Correspondence

 •  3 min. read  •  grade level: 7
 
1. “C. S.,” Sunderland. It would, in no wise, tend to edification to discuss your first question. As to your second, we consider such a mode of putting the gospel utterly unsound and fatally false. The idea of telling a man that he is saved whether he believes it or not, is so palpably absurd and monstrous as not to be worthy of refutation. Such a statement should not be called “preaching the gospel,” but preaching deadly error. There is frequently a very false use made of the last verse of Rom. 4, “Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.” From the mode in which this verse is handled by some, it would appear that a man is justified before he believes. This is utterly false. No one is justified, pardoned, or saved, apart from repentance and faith wrought in his soul, by the Holy Spirit. The entire context goes to prove the erroneous use of the expression, “Now it was not written for his [Abraham’s] sake alone, that it [righteousness] was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom, believing on him that raised from among the dead Jesus our Lord, who has been delivered for our offenses, and has been raised for our justification, it will be reckoned. Therefore having been justified, on the principle of faith, we have peace with God.” (See Greek.) The foundation is laid in the death and resurrection of our Lord Christ; but the application of it to individuals is inseparably connected with the operation of the Spirit in the heart; and that operation is in pursuance of the eternal counsels of God. It is all of grace—free, sovereign grace from first to last. Thank God that it is so, for otherwise not one of us would ever have entered within the circle of God’s salvation.
2. “J. G.,” Bucks. The entire form of prayer in which the expression occurs, was adapted to the transitional state in which the disciples were previous to the accomplishment of redemption, and the descent of the Comforter, consequent upon the glorification of Christ at the right hand of God. (Compare with Luke 11:44And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. (Luke 11:4), Colossians in. 13, last clause.) The Lord be praised for what you can say as to blessing received through our pages.
3. “Α. Μ. Α.,” Weston-super-Mare. See the fourth volume of “Things New and Old,” page 25, for the exposition you desire.
4. “Hercules,” Portland. The address of the place you ask for in Birmingham, is “Ruston Street, off Broad Street, near the Five Ways.” Any further information can be had of “Mr. R. Abernethie, 77, Hagley Road.”
5. “R. A. H.,” Jersey. A most precious and never failing remedy for depression of soul will be found in looking up to the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He, blessed be His name, knows how to comfort those that are cast down. May He comfort you, and give you lifting up in Himself!
7. “A. C. C,” Bradford. Accept our hearty thanks for your truly kind and encouraging letter, and accompanying lines. The latter breathe a sweet spirit. May the Lord abundantly answer your earnest breathings! You will easily understand, dear friend, our difficulty in making room for all the poetry sent to us. It would be absolutely impossible; and we trust our dear friends will not feel themselves aggrieved by our not inserting their contributions. We should recommend them to keep a copy of their lines, as we cannot hold ourselves responsible for any MS forwarded to us.
8. “J. J.,” Banff. We cannot see any ground whatever for a difficulty in the matter to which you refer. Scripture says nothing as to what kind of bread we should use at the Lord’s Supper.
9. “W. H.,” Poole. We should know all the facts before giving a judgment.