Correspondence: Jam. 5:12; Acts 8:13; 1 Cor. 9:27; 1 Cor. 3:17

From: Young Christian: Volume 13, 1923

• 2 min. read • grade level: 7

Question: Please explain the meaning of James 5:12¹²But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. (James 5:12). W. D. I.

Answer: James 5:12¹²But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. (James 5:12) (read also Matt. 5:33-37³³Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: ³⁴But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: ³⁵Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. ³⁶Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. ³⁷But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (Matthew 5:33‑37)). These scriptures teach us that it is wrong to use extravagant language as people then did, land now often do. We are to be true to our “yes,” and “no,” to say what we mean, and mean what we say, without putting an oath to it. This does not hinder us when asked by the law of the land, as in a court of justice or in signing necessary affidavits, to do so under oath to the truth. When Jesus was adjured by the high priest, by the living God, to speak, He answered at once. Until then He held His peace

Question: Please explain Acts 8:13¹³Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. (Acts 8:13), compared with verses 20-23. D. C.

Answer: Compare Acts 8:13¹³Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. (Acts 8:13) with Ephesians 2:8⁸For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8), and you will see that Simon’s faith was only the result of his own natural heart through seeing the miracles. The, true believer, like Eph. 2:8⁸For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8), felt his need of a Saviour, and could not do without knowing Jesus as his own Saviour. You may see the same difference in John 2:23-25²³Now 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. ²⁴But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, ²⁵And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. (John 2:23‑25) and 6:66-69.

Question: What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 9:27²⁷But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Corinthians 9:27)? C. E. W.

Answer: This is connected with profession, which might be real or false. A man might be a professed Christian, a preacher, and yet be lost. Chapter 10:1-12, illustrates this in Israel.

Romans 8:2²For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2); Galatians 5:24²⁴And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (Galatians 5:24); 1 Peter 4:1, 2¹Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; ²That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1‑2), and many other such verses would indicate that keeping the body under, means applying the death of Christ to our ways. This the unconverted man cannot do, for he does not take Christ as his standard, though he may live a decent moral, religious life. He may do all that and yet be lost.

Make sure, dear reader, that you know the finished work of Christ for your soul’s salvation, and that your present endeavor is to shape your life accordingly. See that you make your calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10¹⁰Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (2 Peter 1:10)), by earnest diligence in the truth.

Question: Will you please explain. 1 Corinthians 3:17¹⁷If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (1 Corinthians 3:17)? W. D. I.

Answer: In this chapter we have laborers in the assembly of God on earth. Paul laid the foundation, and others built on it, but every one was to take heed how he built. Here we get responsibility. We have three samples of builders.

Verse 14 is a good builder, who builds according to the Great Architect’s plan, and he gets his reward.

Verse 15 is one who loses his work, though he is a saved man.

Verse 17 is an unsaved man, he and his work merit and receive destruction. Unsaved priests, ministers, class leaders and all kinds of teachers are included in this.

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