ps. 146:5. “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” Jer. 17:7.

15. In what may the child of God abound?

“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.” Rom. 15:13.

16. In what do Christians rejoice?

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Rom. 5:2.

17. What will prevent us from being put to shame?

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Verse 5.

18. In the time of trouble, who will be the hope of God's people?

“The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3:16.

19. What inspiring words are spoken to such as hope in God?

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” Ps. 31:24.

20. How long should our hope endure?

“And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end.” Heb. 6:11.

Repentance

Micaiah Urging Israel To Repentance. "The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." Rom. 2:4.

1. Who are called to repentance?

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

2. What accompanies repentance?

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

3. By what means is sin made known?

“By the law is the knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3:20.

4. How many are sinners?

“We have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin.” Verse 9.

5. What do transgressors bring upon themselves?

“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Eph. 5:6.

6. Who awakens the soul to a sense of its sinful condition?

“When He [the Comforter] is come, He will reprove [convince, margin] the world of sin.” John 16:8.

7. What are fitting inquiries for those convicted of sin?

“Men and brethren, what shall we do?” “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 2:37; 16:30.

8. What replies does Inspiration return to these inquiries?

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 2:38; 16:31.

9. What will the truly repentant sinner be constrained to do?

“I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” Ps. 38:18.

10. What is the result of godly sorrow?

“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation.” 2 Cor. 7:10.

11. What does the sorrow of the world do?

“The sorrow of the world worketh death.” Same verse.

12. How does godly sorrow for sin manifest itself?

“For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” Verse 11.

13. What did John the Baptist say to the Pharisees and Sadducees when he saw them come to his baptism?

“O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” Matt. 3:7.

14. What did he tell them to do?

“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” Verse 8.

15. When God sent the Ninevites a warning message, how did they show their repentance, and what was the result?

“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 3:10.

16. What leads sinners to repentance?

“Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” Rom. 2:4.

John The Baptist Preaching Repentance. "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance." Matt. 3:8.

Confession And Forgiveness

Mary Magdalene's Repentance. "According unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions." Ps. 51:1.

1. What instruction is given concerning confession of sin?

“Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord, and that person be guilty; then shall they confess their sin which they have done.” Num. 5:6, 7.

2. How futile is it to attempt to hide sin from God?

“But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.” Num. 32:23. “Thou hast set our iniquities before Thee, our secret sins in the light of Thy countenance.” Ps. 90:8. “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Heb. 4:13.

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

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

4. What different results attend the covering and the confessing of sins?

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Prov. 28:13.

5. How definite should we be in confessing our sins?

“And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing.” Lev. 5:5.

6. How fully did Israel once acknowledge their wrong-doing?

“And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.” 1 Sam. 12:19.

7. When David confessed his sin, what did he say God did?

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

8. Upon what did he rest his hope for forgiveness?

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving-kindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.” Ps. 51:1.

9. What is God ready to do for all who seek for forgiveness?

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

10. What is the measure of the greatness of God's mercy?

“For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.” Ps. 103:11.

11. How fully does the Lord pardon when one repents?

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

12. What reason is given for God's readiness to forgive sin?

“Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy.” Micah 7:18. See Ps. 78:38.

13. Why does God manifest such mercy and long-suffering toward men?

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

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

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

15. What reply did the Lord immediately make?

“And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to thy word.” Verse 20.

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

“When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15:20.

17. How did the father show his joy at his son's return?

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

18. What is felt in heaven when a sinner repents?

“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Verse 10.

19. What did Hezekiah say God had done with his sins?

“Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back.” Isa. 38:17.

20. How completely does God wish to separate sin from us?

“Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.” Ps. 103:12.

21. How did the people respond to the preaching of John?

“Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the [pg 095] region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matt. 3:5, 6.

22. How did some of the believers at Ephesus testify to the sincerity of the confession of their sins?

“And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.” Acts 19:18, 19.

23. Through whom are repentance and forgiveness granted?

“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:30, 31.

24. What is the only unpardonable sin?

“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” Matt. 12:31, 32.

25. Upon what basis has Christ taught us to ask forgiveness?

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matt. 6:12.

26. What spirit must those cherish whom God forgives?

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Verses 14, 15.

27. What exhortation is based on the fact that God has forgiven us?

“And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Eph. 4:32.

28. In what condition is one whose sins are forgiven?

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” Ps. 32:1, 2.

Conversion, Or The New Birth

Christ And Nicodemus. "Ye must be born again." John 3:7.

1. How did Jesus emphasize the necessity of conversion?

“Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 18:3.

2. In what other statement did He teach the same truth?

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3.

3. How did he further explain the new birth?

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Verse 5.

4. With what comparison did He illustrate the subject?

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” Verse 8.

5. What change is wrought in conversion, or the new birth?

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).” Eph. 2:5.

6. What is one evidence of this change from death to life?

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because [pg 097] we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” 1 John 3:14.

7. From what is a converted sinner saved?

“Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20. See Acts 26:14-18.

8. To whom are sinners brought by conversion?

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.... Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto Thee.” Ps. 51:10-13.

9. In what words to Peter did Jesus indicate the kind of service a converted person should render to his brethren?

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31, 32.

10. What other experience is associated with conversion?

“For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” Matt. 13:15.

11. What gracious promise does God make to His people?

“I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away from him.” Hosea 14:4.

12. By what means is this healing accomplished?

“He [Christ] was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isa. 53:5.

13. What takes place when one is converted to Christ?

“Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17, R. V., margin. See Acts 9:1-22; 22:1-21; 26:1-23.

14. What is the value of merely outward forms?

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Gal. 6:15.

15. Through what was the original creation wrought?

“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.” Ps. 33:6.

16. Through what instrumentality is conversion wrought?

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” 1 Peter 1:23.

17. What change is wrought by beholding Jesus?

“But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor. 3:18.

18. What are the evidences that one has been born of God?

“If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him.” “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” 1 John 2:29; 4:7.

19. What is true of every one who believes in Jesus?

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.” 1 John 5:1.

20. What do those born of God not do?

“We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” Verse 18.

21. What indwelling power keeps such from sinning?

“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” 1 John 3:9. See 1 John 5:4; Gen. 39:9.

22. What will be the experience of those born of the Spirit?

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Rom. 8:1.

The Conversion Of Saul. "It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." Acts 9:5.

Baptism

Baptism Of Christ. "Thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." Matt. 3:15.

1. What ordinance is closely associated with believing the gospel?

“And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15, 16.

2. What did the apostle Peter associate with baptism in his instruction on the day of Pentecost?

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” Acts 2:38.

3. In reply to his inquiry concerning salvation, what was the Philippian jailer told to do?

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31.

4. What followed immediately after the jailer and his family had accepted Christ as their Saviour?

“And he took them [Paul and Silas] the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.” Verse 33.

5. In connection with Christian baptism, what is washed away?

“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16. See Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21.

6. By what means are sins washed away?

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” Rev. 1:5.

7. Into whose name are believers to be baptized?

“Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” Matt. 28:19, R. V.

8. When believers are baptized into Christ, whom do they put on?

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Gal. 3:27.

9. Into what experience are those baptized who are baptized into Christ?

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death?” Rom. 6:3.

10. How is such a baptism described?

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

11. How fully are we thus united with Christ in His experience of death and resurrection?

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.” Verse 5.

12. What will follow this union with Christ in His death and resurrection?

“Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.” Verse 8.

13. In what working of God is faith to be exercised in connection with baptism?

“Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.” Col. 2:12.

14. At the beginning of His ministry, what example did Jesus set for the benefit of His followers?

“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.” Matt. 3:13.

15. What remarkable experience attended the baptism of Jesus?

“And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Verses 16, 17.

16. What promise is made to those who repent and are baptized?

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38.

17. What question did the eunuch ask after Philip had preached Jesus unto him?

“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” Acts 8:36.

18. In order to baptize the eunuch, where did Philip take him?

“And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” Verse 38.

19. How did the people of Samaria publicly testify to their faith in the preaching of Philip?

“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning [pg 103] the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Verse 12.

20. What instruction did the apostle Peter give concerning the Gentiles who had believed?

“Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” Acts 10:47, 48.

21. How perfect is the unity into which believers are brought by being baptized into Christ?

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Cor. 12:12, 13.

22. After being united with Christ in the likeness of His death and resurrection, what should the believer do?

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” Col. 3:1.

Reconciled To God

Jonah Preaching To The Ninevites. "Be ye reconciled to God." 2 Cor. 5:20.

1. What message of entreaty has God sent to us through his appointed messengers?

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Cor. 5:20.

2. Through whom is this reconciliation made?

“All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” Verse 18.

3. What was required in order to effect this reconciliation?

“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.” Rom. 5:10.

4. What basis for reconciliation was made by Christ's death?

“Having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself.” Col. 1:20.

5. Through whom is the reconciliation received?

“We also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement [reconciliation, margin].” Rom. 5:11.

6. By what union does Christ reconcile both Jew and Gentile to God through the cross?

“And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.” Eph. 2:16.

7. In what prophecy was the work of reconciliation foretold?

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity.” Dan. 9:24.

8. In thus reconciling the world unto Himself, what attitude did God take toward men?

“God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.” 2 Cor. 5:19.

9. What rendered it possible for God to treat sinners thus?

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isa. 53:6.

10. What was Christ made, to release men from sin?

“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Cor. 5:21.

11. How was He treated?

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isa. 53:5.

12. What did John declare concerning Him?

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away [beareth, margin] the sin of the world.” John 1:29.

13. To what place did Christ carry these sins?

“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24.

14. What is the great purpose of Christ in His work of reconciliation?

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamable and unreprovable in His sight.” Col. 1:21, 22.

Acceptance With God

Noah's Sacrifice. "He hath made us accepted in the Beloved." Eph. 1:6.

1. In whom has God made us accepted?

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings ... in Christ: according as He hath chosen us in Him ... to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved.” Eph. 1:3-6.

2. What great gift comes with our acceptance of Christ?

“And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40. See also John 17:2.

3. What is the first and primary evidence of our acceptance with God?

“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son.... And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 1 John 5:9-11.

4. Why did John write his testimony concerning God's love and purpose in giving Christ?

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” Verse 13. “These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” John 20:31.

5. What witness does the true believer in Christ have that he is accepted of God?

“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.” 1 John 5:10.

6. How only do any become children of God?

“Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:26.

7. What is the foundation of faith?

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom. 10:17.

8. What assurance has the believer of his union with God?

“Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit.” 1 John 4:13.

9. What three definite witnesses of acceptance are mentioned by John?

“There are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” 1 John 5:8.

10. How does the Spirit witness to our acceptance with God?

“Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” Gal. 4:6. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Rom. 8:16.

The Prodigal's Return. "This my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." Luke 15:24.

11. Of what is Christian baptism an evidence?

“As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Gal. 3:27.

12. To what does the blood of Christ witness?

“These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.... 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.” 1 John 1:4-7. “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Eph. 1:7. See also Rev. 1:5, 6.

13. When may we find acceptance with God through Christ?

“I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

14. To whom, therefore, should we ascribe glory and honor?

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Rev. 1:5, 6.

15. What is another evidence of divine acceptance?

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” 1 John 3:14.

16. What blessed assurance is given all believers in Christ?

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:7.

Justification By Faith

The Penitent Thief. "Thou shalt be with Me in paradise." Luke 23:43.

1. What is the ground of justification on God's part?

“That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7.

2. What is the means through which this justifying grace is made available to the sinner?

“Much more then, being now justified by His [Christ's] blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” Rom. 5:9.

3. How is justification laid hold upon?

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Rom. 3:28.

4. What is the only way sinners may be justified, or made righteous?

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Gal. 2:16.

5. What concrete example makes clear the meaning of this doctrine?

“And He brought him [Abraham] forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to [pg 111] number them: and He said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness.” Gen. 15:5, 6.

6. How is the righteousness thus obtained described?

“And be found in Him, not having thine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Phil. 3:9.

7. Upon what basis is justification granted?

“And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification.” Rom. 5:16.

8. Upon what basis does the reward come to one who works?

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.” Rom. 4:4.

9. Upon what condition is faith reckoned for righteousness?

“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Verse 5.

10. How does grace, as the ground of justification, exclude righteousness by works?

“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” Rom. 11:6.

11. In what way are both Jews and Gentiles to be justified?

“Is He the God of the Jews only? is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.” Rom. 3:29, 30.

12. What statement testifies to Abraham's faith in God?

“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that what He had promised, He was able also to perform.” Rom. 4:20, 21.

13. What did this bring to him?

“And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.” Verse 22.

14. How may we receive this same imputed righteousness?

“Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, [pg 112] if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.” Verses 23, 24.

15. Why must justifying faith lay hold upon both the death and the resurrection of Christ?

“Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.” Verse 25. See 1 Cor. 15:17.

16. What is inseparable from the experience of justification by faith?

“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38, 39.

17. How has Christ made it possible for righteousness to be imputed to the believer?

“For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Rom. 5:19.

18. What prophetic declaration foretold this truth?

“In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.” Isa. 45:25.

19. What other prediction asserts the same great truth?

“By His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities.” Isa. 5:11.

20. What does the imputed righteousness of Christ enable God to do, and still be just?

“To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Rom. 3:26.

21. By what name is Christ appropriately called?

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely [pg 113] and this is His name whereby He shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness.” Jer. 23:5, 6.

22. What blessed experience follows upon the acceptance of Christ as our righteousness?

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:1.

23. What does Christ thus become to the believer?

“For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” Eph. 2:14.

24. On what basis is there no possibility of justification for the sinner?

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3:20.

25. How does the death of Christ bear testimony to this?

“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Gal. 2:21.

26. What is proved by any attempt to be justified by the law?

“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” Gal. 5:4.

27. Why did Israel fail to attain unto righteousness?

“But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling-stone.” Rom. 9:31, 32.

28. What is revealed by the law?

“By the law is the knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3:20

29. What bears witness to the genuineness of the righteousness obtained by faith, apart from the deeds of the law?

“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets.” Verse 21.

30. Does faith set aside the law of God?

“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” Verse 31.

31. What scripture shows that the righteousness which is received by grace through faith must not be made an excuse for continuing in sin?

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

32. Does faith exclude works?

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:20.

33. What is the evidence of genuine, living faith?

“Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.” Verse 18.

34. What, then, are the visible proofs of genuine justification by faith?

“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” Verse 24. See also verse 22.

35. What great exchange has been wrought for us in Christ?

“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Cor. 5:21.

Righteousness And Life

The Lord Our Righteousness. "He that hath the Son hath life." 1 John 5:12.

1. What is assured to the believer in Christ?

“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.

2. What is revealed in the gospel?

“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Rom. 1:17.

3. What has Christ brought to light through the gospel?

“Who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” 2 Tim. 1:10.

4. How closely are righteousness and life thus united?

“In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.” Prov. 12:28.

5. What does he find who follows after righteousness?

“He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honor.” Prov. 21:21.

6. Through what does grace reign unto eternal life?

“That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 5:21.

Healing The Lame Man. "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." Acts 3:6.

7. What is the very life of the Spirit?

“And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” Rom. 8:10.

8. What are the commandments of God declared to be?

“All Thy commandments are righteousness.” Ps. 119:172.

9. What did Jesus declare God's commandment to be?

“And I know that His commandment is life everlasting.” John 12:50.

10. What does the prophet Jeremiah declare Christ to be?

“And this is His name whereby He shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness.” Jer. 23:6.

11. What does Christ declare Himself to be?

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6.

12. How is righteousness received?

“For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:17.

13. How is eternal life bestowed?

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23.

14. What did Moses set forth as the basis of righteousness?

“And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as He hath commanded us.” Deut. 6:25.

15. What did Christ indicate as essential to eternal life?

“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.” Matt. 19:17.

Consecration

The Carpenter's Son. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Phil. 2:5.

1. What offering did King Hezekiah command to be made when he reestablished the worship of the temple?

“And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the Lord began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by David king of Israel.” 2 Chron. 29:27.

2. After the people had united in this service, how did Hezekiah interpret its meaning?

“Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the Lord, come near and bring sacrifices and thank-offerings into the house of the Lord. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank-offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.” Verse 31.

3. How is this consecration urged upon all Christians?

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Rom. 12:1.

4. What is the continual sacrifice of praise declared to be?

“Through Him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to His name.” Heb. 13:15, R. V.

5. How is the service of consecration to be carried forward by the Christian church?

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5.

6. Who has set the example of complete consecration?

“And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matt. 20: 27, 28.

7. What position has Jesus taken among His brethren?

“For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.” Luke 22:27.

8. In what does likeness to Christ consist?

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:5.

9. What did Christ's spirit of meekness and consecration lead Him to do?

“But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Verse 7.

10. To what extent did Christ humble Himself?

“And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Verse 8.

11. How does He exhort us to the same consecration?

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matt. 11:29.

12. What does He make the condition of discipleship?

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33.

13. What is proof that one does not belong to Christ?

“If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” Rom. 8:9.

14. How should he walk who professes to abide in Christ?

“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6.

15. Do we belong to ourselves?

“Know ye not that ... ye are not your own? for ye are bought with a price.” 1 Cor. 6:19, 20.

16. What are we therefore exhorted to do?

“Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” Verse 20.

17. Of what are the bodies of Christians the temple?

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God?” Verse 19.

18. When truly consecrated, for what is one ready?

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isa. 6:8.

19. How is this willingness for service otherwise expressed?

“Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God.” Ps. 123:2.

Bible Election

The Ten Virgins. "They that were ready went in with him to the marriage." Matt. 25:10.

1. What does the apostle Peter admonish us to do?

“Wherefore ... brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” 2 Peter 1:10.

2. What admonition given by Christ teaches the same truth?

“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Rev. 3:11.

3. Upon what condition is the crown of life promised?

“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Rev. 2:10.

4. In whom, and from what time, have we been chosen unto holiness and salvation?

“According as He hath chosen us in Him [Christ] before the foundation of the world.” Eph. 1:4, first part.

5. What is the character of those thus chosen before the foundation of the world?

“That we should be holy and without blemish before Him in love.” Same verse, last part, R. V.

6. To what has God foreordained those who attain to this character?

“Having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto Himself.” Verse 5, R. V.

7. According to what does God call us?

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Rom. 8:28.

8. According to what have we been predestinated?

“Being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.” Eph. 1:11.

9. How many does God desire to be saved?

“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim. 2:4.

10. Upon what condition is salvation offered?

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31.

11. For how long must this faith be preserved in order to bring final salvation?

“He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matt. 24:13. See James 1:12; Rev. 2:10.

12. What scripture is sometimes cited as evidence that God is arbitrary in His dealings with men?

“Therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth.” Rom. 9:18.

13. But what other scripture shows with whom God wills to be merciful, and with whom otherwise?

“With the merciful Thou wilt show Thyself merciful; with an upright man Thou wilt show Thyself upright; with the pure Thou wilt show Thyself pure; and with the froward Thou wilt show Thyself froward.” Ps. 18:25, 26. See also Isa. 55:7.

14. What, on man's part, is essential to salvation?

“Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15. “If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.” John 7:17, R. V. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31. “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17.

15. In what fact may every believer rejoice?

“But rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20, R. V.

16. Whose names are to be retained in the book of life?

“He that overcometh, ... I will not blot out his name out of the book of life.” Rev. 3:5.

Bible Sanctification

Moses At The Burning Bush. "The place whereon thou standest is holy ground." Ex. 3:5.

1. What inspired prayer sets the standard of Christian experience?

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 5:23.

2. How necessary is the experience of sanctification?

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

3. What encouragement is held out as an aid in attaining this experience?

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.” 1 Thess. 4:3.

4. What distinct purpose did Christ have in giving Himself for the church?

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.” Eph. 5:25, 26.

5. What kind of church would He thus be able to present to Himself?

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

6. In the experience of sanctification, what attitude must one assume toward the truth?

“God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” 2 Thess. 2:13.

7. What instruction shows that sanctification is a progressive work?

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18. See chap. 1:5-7.

8. What description of the apostle Paul's experience is in harmony with this?

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:13, 14.

9. By what is this cleansing from sin and fitting for God's service accomplished?

“For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Heb. 9:13, 14. See also chap. 10:29.

10. What change is thus brought about?

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Rom. 12:2.

11. Can any one boast of sinlessness?

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8.

12. What are we exhorted by the prophet to seek?

“Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have [pg 126] wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.” Zeph. 2:3.

13. In whose name should everything be done?

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Col. 3:17.

14. In all we do, whose glory should we have in view?

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31.

15. What classes of persons are necessarily shut out of the kingdom of God?

“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Eph. 5:5. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Cor. 6:9, 10.

16. What must be crucified and eliminated from our lives if we would be holy?

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” Col. 3:5, 6.

17. When purged from these sins, in what condition is a man, and for what is he prepared?

“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work.” 2 Tim. 2:21.

Importance Of Sound Doctrine

Ezra Reading The Law. "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1 Thess. 5:21.

1. Does it matter what one believes, so long as he is sincere?

“God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” 2 Thess. 2:13.

2. Did Joshua think it immaterial what God Israel served?

“Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14, 15.

3. How may we determine the truthfulness of any doctrine?

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thess. 5:21.

4. By what should we test, or prove, all doctrine?

“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. 8:20.

5. Of what kind of doctrines should we beware?

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.” Eph. 4:14. See also Heb. 13:9.

6. What is a “wind of doctrine”?

“And the prophets shall become wind; and the word is not in them.” Jer. 5:13.

7. For what is all scripture profitable?

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine.” 2 Tim. 3:16.

8. What advice was given to Timothy while preparing for the gospel ministry?

“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.... Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine.” 1 Tim. 4:13-16.

9. What solemn charge was given him concerning his public work?

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; Preach the word; ... reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” 2 Tim. 4:1, 2.

10. Why did the apostle say this duty was so imperative?

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” Verses 3, 4.

11. What similar instruction was given to Titus?

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: ... in all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.” Titus 2:1-7.

12. What will sound doctrine enable the faithful teacher to do?

“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” Titus 1:9.

13. What danger attends the teaching of false doctrine?

“Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” 2 Tim. 2:18.

14. Who are the disciples of Jesus, and what gracious work does the truth do for those who receive it?

“If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31, 32.

15. Through what are they to be sanctified?

“Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” John 17:17.

16. What kind of worship results from false teaching?

“But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matt. 15:9.

17. Can we close our ears to truth, and remain innocent before God?

“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” Prov. 28:9.

18. What did Christ say of those who will to do God's will?

“If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it be of God, or whether I speak from Myself.” John 7:17, R. V. See also Ps. 25: 9; John 8:12.

19. What will God allow to come to those who reject truth?

“Because they receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be [pg 130] damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thess. 2:10-12.

20. By what doctrines are some to be misled in the last days?

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Tim. 4:1. See 2 Peter 2:1.

21. What fate awaits blind teachers and their followers?

“Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Matt. 15:14.

22. To whom will the gates of the heavenly city finally be opened?

“Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.” Isa. 26:2. See also Rev. 22:14.

Present Truth

Nehemiah Viewing The Ruins Of Jerusalem. "And they said, Let us rise up and build." Neh. 2:18.

1. By what are men sanctified?

“Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” John 17:17.

2. To what knowledge would God have all men come?

“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim. 2:4.

3. After receiving a knowledge of the truth, what must one do in order to be sanctified by it?

“God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” 2 Thess. 2:13.

4. And what besides a mere belief in the truth is necessary?

“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience.” 1 Peter 1:2.

5. What effect does obedience to the truth have?

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit.” Verse 22.

6. How should the truth ever be cherished?

“Buy the truth, and sell it not.” Prov. 23:23.

7. Does the Bible recognize what may be called “present truth”?

“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” 2 Peter 1:12.

8. What was the special message for Noah's day?

“And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopherwood.” Gen. 6:13, 14.

9. How did Noah show his faith in this message?

“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Heb. 11:7.

10. How many were saved in the ark?

“The long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” 1 Peter 3:20.

11. What special message was given to Jonah for Nineveh?

“So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord.... And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” Jonah 3:3, 4.

12. What saved the people from the predicted overthrow?

“So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.... 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.” Verses 5-10. See Jer. 18:7-10.

13. What was the special mission of John the Baptist?

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe.” John 1:6, 7.

14. What answer did he return when asked concerning his mission?

“He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.” Verse 23.

15. What did Christ say of those who rejected John's message?

“But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.” Luke 7:30.

16. What did those do who were baptized of John?

“And all the people that heard Him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.” Verse 29.

17. Did God's chosen people receive Christ when He came?

“He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:11.

18. What reason did they give for not receiving Him?

“We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence He is.” John 9:29.

19. How did Christ say those who rejected Him reasoned?

“Ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous, and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.” Matt. 23:29, 30.

20. What was the result of the Jews' not accepting Christ?

“And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.” Luke 19:41, 42. “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Matt. 23:38.

21. Is there to be a special message for the last days?

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?” Matt. 24:44, 45.

22. What does Christ say of that servant who, when He comes, is found giving “meat in due season”?

“Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” Verse 46.

23. What will be the burden of the closing gospel message?

“Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.... Babylon is fallen, is fallen.... If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.” Rev. 14:7-10.

24. How are those described who accept this message?

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Verse 12.

25. How earnestly is this work to be prosecuted?

“And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” Luke 14:23.

The Obedience Of Faith

Abraham Entering The Promised Land. "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out ... obeyed." Heb. 11:8.

1. What did the Lord command Abraham to do?

“Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee.” Gen. 12:1.

2. How did Abraham respond to this command?

“So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.” Verse 4.

3. Of what was Abraham's obedience the fruit?

“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Heb. 11:8, R. V.

4. What command did the Lord later give to Abraham?

“And He said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him therefor a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” Gen. 22:2.

5. Upon what ground were the previous promises then renewed to Abraham?

“And said, By Myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the seashore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the world be blessed; because thou hast obeyed My voice.” Verses 16-18.

6. What enabled Abraham to endure the test?

“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.” Heb. 11:17.

7. Of what were the works of Abraham an evidence?

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?” James 2:21.

8. By his works what was shown to be perfect?

“Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” Verse 22.

9. In what statement of the scripture was Abraham's obedience really implied?

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” Verse 23.

10. What kind of faith avails with God?

“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” Gal. 5:6.

11. For what purpose is the mystery of the gospel made manifest?

“But now [the mystery] is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.” Rom. 16:26.

12. For what purpose is the grace of Christ received?

“Through whom we received grace and apostleship, unto obedience of faith among all the nations, for His name's sake.” Rom. 1:5, R. V.

13. What example of obedience has Christ set for us?

“And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Phil. 2:8.

14. At what cost did even He learn the lesson of obedience?

“Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered.” Heb. 5:8.

15. To whom did Christ become the author of salvation?

“And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him.” Verse 9.

16. How complete should this obedience be?

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5.

17. What effect did the preaching of the apostles have upon the hearers?

“And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7.

18. What effect did the preaching of the apostle Paul have upon the Gentiles?

“For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed.” Rom. 15:18.

19. How highly does God regard obedience?

“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to harken than the fat of rams.” 1 Sam. 15:22.

20. With what sins are rebellion and stubbornness classed?

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, He hath also rejected thee from being king.” Verse 23.

Ruth And Naomi. "Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." Ruth 1:16.

21. Whose voice had more weight with Saul than had the commandment of God?

“And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.” Verse 24.

22. What charge did Jesus bring against the Pharisees?

“And He said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” Mark 7:9.

23. What will be the fate of those who do not obey the gospel of Christ?

“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thess. 1:7, 8.

24. What condition is attained in obeying the truth?

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” 1 Peter 1:22.

25. What promise is made to the obedient?

“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” Isa. 1:19.

26. Whose example are we urged to imitate?

“That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Heb. 6:12.

Birth, Childhood, And Early Life Of Christ

The Flight Into Egypt. "Arise, ... and flee into Egypt." Matt. 2:13.

1. In what promise was a Saviour from sin first revealed?

“And the Lord said unto the serpent, ... I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.” Gen. 3:14, 15.

2. Through whom was a restoration of the lost dominion promised to Abraham?

“To thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever.” Gen. 13:15.

3. Who was this promised seed?

“He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” Gal. 3:16.

4. Where was Christ to be born?

“And ... he [Herod] demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea.” Matt. 2:4-6. See Micah 5:2.

5. Of whom was Christ to be born?

“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Isa. 7:14.

6. Before His birth, what did the angel say to Joseph concerning the naming of the child?

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matt. 1:21.

7. At His birth, what message did the angel bring to the shepherds abiding in the field?

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10, 11.

8. In what song of praise did a host of angels join?

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Verses 13, 14.

9. What prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled at Christ's birth?

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder.” Isa. 9:6.

10. What did the prophet say His name should be called?

“And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end.” Verses 6, 7.

11. What did the devout Simeon say when he saw the child Jesus?

“And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.” Luke 2:27-32.

12. How did the aged prophetess Anna express herself at the sight of Jesus?

“And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” Verse 38.

13. What did the wise men of the East do when they had found Jesus?

“When they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matt. 2:11.

The Visit Of The Shepherds. "And they came with haste, and found ... the babe lying in a manger." Luke 2:16.

14. How came Jesus to live for a time in Egypt?

“And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child, and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him.” Verse 13.

15. How does the revelator describe this satanic desire to destroy Christ?

“And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” Rev. 12:4.

16. By what means did Herod seek to destroy Christ?

“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under.” Matt. 2:16.

17. After Herod's death, where did Joseph and his family live?

“And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.” Verse 23.

18. What is said of Christ's childhood and early life?

“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him.... And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them.” Luke 2:40-51.

19. Upon returning from a feast at Jerusalem, how came Joseph and Mary to lose Jesus when He was twelve years old?

“But they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found Him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him.” Verses 44, 45.

20. What was Jesus doing when they found Him?

“And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.” Verse 46.

21. How did His questions and answers impress those who heard Him?

“And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.” Verse 47.

22. With what words do the Scriptures conclude the record of Christ's early life?

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Verse 52.

Christ's Ministry

Nazareth. "Who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil." Acts 10:38.

1. With what words had John the Baptist announced Christ's ministry?

“He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” Matt. 3:11.

2. How old was Jesus when He began His ministry?

“And Jesus Himself began to be about thirty years of age.” Luke 3:23.

3. By what act and what miraculous manifestations was His ministry opened?

“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11.

4. Before entering upon His ministry, through what experience did Jesus pass?

“And immediately the Spirit driveth Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto Him.” Verses 12, 13. See also Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13.

5. With what was Jesus anointed for His work?

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38.

6. Where did Jesus begin His ministry?

“And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.” Luke 4:14, 15.

7. How did He announce His mission while at Nazareth?

“And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.... And He began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” Verses 16-21.

8. How were the people impressed with His preaching?

“And all bare Him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth.” Verse 22.

9. Why were the people at Capernaum astonished at His teaching?

“And [He] came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the Sabbath days. And they were astonished at His doctrine: for His word was with power.” Verses 31, 32.

10. Wherein did His teaching differ from that of the scribes?

“And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matt. 7:28, 29.

11. How did the common people receive Christ?

“And the common people heard Him gladly.” Mark 12:37.

12. In His ministry, what work was closely associated with His preaching?

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” Matt. 4:23.

13. How extensive was His fame, and how many were attracted to Him?

“And His fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and He healed them. And there followed Him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan.” Verses 24, 25.

14. What expression used frequently in narrating His ministry shows Christ's deep sympathy with mankind?

“But when He saw the multitude, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick.” Matt. 9:36; 14:14.

15. In what few words did Christ sum up the object of His ministry?

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

16. How did Christ feel over the impenitence of Jerusalem?

“And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it.” Luke 19:41.

Christ The Great Teacher

Christ Teaching The Multitude. "Never man spake like this man." John 7:46.

1. What report did the officers bring who were sent out by the chief priests and Pharisees to take Jesus?

“Never man spake like this man.” John 7:46.

2. How did Christ teach the people?

“He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matt. 7:29.

3. Why was Christ's preaching so impressive?

“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.” Verse 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 teaching by parables been foretold?

“I will open My mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old.” Ps. 78:2.

7. How was this fulfilled?

“Without a parable spake He not unto them.” Matt. 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?” Verse 54.

9. What did Isaiah say Christ would do with the law?

“He will magnify the law, and make it honorable.” Isa. 42:21.

10. Because some thought He had come to destroy the law, what did Christ say?

“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. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:17-20.

11. What testimony did Nicodemus bear concerning Him?

“Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.” John 3:2.

12. What did Christ's words at Jacob's well lead the woman of Samaria to ask?

“The woman then left her water-pot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” John 4:28, 29.

13. How were the two on the way to Emmaus affected by Christ's conversation with them?

“And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:32.

14. In His teaching, to what did Christ direct attention?

“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.” “And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning Me. Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures.” Verses 27, 44, 45.

15. How did He encourage His disciples to look for the fulfilment of prophecy?

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains.” Matt. 24:15, 16.

Parables Of Christ

Lessons From Nature. "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow." Matt. 6:28.

1. What reference is made in the Psalms to Christ's use of parables?

“I will open My mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old.” Ps. 78:2.

2. From what sources did Christ usually draw His parables?

From nature and from every-day experiences.

3. For what are His parables noted?

“Our Saviour's parables are distinguished above all others for clearness, purity, chasteness, intelligibility, importance of instruction, and simplicity. They are taken mostly from the affairs of common life, and are intelligible, therefore, to all men.”—Dr. Albert Barnes, on Matt. 13:3.

4. Following one of His parables, what did Christ say?

“Who hath ears to hear let him hear.” Matt. 13:9.

5. What question did the disciples then ask?

“And the disciples came, and said unto Him, Why speakest Thou unto them in parables?” Verse 10.

6. What reply did Christ make?

“He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto [pg 155] you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.” Verses 11-13.

7. After giving instruction by the use of parables, what question did Christ ask His disciples?

“Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto Him, Yea, Lord.” Verse 51.

8. How extensively did Christ make use of parables?

“All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake He not unto them.” Verse 34.

9. How did Christ suggest that His disciples follow His example in teaching gospel truth?

“Then said He unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” Verse 52.

10. Which are some of the most touching and soul-winning of Christ's parables?

The parable of the lost sheep, and that of the prodigal son. Luke 15:3-7, 11-32.

Christ's Parables

Miracles Of Christ

Healing The Lunatic. "A man approved of God ... by miracles and wonders." Acts 2:22.

1. What testimony did the chief priests and Pharisees bear concerning Christ's work?

“Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.” John 11:47.

2. By what did Peter, on the day of Pentecost, say that Christ had been approved by God?

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.” Acts 2:22.

3. By what means did Christ claim to cast out devils?

“But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.” Luke 11:20. Matt. 12:28 says “by the Spirit of God.”

4. Upon what ground did Nicodemus rest his belief that Christ was a teacher from God?

“Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: [pg 158] for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.” John 3:2.

5. After the healing of the blind man, upon what charge did some of the Pharisees seek to prove that Christ was not of God?

“Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because He keepeth not the Sabbath day.” John 9:16, first part.

6. What question did others raise in opposition to this view?

“Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.” Same verse, last part.

7. What was the result of Christ's working miracles at His first Passover?

“Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast-day, many believed in His name, when they saw the miracles which He did.” John 2:23.

8. What question did the performing of these miracles lead many to ask?

“And many of the people believed on Him, and said, When Christ cometh, will He do more miracles than these which this man hath done?” John 7:31.

9. Why were many attracted to Christ?

“A great multitude followed Him, because they saw His miracles which He did on them that were diseased.” John 6:2.

10. What did the people say when they saw these things?

“He hath done all things well: He maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.” Mark 7:37.

11. What kinds of disease and sickness did Jesus cure?

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” “Great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all.” Matt. 4:23; 12:15.

Miraculous Draft Of Fishes. "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets." Luke 5:4.

12. Who were brought to Him for healing?

“And they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and He healed them.” Matt. 4:24.

13. To the woman who had been healed by touching His garment, what did Christ say made her whole?

“Thy faith hath made thee whole.” Matt. 9:22.

14. What did He say to the two blind men as He healed them?

“According to your faith be it unto you.” Verse 29.

15. To another whose sight He had restored, what did Christ say?

“Thy faith hath saved thee.” Luke 18:42.

16. Why did not Christ work many miracles in His own country?

“And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” Matt. 13:58.

17. What lesson did Christ design to teach in healing the man sick of the palsy?

“But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (He said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.” Luke 5:24.

18. What effect did Christ's miracles have upon the individuals restored, and the people who witnessed them?

“And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.” “And all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.” Luke 18:43; 13:17.

19. What message did Christ send to John the Baptist while John was in prison, to strengthen his wavering faith?

“Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me.” Matt. 11:4-6.

20. In what miracle did Christ bring to a climax His works on earth?

“And when He thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.” John 11:48, 44.

21. What was the result of this great miracle?

“Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on Him.” Verse 45.

22. Because of the interest which this miracle created in Him, what did the Pharisees say?

“Behold, the world is gone after Him.” John 12:19.

23. What did Jesus present to the people as a basis of confidence in Him?

“If I do not the works of My Father, believe Me not. But if I do, though ye believe not Me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” “Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works' sake.” John 10:37, 38; 14:11.

24. Did Jesus ever make use of ordinary means in performing His miracles?

“When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” John 9:6, 7. See also Mark 7:33-35; 8:23-25; 2 Kings 5:1-14.

25. Why were the miracles of Christ recorded by the inspired writers?

“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” John 20:30, 31.

Christ's Miracles

Sufferings Of Christ

Christ In The Garden. "There appeared an angel unto Him from heaven strengthening Him." Luke 22:43.

1. For what purpose did Christ come into the world?

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

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

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. See 1 John 4:9, 10; Rom. 5:8.

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

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

4. Did Christ know beforehand the treatment He was to receive?

“Then He took unto Him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by [pg 164] the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge Him, and put Him to death.” Luke 18:31-33.

5. How heavy was the burden which rested on His soul on the night of His betrayal?

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

6. What prayer of Christ shows that the redemption of a lost world trembled in the balance in that terrible hour?

“And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” Verse 39.

7. How great was the agony of His soul?

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

8. After He had prayed this remarkable prayer three times, what occurred?

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

9. To what place was Christ taken?

“Then took they Him, and led Him, and brought Him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.” Verse 54.

10. While at the high priest's house, how did Peter deny Him?

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

11. To what insults was Christ subjected at the house of the high priest?

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

12. Where was Christ next taken?

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

13. What admission did they secure from Him as the basis of condemning Him?

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

14. What was the next step in their plan to secure lawful authority to carry out their unlawful purpose?

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

15. When Pilate desired Christ released, how did they remonstrate?

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

16. When Pilate heard that Christ was from Galilee, what did he do?

“And as soon as he knew that He belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.” Verse 7.

17. Who appeared to accuse Christ before Herod?

“And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him.” Verse 10.

18. To what indignities did Herod subject the Saviour?

“And Herod with his men of war set Him at naught, and mocked Him, and arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him again to Pilate.” Verse 11.

19. What did Pilate propose to do when Christ was again brought before him?

“I have found no cause of death in Him: I will therefore chastise Him, and let Him go.” Verse 22.

The Crucifixion. "There was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour." Luke 23:44.

20. Instead of consenting to His release, what did Christ's accusers now demand?

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

21. Although Pilate had declared his belief in Christ's innocence, yet what cruel punishment did he inflict upon Him?

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

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

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

23. After bringing Him to the place of crucifixion, what drink was offered Christ to stupefy Him?

“They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.” Verse 34.

24. In what prayer for those who crucified Him did Christ manifest the true spirit of the gospel,—love for sinners?

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

25. With what words did the chief priests and others mock Jesus while on the cross?

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

26. As He cried out in agony on the cross, and said, “I thirst,” what was given Him?

“And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave Him to drink.” Verse 48. See John 19:28, 29.

27. What closed this terrible scene?

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said [pg 168] It is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30.

28. By what miracle, and phenomenon in nature did God indicate the character of the deed which was being committed?

“And it was about the sixth hour [noon], and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.” Luke 23:44, 45.

29. What divine purpose was wrought out in the sufferings of Christ?

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

30. For whom did Christ suffer all these things?

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isa. 53:5.

31. How much was included in the gift of Christ for the salvation of man?

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

The Resurrection Of Christ

The Visit To The Sepulcher. "He is not here: for He is risen, as He said." Matt. 28:6.

1. In what psalm was the resurrection of Christ foretold?

“For Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell [Heb., Sheol, the grave]: neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.” Ps. 16:10.

2. In what way was Jonah a type of Christ?

“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matt. 12:40.

3. In what plain words did Christ foretell His resurrection?

“From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” Matt. 16:21. “And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill Him, and the third day He shall be raised again.” Matt. 17: 22, 23. “The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.” Luke 9:22. See also Matt. 20:17-19; Mark 8:31; 9:31, 32; 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34.

4. When asked by the Jews for a sign of His Messiahship, what did Jesus say?

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19.

5. To what temple did He refer?

“Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt Thou rear it up in three days? But He spake of the temple of His body.” Verses 20, 21.

6. After His resurrection, what effect had this prediction upon His disciples?

“When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.” Verse 22.

7. How did the chief priests and Pharisees seek to prevent the fulfilment of Christ's words concerning His resurrection?

“Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulcher be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.” Matt. 27:62-64.

8. How did Pilate comply with their request?

“Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.” Verses 65, 66.

9. How futile was all this?

“In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead.” Matt. 28:1-7. See also Mark 16:1-16; Luke 24:1-8, 44-46; John 20:1-9.

10. Was it possible for Christ to be holden of death?

“Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.” Acts 2:23,24.

The Resurrection. "Go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead." Matt. 28:7.

11. How does Paul speak of the resurrection of Christ?

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Cor. 15:3, 4.

12. Who does the apostle say saw Christ after He was risen?

“He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; ... after that, He was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” Verses 5-8.

13. What importance is attached to Christ's resurrection?

“If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.... Ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.” Verses 14-18.

14. What positive assurance of the resurrection is given?

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept.” Verse 20.

15. What great truth therefore follows?

“As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” Verse 22.

16. What cheering message has Christ sent to His people touching His resurrection?

“I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Rev. 1:18.

17. What is the measure of the power of God which believers may experience in their daily lives?

“That ye may know ... the exceeding greatness of His power to us ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead.” Eph. 1:18-20.

18. What Christian ordinance has been given as a memorial of Christ's burial and resurrection?

Baptism, the symbol of the new birth. Rom. 6:3-5.

A Sinless Life

A Teacher Of Righteousness. "He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Heb. 4:15.

1. What testimony is borne concerning Christ's life on earth?

“Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22.

2. What is true of all other members of the human family?

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23.

3. With what question did Christ challenge His enemies?

“Which of you convinceth Me of sin?” John 8:46.

4. To what extent was Christ tempted?

“[He] was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Heb. 4:15.

5. In His humanity, of what nature did Christ partake?

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Heb. 2:14.

6. How fully did Christ share our common humanity?

“Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high [pg 174] priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Verse 17.

7. Where did God, in Christ, condemn sin, and gain the victory for us over temptation and sin?

“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” Rom. 8:3.

8. By whose power did Christ live the perfect life?

“I can of Mine own self do nothing.” John 5:30. “The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works.” John 14:10.

9. What unselfish purpose did Jesus ever have before Him?

“For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me.” John 6:38.

Our Pattern

Sea Of Tiberias. "Leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps." 1 Peter 2:21.

1. In whose steps should we follow?

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21.

2. How should the Christian walk?

“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6. See Col. 2:6.

3. What mind should be in us?

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:5.