Question 37: What is the meaning of the words, “baptized for the dead” (1 Cor. 15:29)?
Answer: In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is proving that the saints rise from the dead, some were denying it. From verses 20 to 28 is a parenthesis. 1 Corinthians 15:19 says, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” As much as to say, Christians are put to death; what is the good of turning to be a Christian, if it is only in this life. Baptized for the dead, is taking the place of those already put to death as martyrs for Jesus.
They would have no object if the dead do not rise.
Question 38: “Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.” Does the rod mean chastening? A. M. C.
Answer: Psalm 23, is so ordered by the Spirit as to apply to Christ here on earth, or to saints now, or in the future. The rod would signify Jehovah’s power wielded for our good, the staff our stay and support. Chastening could not apply to the Lord, but is included in what we need.
“He restoreth my soul,” is the thought of refreshment, when faint and weary, or cast down and troubled.
Question 39: What is the difference between New Birth, Conversion and Salvation?
Is Salvation instantaneous, both as to a fact before God and as to the enjoyment of it by the one that is saved?
Can one be saved and not know or enjoy it? J. H. J.
Answer: New birth is the communication of a new life in a soul. Without it one cannot understand the things of God (John 3:3). This life is wrought in the soul by the work of the Holy Spirit, using the word of God. (See John 3:5; James 1:18 Peter 1:23).
Conversion is the soul turning to God (Matt. 18:3).
Salvation is deliverance. As this word is used in various connections, we need to consider the context each time it is used. Eternal Salvation is given to the soul the moment it receives the gospel (Acts 16:31; Rom. 10:9). This is a fact before God and also for the one who believes.
Often, through careless walking, or looking into oneself, the enjoyment of this truth is marred, and doubts arise.
Saved ones are to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, lest they should hinder the work of God in their souls. He is to do the willing and the doing for us (Phil. 2:12, 13). This is day by day.
Then we are to wait for the coming of the Lord, and when He comes He will save us out of this world (Rom. 13:11; Phil. 3:20-21).
Question 40: Who are the sheep and goats in Matthew 25:32? N. C.
Answer: These are the nations or Gentiles, the living people who help or persecute the Jews, the King’s brethren, during the tribulation period.
Those who believe the gospel of the kingdom, that is that the King (the Son of Man), is coming to set up His kingdom, and help His brethren, the Jews. These are the sheep, and they enjoy the kingdom— everlasting life on earth, while the goats, those who persecute the King’s brethren, go away into the lake of fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.