Query. — What is the Difference between “Seer” and “Prophet”? Are they used interchangeably?
Answer. — 1 Chronicles 29:2929Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer, (1 Chronicles 29:29) is a test passage for the three words used, and gives us the best guide to their use. It is a hint that we shall find the force of the words in those parts of David’s history connected with Samuel, Nathan, and Gad respectively.
1. Samuel the seer, from the ordinary verb to see. “God saw the light,” &c., occurs thousands of times.
2. Nathan the prophet. The general word for one to whom the word of the Lord came. Prophets, as a line of God’s testimony, begin from Samuel (Acts 3:2424Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. (Acts 3:24)). When everything is in its order the place of prophecy is subject. Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. Miriam is the first to die. Prophecy is God’s witness to Jesus in the time of ruin. He always has Jesus in reserve.
3. Gad the seer. Another word, meaning one who sees visions. Used in Exodus 24:1111And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink. (Exodus 24:11), “They saw (in vision) God,” where it removes a difficulty often raised. Gad, Heman, Iddo, Hanani, Asaph, and Jeduthun have this title.
S. H. H.
Query. — Did Christ die for all, or only for the Elect?
Answer. — It is ever Satan’s aim to perplex anxious souls. His great effort is to keep us in utter indifference, but when he cannot succeed in this, his next great effort is to rob us of joy and peace in believing.
One line of scripture is better than volumes of human theology, and one verse (2 Cor. 5:1515And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (2 Corinthians 5:15)) you have yourself quoted settles the question. The scripture says, “He died for all.” How dare any man say, No, He only died for the elect? Again, “Who gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Tim. 2:66Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:6)). Again, “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:22And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)). Don’t be troubled by the traditions of man.
ED.
Query. — Should the Evangelist say, Come?
Answer. — The Lord Jesus when on earth said, “Come, for all things are now ready” (Luke 14:1717And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. (Luke 14:17)). From glory He now says, “Let him that is athirst come” (Rev. 22:1717And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)). Are these Calvinistic preachers wiser than our blessed Saviour and Lord? The views you mention wither up the soul, dry up all the springs of divine affection, and banish joy and gladness from the heart and life.
ED.
We regret that unavoidably the BIBLE STUDY has to stand over till next month. This will give all students an opportunity for extended searching of the scripture on last month’s subject, which we hope they will largely avail themselves of.
ED.