Why do some question the use of the expression, the believers two natures?

Sometimes defining terms helps resolve differences. At issue is what constitutes a nature? If we accept that a nature is the essential characteristics and qualities of a person or thing, we can suggest three possible objections.

A first objection is that this expression is not biblical. Some point out that we have become "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4)." TARGET="_blank">2 Peter 1:4). This cannot mean we have been made to share in the "essential characteristics" of deity, because those characteristics are non-transferable. If this referred to a "new nature," we would hardly have expected the word "partakers." Peter would more likely state that we received it or that God imparted it, since "nature" seems to imply something that has now become native to a believer. The suggested meaning is that, as possessors of new life - eternal life, we share the quality of life possessed by God.

A second objection is that it is difficult to define any "entity" or nature imparted at salvation. What was imparted to us at salvation is a new principle and power. We have been made alive spiritually and have received eternal life. Our quickened spirit or mind now has a relationship with God and delights in righteousness (Romans 7:22, 23)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 7:22, 23). Because of this relationship, a new law or principle is now active in the believer.

In addition, the Spirit of God now resides within us. He empowers the believer to live righteously. This is a more intimate and effective provision than Old Testament believers enjoyed, yet they lived righteously as a result of having been made spiritually alive. Our minds have always been able to make moral choices, but when made alive spiritually our mind functions properly by responding to God and to righteousness.

A third objection is that "the essential characteristics and qualities of a person7 define that person. Is a believer, then, "defined" by "our old man" (Romans 6:6)," TARGET="_blank">Romans 6:6), his old standing in Adam, or by "the new man" (Colossians 3:10)," TARGET="_blank">Colossians 3:10), his new standing in Christ? The essential characteristics of a believer in Christ are "righteousness and true holiness" (Ephesians 4:24)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:24). Every believer is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:17) and this defines his characteristics.

Many able teachers and commentators refer to the believer's two natures, so it is best not to crusade on this point.

D. Oliver
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If a Christian commits suicide, will he / she still go to heaven?

Is the sin of suicide a special, unforgivable sin?

If a Christian commits suicide, will he / she still go to heaven? The brief answer is "yes". A person who is saved will be in heaven when he dies regardless of what kind of sin he has committed, including suicide. But there are several objections and misunderstandings about the nature of salvation that need to be explained in order to clarify the matter.

Salvation is not a result of any work that one might do to counteract sin or gain favor with God. Neither is salvation the result of avoiding sin. The Bible says that salvation is not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 2:8-9) and that nobody, except Christ Himself, has ever avoided sinning (Romans 3:1-23)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 3:1-23). The only action God expects from us is that we acknowledge our guilt from doing wrong and trust Christ Jesus for what he did on the cross (John 1:12-13)." TARGET="_blank">John 1:12-13). Once a person is saved, "there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:1).

The idea of suicide being unforgivable comes from Catholic teachings dating back to the earliest days of the Roman Church. Saint Augustine taught that suicide is tantamount to self murder and therefore leads to an eternity in hell. The Catholic doctrine states that confession leads to forgiveness of sins. An unconfessed sin is an unforgiven sin and therefore a person who kills himself dies in an unforgiven state since he has no opportunity to confess his crime.

The problem with his view is that it represents a misunderstanding of the nature of salvation and eternal security.

First, a person who trusts in Christ's death for the fogiveness of his/her sins is saved. All sins are forgiven including those from childhood to old age, from small seemingly trivial mis-spoken words to grave violations of the law.

Second, the person who is saved did nothing to neither earn forgiveness nor pay for his salvation. Christ the Savior made himself answerable to God for every crime ever committed by human kind including the crime of murder. He finished the work to save completely and with finality at the cross.

Third, the saved person is secure in having eternal life. God doesn't revoke salvation based on our behavior.

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How does the Holy Spirit work differently in the New Testament compared to the Old Testament?

What is the difference in the Spirit's relationship to believers today as compared with Old Testament believers?

There is a distinction between relations of the Spirit to men before and after Pentecost. This is evident from the Lord's teaching in John 14:16, 17," TARGET="_blank">John 14:16, 17, "He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever... He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." So in the old dispensation the Spirit was with believers, in the present dispensation He is in them.

Before Pentecost the Spirit was at work fitting men for special service or testimony to accomplish the purpose of God. The Spirit came only on certain individuals (Numbers 11:29)." TARGET="_blank">Numbers 11:29). Bezaleel was filled with the Spirit of God for the work of the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:30,31)." TARGET="_blank">Exodus 35:30,31). "The Spirit of the Lord came upon David" (1 Samuel 16:13)." TARGET="_blank">1 Samuel 16:13). Verse 14 of that passage states, "But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul." David prayed that the Holy Spirit would not be taken from him (Psalm 51:11)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 51:11). This indicates the transient nature of His presence prior to Pentecost. In this age, He dwells permanently in all believers (John 14:17)." TARGET="_blank">John 14:17).

J. Abernathy

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How old should I be to get married?

Is there biblical guidance on a minimum age for marriage?

Despite society’s whims, marriage is for life (Romans 7:2)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 7:2). Such a commitment, upholding such a high ideal (Ephesians 5:31, 32)," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:31, 32), demands maturity. The unselfishness that marriage requires (1 Corinthians 13:5)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 13:5) comes with maturity. When a couple marries too young, a crisis often comes later; one of the partners feels he or she would have chosen differently if given more experience.

An inordinate haste to be married may indicate personal problems that will produce lethal weaknesses in a marriage. This may include escaping an unpleasant family situation, filling an inordinate need for approval from the opposite gender, seeking financial independence, managing lust, fearing singleness, having unrealistic expectations for marriage, rebelling against parents, reacting to undisclosed abuse, or evading the consequences of immoral behavior.

Willingness to listen and evaluate the differing viewpoints of friends indicates maturity (Proverbs 12:15)." TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 12:15). A person who stubbornly insists he is sufficiently mature to marry, despite the disagreement of trustworthy friends, proves his immaturity. If a couple is willing to be patient, wait on the Lord, and demonstrate the wholesomeness of their relationship, their spirit may silence those who oppose them. Proverbs 3:5" TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 3:5 & 6 is good counsel.

Rather than intervening when emotions are inflamed, parents will be more effective by forestalling such a crisis. During children’s early teen years, family discussions regarding choosing wholesome friends and marriage partners are invaluable.

D. Oliver
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Can the Sin against the Holy Spirit be committed to-day?

The possibility would seem greater in the present day than in the days of Christ, as the Holy Spirit is now in Person on the earth. This sin seems to be a deliberate ascription, not necessarily aloud, but perhaps in the heart, to Satan of the Spirit’s work. For those who refused the Lord Jesus, as Messiah there was forgiveness, as witness the early chapters of the Acts. But when once the apostolic testimony to a risen Christ by the Holy Ghost was definitely and nationally refused, we hear no longer of such mass conversions, and the blessing moved more and more from Jerusalem to the Gentiles, though the grace of God lingered over the beloved city, as the glory had done in the time of Ezekiel. There may be a point in the experience of many, when they finally resolve to refuse Christ and probably never experience the Spirit’s drawing again. They will henceforward believe any lie, but the truth, never.

Such individual apostacy will become the mass movement of the very last days. They Will believe the lie, and take the mark of the Beast and their eternal doom will be finally sealed. This is apostacy, from which there is no recovery, a.giving up of Christianity, sometimes, as one hears to-day, for Mohammedaflism, Buddism, Hinduism, Spiritism or what not. One thing, however, is, I believe, certain, that such apostacy is never marked by a fear of having apostatised. That is not the sign of apostacy, but rather the belief that the truth has at last been found.

Where a poor soul dreads having committed the unpardonable sin, and still desires to be saved, there is no apostacy, and no doubt there is still mercy in the heart of God to such an one, and a full offer of salvation by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Let such an one come to Christ and he or she will not be cast out.

W.H.

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How can I maintain a pure life while trying to reach out to people who are not saved

How can I be scripturally "safe" as I contact neighbors socially with the gospel?

Avoid both condemnation and compromise. When, for conscience sake, we decline some activities with a "No thank you, I'm a Christian," we unnecessarily condemn others by implying we are better than they. "No, thank you," is quite sufficient! Joining in any activity or function where our Lord would be unwelcome or would not go compromises God's truth. This renders any witnessing ineffective (Matthew 5:16)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 5:16).

Be friendly and kind; show interest in them; build a relationship with them. Shopping, helping with a project in the yard, or inviting them to a family picnic does not compromise Christian principles. One-on-one contacts, rather than neighborhood group activities, provide a better opportunity to speak of spiritual things.

Right from the start, as you seek to build a relationship, show how much you appreciate your salvation, thus making salvation as attractive as it is (1 Peter 2:9)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:9). Draw them to Christ. This will also preserve you from situations that could damage your testimony.

When discussing salvation, don't attempt to tell all at once. One point clearly made now and further points later are more effective. Promote two way conversations.

Stress that the Bible is God's Word. Show them verses as you discuss them. Eventually emphasize that sin bars them from heaven and results in eternal judgment. A primary objective is to help them recognize they are lost. Then they will appreciate the Savior's substitutionary death for their sin.

J. Slabaugh

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In Isaiah 53:12, who are the

In Isaiah 53:12," TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 53:12, who are the “great” and the “strong”, and in what way does God “divide” to the Messiah a portion with them?

Is it not probable that we place overmuch emphasis on these three words, and that we seek to get more out of them than perhaps they are meant to convey? “Divide” seems to suggest to our minds a cutting up into so many definite shares, of which Christ gets His, and certain others get theirs. But what if we use the word “assign” as is done in Darby’s Translation, or render the clause, “I will allot to Him a portion among the mighty”, as Gesenius does in his Lexicon! Either of these is quite correct as a rendering, and at the same time does not tie up our thoughts to an actual division of something into two or more parts. This should make it clear to us that the meaning may be no more than as follows: “I will assign to Him such a spoil as is usually that obtained by the great and the strong; and I will do so in recompense for (“Therefore”) His having suffered in littleness and weakness (as pictured in v. 7, etc.), and for (“because”) His having poured out His soul unto death (middle of v. 12).
Viewed in this way, the words “great” and “strong”, which are both plurals, need not refer to any particular individuals, but to the great and strong in general. Compare how the same two words are coupled together in such passages as Isaiah 8:7;" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 8:7; Joel 2:2" TARGET="_blank">Joel 2:2 and Zecheriah 8:22; the word “many” in the first and last of these being the same Hebrew word as “great” in our verse.
The translators of the Septuagint, when turning the passage into Greek, rendered the second clause. “He shall divide the spoils OF the mighty”, and left out the “with” of the first clause also; thus suggesting the meaning to be a complete triumph over all His foes, however “many” or “mighty” they were. Various commentators agree with this view of the passage. But whether we take it thus, and think of the great and mighty ones as His enemies, amongst whom He stands out pre-eminent; the basic idea in the statement is much the same—that the One who stooped so low and who suffered so much, has been given a place and an honour beyond all others.

W.R.

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Does "the coming of the Son of Man" refer to the Rapture?

Does "the coming of the Son of Man" refer to the Rapture?

This expression occurs three times in Matthew 24" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24 and, like any Bible expression, must be understood from its context and background. In each case, a comparison is given: "as ... so." At verse 27 the coming of the Son of Man is compared to lightning which will be seen universally. At verse 37 & 39 it is paralleled with the sudden judgment executed at the flood. The same context describes the Son of Man "coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (verse 30). This latter is an illusion to Daniel 7:1344," TARGET="_blank">Daniel 7:1344, where Gentile rule is terminated and the Son of Man receives universal and eternal dominion. Hence, the expression, in context does not refer to the Rapture but to the future advent of the Lord Jesus to earth when He will judge the evil of this world and, in His character as "Son of Man," take the position forfeited by the first man. He will then come and sit on the throne of His glory (Matthew 25:31)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25:31) and realize the dominion belonging to the "son of man" in Psalm 8." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 8.

D. GilIiland

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Is it wrong to exclude a believer from fellowship because of doctrinal differences?

SEPARATION
Is sectarianism sin? I am In an assembly of so called “open brethren” who invite “Reverend” gentlemen from the sects, also a sister, to address them. Is this right?.

Sectarianism wherever found, is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:20)." TARGET="_blank">Galatians 5:20). To whom but God Himself should confession be made? The beginnings of it were seen at Corinth—”I am of Paul, and I of Apollos and I of Cephas; and I of Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:12).

In the first three cases men were attaching themselves to human leaders, instead of to Christ alone; in the last case, while attaching themselves to Christ, they were detaching from Him true members of His Body and pretending to belong to Him in some peculiar sense, in which others did not. This is also sectarianism against which we must watch. The whole idea of dividing up the Body of Christ is condemned by the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 3:3-4" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:3-4 ). It is condoned to-day and we are told that the different sects are only regiments in God’s army, as though regiments recruited from one another and were sometimes found fighting against one another. The only true Christian position is to know no other centre than Christ, and to recognise all believers as equally belonging to Him, though lamenting the broken-up condition of things around.

No doubt there are men truly gifted of Christ, who occupy sectarian positions, but that does not make those positions right, and to invite such to teach the Saints a complete anomaly and certainly not calculated to “build these up on their most holy faith,” but rather to break down the land-marks between truth and error and lead the Lord’s people back on to sectarian ground. This is especially dangerous when the invited brethren are men who were once in the simple assemblies themselves, but have become popular preachers or even “Reverends,” wearing all the insignia of their declension. They are often strongly opposed to the truth they once professed. It is not for us to judge their conscience, nor should we put a salve to their conscience by inviting them to teach or preach, thus approving of their position, or be present, when they officiate, as is apparently the case in some places. As for inviting a sister to teach the gathered saints, it is so clearly contrary to our Lord’s express prohibition, through His apostle: “I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority* over the man, but to be in silence” (1 Timothy 2:12;" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2:12; see also 1 Corinthians 14:34-35)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:34-35), that comment is needless.

W.H.

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What is exorcism? Can a believer cast out demons?

Exorcism is the practice of expelling a demon from a person who is controlled, or possessed by the demon. Several examples of exorcism are mentioned in the Bible – all in the New Testament during the period of Christ’s ministry and the following years with the disciples.

The Christian should resist the devil, but not by exorcism. Instead, the weapons we have been given are our ability to resist in the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and by the liberating power of salvation through the proclamation of the gospel to the lost ones.

Examples of exorcism

Some of the examples include people who were casting out demons (Mark 9:38)," TARGET="_blank">Mark 9:38), Jesus commands to the 70 evangelists (Matthew 10)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 10), the false accusation that Jesus was empowered by Beelzebul to be able to cast out demons (Luke 11:15-19)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 11:15-19) and Paul’s ability to cast the demon out of a slave girl (Acts 16:16-18)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 16:16-18).

Mark 9:38-40" TARGET="_blank">Mark 9:38-40 John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." (39) But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. (40) For the one who is not against us is for us.

Matthew 10:8" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

Luke 11:15-19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 11:15-19 But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons," (16) while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. (17) But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. (18) And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. (19) And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.

Acts 16:16-18" TARGET="_blank">Acts 16:16-18 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. (17) She followed Paul and us, crying out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation." (18) And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour.

Why show this power?

In order to demonstrate Christ’s power over the Prince of Darkness, he cast out demons. For example he says in Luke 11:21" TARGET="_blank">Luke 11:21 -22 “when one stronger than he (Satan) attack him and overcomes him…” He also gave this power to authenticate the 12 disciples in the eyes of the people. He says in Luke 10:17" TARGET="_blank">Luke 10:17 “I have given you authority”

Luke 10:17-20" TARGET="_blank">Luke 10:17-20 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" (18) And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. (19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. (20) Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Christ’s ultimate triumph over Satan was accomplished at the cross. From the very beginning of time, God had given a curious prophecy regarding the power of Christ over Satan. This verse is known as the protevangelium, meaning "The First Gospel."

Genesis 3:15" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 3:15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."

The “offspring” or “seed” of the woman is Christ the Messiah or the Promised One. The offspring of Satan is the group of his agents – fallen angels. The bruising of Christ’s heel refers to his wounding at the cross. The bruised head – or crushed head – is the ultimate triumph over Satan’s power. His “power” resides in the manipulation of the laws of sin and death against humanity. Bruising Satan’s head is a mortal wound, while bruising the heel is a painful, but less serious wound. Satan is defeated when Christ gives us eternal life.

The instructions to the church in the epistles tell us that Satan is a defeated foe. However, we are not encouraged nor commanded to cast out demons. Instead we are to put on armor to stand against Satan.

Ephesians 6:11" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

We should resist the devil and his work of provoking jealousy and covetousness by submitting ourselves to God. The devil is using our own fleshly desires and selfishness against us. His tools are found within our own being. By denying him access to our selfishness, we can defeat him.

James 4:6-7" TARGET="_blank">James 4:6-7 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Ephesians 4:25-27" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:25-27 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. (26) Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, (27) and give no opportunity to the devil.

We should be aware of him, and strengthen our own faith in response to his attacks.

1 Peter 5:8-9" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (9) Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

A new weapon in Christian victory over sin

The lack of instructions for expelling him from possessed people is a noticeable contrast to the activities of Christ and the disciples during His earthly ministry. The new weapon that we are given in our spiritual battles is the Holy Spirit. With Him residing in every believer we have a way of resisting the devil and new power to submit to God. The focus of our spiritual conflict is on the battle between fleshly desires and the Holy Spirit.

A new weapon in victory for the lost ones

An unconverted person, living in spiritual darkness and tormented by the ways of the devil, can be freed by the power of the gospel. A drug addict, alcoholic or a person in involved in cults is clearly being manipulated and driven by Satan. The Christian’s response and duty is not to try to drive away demons, but to set him at liberty through faith in Christ.

Remember the words of the Lord at the start of his ministry? As he begin his ministry he demonstrated his power over Satan. He finished his work by redeeming us through his death on the cross.

Luke 4:18-19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, (19) to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Paul announces his mission statement as opening the eyes of those in darkness, not through exorcism, but instead through the power of the forgiveness of sins in the gospel.

Acts 26:18," TARGET="_blank">Acts 26:18, 22-23 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (22) Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: (23) That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Conclusion

The Christian should resist the devil, but not by scolding him, or "binding" him, or by exorcism. Instead, the weapons we have been given are our ability to resist in the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and by the liberating power of salvation through the proclamation of the gospel to the lost ones.

Shad Sluiter

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