77. “J. Α.,” Oxon. We cannot see how Gal. 3:19 can possibly negative the true reading of 1 John 3:4, which any schoolboy, tolerably instructed, can see at a glance is, “Sin is lawlessness.” It seems to us that the two passages are in perfect harmony. “Wherefore then the law? It was added because of transgression.” So also in Rom. 4:15: “Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is there is no transgression.” Is it not perfectly obvious that in order to have transgression there must be law? Yes; and it is equally obvious that where there is a law there must be transgression because man is a sinner. The law raised the question of righteousness, and proved that; man had none. Without law man was a lawless sinner. Under law, he was a willful transgressor. From Adam to Moses, there was no law, and therefore no transgression, though surely there was sin, and therefore death—sin’s wages. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression.” (Rom. 5:14.) Adam had a law, and therefore his act was transgression. So we read in Hos. 6:7, “They [Israel] like Adam, have transgressed.” See margin. We are at a loss to understand the difficulties of some of our friends, in reference to a matter so exceedingly plain.
78. “J. D.,” S. Priesthood is unfolded to us in Hebrews as that which maintains the link between God and men. Advocacy we have in John, as maintaining the communion of the children with the Father. They are essentially one; the difference arises out of the distinct lines of truth set forth by the Holy Ghost in the writings of Paul and John. The former unfolds the counsels of God and man’s relation to Him. The latter presents the great truth of eternal life manifested in Christ and communicated to us, constituting us children with the Father.
79. “Z.,” Brighton. The moment of our quickening is when we hear the voice of the Son of God. John 5:25. This voice is heard in the gospel when the incorruptible seed of the word of God is lodged in the soul, by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See 1 Pet. 1:23-25, Jas. 1:18.) Very many, however, are quickened who are not emancipated. This latter is connected with the finished work of Christ, which places the believer before God in perfect righteousness, peace and liberty, accepted in a risen and glorified Christ, and sealed with the Holy Ghost.
80. “F. M.,” North Brixton. We are much interested in your kind letter and the accompanying lines. May the Lord fill you with His own love and glory as you draw near the haven of His own eternal presence.
81. “Altofts.” All the leading authorities omit the word “broken” in 1 Cor. 11:24. The term “ Synagogue of Satan” refers to those who rest merely in a traditional religion, with its orders and offices, and have no vital connection with Christ. All such shall yet have to own that the despised and feeble followers of the Son of God are beloved of Him.
82. “D.” and “J. W. N.” Our answer to “J. A.” will, we trust, meet your difficulty.
83. “B.,” Near Stroud. Procure a copy of a tract entitled, “ A Scriptural Inquiry into the true nature of the Sabbath, the Law and the Christian Ministry.” It can be had of our publisher by sending him 2£d. in stamps. We could not attempt to handle such a subject in our very limited space for correspondence.
84. “Ε. Α.,” Pimlico. It would not, by any means, comport with the character of our publication to insert such matters as you name.
85. “A. W. H.” We should know more of the facts of your case before giving a judgment; and we more than question the propriety of introducing such personal and local matters into the pages of a magazine designed for general edification.