95. “Η.” Rotherham. We have, in some former number, replied to your question. We believe that Matt. 28:19 furnishes the proper formula for christian baptism. We are not aware of any subsequent revelation on the subject. “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Here we have the full revelation of the Godhead—the true foundation of christian doctrine. We see no reason for departing from the form of words prescribed by our Lord Jesus Christ. Is not His commandment more binding upon us than the example of any or all of His servants?
96. “J. D.,” Newcastle-on-Tine. The “Synopsis of the Books of the Bible” would help you. Also “Lectures Introductory to the Gospels,” and on “the Epistles of Paul.” To be had of our Publisher or through any bookseller.
97. “G. S. H.” John 10:17, 18 contains a direct reply to your question.
98. “S. Α.,” Crewe. We cannot agree with your friend in his thoughts as to the breaking of bread. The word used hi every instance, to express the act of “breaking” is κλαω, which, if we are to be guided by Liddell and Scott, never means “to pierce.” In short, we can see no sort of sense or meaning in the notion to which you refer. It seems to us utterly baseless.
99. “R. O.,” Bengal. We take it that “the doctrine” mentioned in Rom. 16:17 is contained in the previous part of the epistle.
100. “J. C.” Near Stonehouse. It is often very needful in giving out hymns at gospel preachings, to offer a word of caution to those present in order to exercise their consciences as to what they sing. But at a meeting of Christians, we should deem it out of place to occupy time in expounding hymns. We must, however, beware of laying down iron rules. Let us cultivate simplicity and largeness of heart.
101. “J. C. M.,” Liverpool. Eph. 2:22 Contemplates those who were really builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. All true believers are living members of the body of Christ—living stones in the temple of God. Mere professors are neither the one nor the other. We must not confound the “Body” of chap. 1. with the “House” of chap. ii.
102. “Η. S. Β.,” London. Thanks for the lines. As to your first question, it might be well to ask the persons who use the language to which you refer what they mean by it. It certainly is possible to be occupied with mere doctrine apart from Christ; and this, perhaps, may be what is meant. But we greatly fear that spirit of fault-finding, which leads people to! pick holes in everything and everyone except themselves. If we prayed more and talked less, we might be the means of doing some little good in our day and generation. We generally find that the fault-finding, hair-splitting generation are not the most blameless in their personal ways. The loudest talkers are generally the lowest walkers. Gal. 6:7 may contain an answer to your second question. It is a solemn enactment of God’s moral government. But grace can restore the soul, and lift us into higher communion than ever, as in Peter’s case. We must distinguish between grace and government.
103. “A Babe,” London. Luke 19:17, 19 refers to those who, during Christ’s absence, have served Him according to their ability. Matt. 25:34 refers to those nations who shall receive the messengers sent to them just before the opening of the millennial kingdom. These are “the sheep.” On the other hand, “the goats” represent those nations who shall reject the messengers. “These my brethren” are the messengers who shall, as we believe, be from among the Jewish people. The Church is not in this scripture, though we know from other passages, that she will be associated with the Lord Jesus in all His glory and in all His doings. We do not at all view Matt. 25:31-46 as a general judgment. It is the judgment of the living “nations,” before the millennium, as Rev. 20:11-15 gives the judgment of the wicked dead, at the close of the millennium. The Church is not in either scene for judgment, for the simplest and most blessed of all reasons, her judgment is past and gone. Matt. 16:28 refers to the transfiguration. The “some standing here” were Peter, James, and John. The saints slain during the tribulation shall have part in the first resurrection. Excuse our hasty reply to questions so interesting—questions, by the way, which we should hardly have looked for from one signing himself “A Babe.” The Lord make us all more truly babe-like!
104. “G.,” London. Your case is a very serious one; but not beyond the reach of God’s restoring grace. You will need to judge yourself thoroughly before God. We fear you have never had a right sense of the evil of your nature. Still, you have to do with infinite and everlasting grace—with mercy which stretches from everlasting to everlasting—with blood that cleanseth from all sin—and with a High Priest who is able to save to the utmost. May God, in His rich mercy, restore your soul and keep you from falling again!
105. “W. D. C.” You must, at all cost, seek to obey your Lord, and keep a conscience void of offense. Look to Him for strength to do His holy will. He will make your way plain, if your eye is single. Beware of tampering with conscience!
106. “A Weak Believer,” London. Phil. 2:12 does not refer to eternal salvation; that, blessed be God, is infallibly settled and secured. But then there were difficulties, dangers, snares, and temptations surrounding the Philippian saints; and, when the apostle was with them, they naturally looked to him, and depended upon his wisdom, experience, and spiritual power. He therefore writes to them, exhorting them, in Ids absence, to work out their own salvation or deliverance, in the confidence that it was God who worked in them for the accomplishment of that end.
107. “F. B.,” Leeds. We trust you will kindly excuse our not answering your question. It is our fixed purpose to avoid all questions involving strictly local and personal matters. They do not suit the pages of a Magazine designed for general edification. Our friends will greatly oblige us by refraining from sending us any such questions.
108. “S. N. R.,” Waterloo. You surely must have made a mistake, dear friend, in requesting an answer in our October number to a communication bearing date the 27th of September. The fact is, your letter barely reached us in time to be noticed in our issue for November. We feel assured that there are roots in your heart which God is seeking to reach by the severe discipline through which you are passing. Wait on Him. Seek to go through the trial with Him, and you will most surely reap a rich harvest of blessing. Look at Hebrews 12:1-11. Here you find three ways of meeting discipline. You may either despise it; or faint under it; or be exercised by it. It is the last that yields the peaceable fruits of righteousness. You have our hearty sympathy and prayers, beloved friend. May God sustain and comfort you!