6. Μ. II, Acton. There are times when we cannot see what we ought to do. At such times how precious is that word, “I will guide thee with mine eye.” It is not what we see, but what our divine Shepherd sees. It seems to me such is the case you bring before us. The Baptists have, as a union, adopted the worst principle possible: a compromise with evil, similar to that which took place forty years ago, and which is bearing its sad fruits. Those who adopt it seem given up to judicial blindness, and views on baptism are used by the enemy of souls to hide the awful principle of allowing false doctrine as to Christ Himself. It may be said that to deny everlasting punishment, which is so distinctly taught in the scriptures, is not a doctrine against Christ. Did He not distinctly teach everlasting punishment to the rejecters of salvation? Certainly: then to say that solemn fact is not true, is to make Christ a deceiver. If this is not against Christ, what can be?
It does seem to us then, that the late decision of the Baptist Union has altered entirely their position. No doubt there are many dear Christians amongst them: may we seek in every way to deliver such, and He who sees the matter more fully than we do, will guide the sister you name with His eye. May she, and all, look to the Lord for His guidance. We are persuaded where that error of non-eternity of punishment takes root, it is the prelude of all other false doctrine.
There are relationships in life which must be observed: husband and wife, children and parents, &a, and we need the guidance of the Holy Ghost how to act in faithfulness, and love, when any related to us are entangled in error. And no doubt the path will become increasingly narrowed, as false doctrine is held, and compromise goes on. We must not by a light and careless manner even, seem to be indifferent about Christ. What solemn instruction is given to the elect lady, as to all this in 2 John. “For he that biddeth him God speed (or saluteth him) is partaker of his evil deeds.” Only this does not dissolve relationships or alter our responsibilities.
Fellowship in the Spirit is impossible with the holders or abettors of false doctrine, “And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” “If a man therefore “purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” (2 Tim. 2:19-2219Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. 21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:19‑22).) May our hearts bow to the word of God.
7. B. S., Bristol. If you turn to 1 Pet. 1:10-1210Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:10‑12), it is evident the sufferings of Christ (that is, Messiah), were the theme of the Spirit of Christ in the prophets; and also the glory that should follow. Yet it was revealed to them, that they thus ministered unto us, not to themselves. All is now clear to us. that they distinctly wrote of Messiah in such scriptures as Isa. 53, Psalm 22, Dan. 9:2626And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. (Daniel 9:26), and many other scriptures. These speak of His sufferings, and of His being cut off, and having nothing. How far the prophets understood it, we cannot tell. His disciples evidently did not, and were greatly surprised when He spake of His sufferings. They did not understand that He must needs suffer, until after He arose from the dead, and the world, and the world knew Him not. The world knew not its need of His atoning death.
The Holy Ghost presents Him in the Psalms and elsewhere as Son of God—even as man, as Messiah. “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me,” &c. (Psalm 2) And as to His eternal Sonship, we know it from Heb. 1 “But unto the Son, he saith, Thy throne, Ο God, is forever and ever.” And again, “Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands.” (Psalm 102:2525Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. (Psalm 102:25).)
Yet from Matt. 16 we see it required a revelation from the Father to know Jesus and confess Him, the Son of the living God. We judge then, that these things were only known divinely by the saints of the Old Testament. What a revelation it will be when Israel is born again. And what a revelation to every soul now born of God.
What could be plainer than these words? “They shall smite the Judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. But thou, Beth-le-hem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from days of eternity.” (Mic. 5:1, 21Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. 2But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:1‑2).) And yet the Jews to this day have no idea of whom the prophet thus speaks. Very soon God will say to them, “Arise shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.”