Confession

Is there a promise for those who confess their sins?
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

To whom besides the Lord should one confess his sins?
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16.
NOTE: All sins should be confessed to God, because the very smallest is a grievance to Him; but only those sins should be confessed to a fellow-man that have directly injured him. A sin that is against God only, should be confessed only to Him, and man has no claim to a confession in such cases.

If one tries to cover up a sin, and will not properly confess it, what effect will such a course have on the delinquent?
"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Proverbs 28:13.
NOTE: He may outwardly appear to prosper, but spiritually he will not.

Is it possible to hide a sin from God?
"But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23.
"Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance." Psalms 90:8.

How did David feel before he confessed his sins?
"When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer." Psalms 32:3, 4.

What came to him after confession?
"I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin." Psalms 32:5.

Who is the advocate of the sinner?
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." 1 John 2:1.
NOTE.--It follows that if one is an advocate for another, the advocate must know all the case of the one for whom he is to plead. If any omission is made in stating the case in all its details, how can the advocate plead for such?

How fully did Israel confess to Samuel when they wished him to intercede before God in their behalf?
"And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king." 1 Samuel 12:19.
NOTE: Probably Samuel knew before that they had committed that particular wrong; but he wanted them to feel it before he could really intercede in their behalf. Even so the Lord wishes all now to specify their wrongs, that He may know they have a genuine sorrow for each one committed.

What are we to expect when we confess our sins?
"To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions." Psalms 51:1.

Will there be a time when every one will confess to God?
"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." Romans 14:11, 12.
NOTE: The confessions here spoken of are those which will be made in the judgment. If any one has refused to acknowledge his sins before, affirming that he could not see them, he will then see them just as the record has them marked. He will confess his sins when it is too late to obtain forgiveness for them. It is far better to acknowledge our faults now, and with the help of God put them away, while there is hope of salvation.

Having a GODLY Mind

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

What does Paul say of the carnal mind?
"The carnal mind is enmity against God..." Rom. 8:7.

Why is the carnal mind enmity?
"For it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Rom. 8:7.

Can one please God while he is carnally minded?
"So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Rom. 8:8.

What will those receive who remain in that state?
"For to be carnally minded is death." Rom. 8:6.
NOTE: Since the "wates of sin is death" (Rom. 8:23), and "sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4), it follows that to be carnally minded is death. It is also sin, or a violation of God's law.

In what way may this condition be changed?
"We pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Cor. 5:20.

How was this reconciliation brought about in the case of the wicked Ninevites, when Jonah prophesied their destruction?
The king of Nineveh said, "Let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn everyone from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hand." "And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that He had said that He would do unto them; and He did it not." Jonah 3:8, 10.

Are repentance and confession still essential to reconciliation?
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." Acts. 3:19. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

Is this work effected independently of the sinner's action?
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. "For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." Rom. 5:10.

How is the carnal mind destroyed?
"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Rom. 6:6.

When the work on the part of the sinner has been thoroughly done, how complete will be the change in him?
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Cor. 5:17.

How may we know whether or not one has experienced this change?
"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Matt. 7:20.

If one has a spiritual mind, what fruit will he bear?
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Gal. 5:22, 23.

What is the first result of justification?
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1.

How complete is the justification of that person who becomes reconciled to God?
"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

When thus reconciled to God, how will the individual stand?
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. 8:1.

Christ is our King and We are His Subjects

Does God want Christians to overcome evil in their lives?
"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Rom. 12:21.

What only can overcome the world?
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world." 1 John 5:4.

What special quality is needed in order to succeed in our efforts to overcome?
"And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." Verse 4.

What promises are made by Christ to the overcomer?
1. "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." Revelation 2:7.
2. "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." Verse 11.
3. "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." Verse 17.
4. "He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father. And I will give him the morning star." Verses 26-28.
5. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels." Rev. 3:5.
6. "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God: and I will write upon him My new name." Verse 12.
7. "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." Verse 21.

In what one promise are all of these promises to the overcomers summarized?
"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son." Rev. 21:7.

What new name was given to Jacob?
"And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." Gen. 32:28.

What group of people later were called by that name?
"Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt: ...Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher ...Joseph." Ex. 1:1-5.
The decendents of the sons of Jacob were known as the twelve tribes of Israel.

What special blessings were conferred upon the Israelites?
"Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all." Rom. 9:4, 5.

Who constitutes the true Israel of God, the seed of Abraham?
"They are not all Israel, which are of Israel: neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed." Verses 6-8.

Speaking to the Pharisees and Sadducees, what did John the Baptist have to say about this?
"And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." Matt. 3:9.

What is it that decides whether or not a person is a child of Abraham?
"Know ye therefore that they which are of faith the same are the children of Abraham." Gal. 3:7.
To whom must one belong in order to be Abraham's seed?
"And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Verse 29.

In what passage of Scripture are the believers in Christ called "Israel"?
"And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God." Galatians 6:16.

To whom is the gospel the power of God unto salvation?
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Rom. 1:16.

To what group did Jesus first send the disciples?
"These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Matt. 10:5, 6.

While eating dinner with Zachaeus, what did Christ tell him?
"This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham." Luke 19:9.

When the Jews rejected Paul's preaching of Christ, what did Paul and Barnabas reply?
"Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles." Acts 13:46.

What illustration is given to describe the coming of the Gentiles (non-Jews) into the true Israel of God?
"And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; boast not against the branches." Rom. 11:17, 18.

Lest the Gentile grafts should boast, saying that the Jews were broken off to let them come in, what warning is given to them?
"Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded but fear: for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee." Verse 20-21.

Is it possible for members of the Jewish race to return to the vine?
"And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again." Verse 23.

Before the Gentiles became Israelites, what was their condition?
"Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles ...at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world." Eph. 2:11, 12.

How are God's remnant, last-day people described?
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:12.

Whose names are written in the foundations of the Holy City?
"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." Revelation 21:14.

Whose names are written on the twelve gates of that city?
"And [the wall] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel." Verse 12.

Who will walk in the light of the city?
"And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it." Verse 24.

Just as if I had never sinned, Justification

According to God's standard of judgment, how many can be justified?
"And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified." Ps. 143:2.
NOTE: Justify. "To prove or show to be just, or conformable to law, right, justice, propriety, or duty; to defend or maintain; to vindicate as right; to warrant." "To pronounce free from guilt or blame; to absolve; to clear." -- Webster

How may one become justified?
"By his knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities." Isa. 53:11.

By whom and by what are men justified?
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Rom. 3:23, 24.

Why cannot men be justified by the deeds of the law?
"For by the law is the knowledge of sin." Rom. 3:20.

Can the unrighteous be saved?
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?" 1 Cor. 6:9.

Through whose righteousness is remission of sins obtained?
"Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God." Rom. 3:24, 25.

For what was Christ made sin?
"For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 5:21.

Then what may we call the Saviour?
"And this is His name whereby He shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness." Jer. 23:6.

On what condition may we obtain this righteousness and justification?
"To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Rom.3:26.

Who may obtain this imputed righteousness?
"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference." Rom. 3:22.

Now we understand that sin is the transgression of God's law (1 John 3:4), and by this law is the knowledge of sin. (Rom. 3:20). Can one, while persisting in sin, expect justification?
"But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid." Gal. 2:17.

In order to have one's sins forgiven, and his unrighteousness cleansed away, what is necessary?
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

Can one be purified without obedience?
"And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith." Acts 15:9. "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth,... see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently." 1 Pet. 1:22.

Does the fact that we are justified, or made righteous, by faith, release us from obligation to keep God's law?
"Do we then make void the law through faith? God for- bid: yea, we establish the law." Rom. 3:31.

What is faith?
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Heb. 11:1.

When one does this, and is in perfect accord with all of God's commandments, what may he then have?
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1.

In what way may we hold our justification and fellowship with God?
"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.
NOTE: Not only is fellowship with our brethren here implied, but, as intimated in previous verses, with God and with Christ.

"There is evidently an allusion to 1 John 1:3, and their fellowship with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ is expressed, so here it lies in the background, but need not be supplied. De Wette's remark is most true; Christian communion is then only real, when it is communion with God." --Dean Alford.

How great will be the peace of mind enjoyed by those who have this experience?
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7.

What will be a prominent characteristic of those who wait for the return of their Lord from heaven?
"For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him." Heb. 10:37, 38.

What will accompany the faith of Jesus?
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Rev. 14:12.

GOD's Willngness to Forgive

In what way has God dealt with repentent sinners?
"He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." Ps.103:10.

Why?
"For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him." Ps. 103:11.

What is God ready to do for all who ask Him?
"For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." Ps. 86:5.

When Abraham asked God to spare Sodom if He should find ten righteous persons therein, what did the Lord say?
"And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And He said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake." Gen. 18:32.

What prayer did Moses offer in behalf of Israel?
"Pardon, I beseech Thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of Thy mercy, and as Thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now." Num. 14:19.

What reply did the Lord immediately make?
"And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to Thy word." Num. 14:20.

When David confessed his great sin, what did God do for him?
"I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin." Ps. 32:5.

Does the lord forgive sins when they are confessed to Him?
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

How full is the Lord's forgiveness, when one fulfills the conditions?
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isa. 55:7.

In what special manner has God shown His willingness to forgive the sinner?
"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8.

What does this wonderful manifestation on the part of God, vouchsafe to us?
"He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Rom. 8:32.

Why has such full provision been made?
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.

When the prodigal son, in the parable, repented and turned toward home, what did his father do?
"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." Luke 15:20.

Upon the son's asking to be made only a hired servant, what order was issued in behalf of the penitent one?
"But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." Luke 15:22-24.

Is God willing to do for His children as earthly parents are for theirs?
"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" Luke 11:13.

How many receive forgiveness from God?
"Everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matt. 7:8.

Does the Lord forget the cries of those who call upon Him?
"Can a woman forget her sucking child?...Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee." Isa. 49:15.

What is GOD's Character

What do the Scriptures teach concerning the character of God?
“God is love.” 1 John 4:8. “Good and upright is the Lord.” Psalm 25:8.

How was God’s goodness expressed in creation?
“And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:31.

Though tarnished by sin what witness does nature still bear to His love?
“The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” Psalm 33:5.

How does God feel toward mankind alienated from Him through sin?
“I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3.

By what act is God’s love toward man supremely revealed?
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4: 9.
“Love is the ‘Alpha and Omega’ of redemption, the love of God to man. Read it in the journey of the Mediator from heaven to earth! Read it in His pilgrimage through the land of sorrow! Behold Him ‘nailed to the shameful tree!’ See the blood and water gushing from His side! Hear the sound of the waterspouts, as the floods of wrath roll over Him! Then ask the reason. The answer is: ‘God is love.’ ” ”Evangelistic Cyclopedia,” pages 290, 291.

To how many is the message of the gospel extended?
“The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:12,13.

How patiently does God wait for a response?
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness but is long-suffering to us ward not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

What does He promise to those who return to Him?
“I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away from him.” Hosea 14:4. (See also Jeremiah 3:12.)

Into what intimate fellowship with Himself does He admit them?
“Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons
of God.” 1 John 3:1.

Are there any limits to the goodness of God to His children?
“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32.

May we count on His goodness at all times?
“The Lord will command His loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me.” Psalm 42:8.
“The mountains, shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee.” Isaiah 54:10.

What loving control does He exercise over all the circumstances of our lives?
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

How comprehensive is His promise of help?
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” Corinthians 9: 8. 14.

Assured by such promises what are we urged to do?
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.” Psalm 55: 22.
“If you tell your troubles to God, you put them into the grave: they will never rise again when you have committed them to Him. If you roll your burden anywhere else, it will roll back again, like the stone
of Sisyphus.” - C. H. Spurgeon.

How do we know God’s goodness will be even more strikingly manifest toward His children in the future?
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.
“The biggest thing with which the mind can cope is the infinite love of God; and all our sanctified powers, and all the ministries of holy fellowship, and all the exploration of eternity will never reach a limit in its unsearchable wealth. The biggest thing you and I will ever know is the love of God in Jesus Christ our
Lord.” -Dr. J. H. Jowett.

In what appropriate way may we acknowledge the goodness of the Lord? ,
“Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalm 107: 8.

Can We Really Know GOD

Imagine the tragic state of ignorance that Paul found in the people of Athens?
“As I passed by, and beheld your devotions, 1 found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.” Acts 17: 23.

By contrast what striking affirmation did Paul make?
“I know whom I have believed.” 2 Timothy 1: 12.
“The heart of religion is not an opinion about God such as philosophy might reach as the conclusion of its argument it is a personal relationship with God.” - Dr. W. Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury, in “Nature, Man, and God,” page 54.

How does he express his desire for others?
“I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Ephesians 1:15-17.
The only knowledge which is of any avail in the light of eternity is a personal, intimate knowledge of God. Christianity is not merely belief in certain facts about a Person; it is rather a knowledge of that Person. Only this can transform lives and solve the problems of humanity. Christianity is not a philosophy, but a life -not a knowledge of abstract principles, but a personal knowledge of faith and love of God in Christ.”-Dr. Barry in Ellicott’s “Commentary.”

Can unaided human reason attain to a knowledge of God?
“Touching the Almighty we cannot find Him out.” Job 37:23.
Skilled as man may be in the elucidation of the mysteries of the universe, he cannot find out God. Elihu spoke truly when he said, “Behold, God is great, and we know Him not, neither can the number of His years be searched out.” Job 36:26.

Why cannot we search out God in the same way that we study natural phenomena?
a. Because He cannot be apprehended by the physical faculties.
“You have neither beard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape.”
John 5: 37.
b. Because the finite mind cannot comprehend the infinite.
“That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?” Ecclesiastes 7: 24.
c. Because sinful man cannot approach unto God.
“Thou can not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live.” Exodus 33: 20.

Though man cannot find out God, what does God offer to do for man?
“I will make known My words unto you.” Proverbs 1: 23.
“He opened the ears of men, and sealed their instruction.” Job 33: 16.

Through what channels does God make Himself known to man?
a. Through His works. “The invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead.” Romans 1:20.(See also Psalm 19:l.)
b. Through inspired men. “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets.” Hebrews 1:1.
c. Through Jesus. “We know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding,- thatwe may know Him that is true.” 1 John 5:20. (See also John 1:18)
d. Through the Spirit in personal experience. “You have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things.” “You need not that any man teach you.” 1 John 2: 20, 27.

Why do many fail to apprehend God?
“The natural man received not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.1 Corinthians 2:14.

On what conditions is this spiritual perception given?
a. Spiritual desire. “Yea, if thou cried after knowledge, and lifted up thy voice for understanding; if thou seek her as silver, and searched for her as for hid treasures; then shall thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2: 3-5.
b. Faith. “He that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.
c. Readiness to obey. “His secret is with the righteous.” Proverbs 3: 32.

What are some of the blessings which a knowledge of God brings to the believer?
a. Peace. “Acquaint now thyself with, Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.”
Job 22: 21.
“God has made us for Himself and we are restless until we find our rest in Him.” - Augustine.
b. Joy. “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16: 11.
The world is full of pleasure, but how little joy! The appearance of happiness is but a cloak to conceal an aching heart, a feeble attempt to escape from the sorrow which is sapping the life of mankind.
How different is the joy of knowing Him! It is not superficial and transient, but deep and enduring.
c. Understanding. “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord.” Hosea 6:3. “For the Lord gives wisdom.” Proverbs 2:6. (See also James 1:5.) d. Comfort. “Who comforted us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4.
e. Confidence and hope. “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12.

What supreme blessing does the knowledge of God bring to the believer?
“This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou has sent.” John 17: 3.

What urgent call therefore comes to us?
“Seek you the Lord while He may be found, call you’ upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6.
God is infinitely willing and desirous of bestowing His companionship upon us. Tenderly He pleads for us to come to Him. He will not force an entrance into the sanctum of the soul if we do not wish to know Him, but He knocks at our heart’s door, and if we will open to Him, He will come in and abide with us.

How should we respond to the call of God?
“When Thou said, Seek you My face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” Psalm 27:8.
To know Him; to talk with Him; to tell Him all our joys and sorrows, and to hear His words of comfort; to walk with Him in the daily tasks of life and to feel the support of His powerful arm -what a glorious privilege! Shall we refuse such an invitation?

What benediction does Peter pronounce upon believers?
“Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18.
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter 1:2.

“He leads me beside the still waters.”

GOD, Our Own Personal Creator

Sometimes it is so easy to imagine that our Lord GOD is too busy to even think about us. Does HE know who we are? Does HE really care about anything that bothers us? Does HE really desire a personal relationship with us?

Listen to what Jerimiah says that GOD told him.
"Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." Jeremiah 1:4,5

With what affirmation does the Bible open?
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.
“How tremendous are the implications of this simple statement! It denies atheism by declaring that there is a God. It denies agnosticism by implying that God may be known. It denies pantheism by distinguishing between the Creator and the creation. It denies polytheism by revealing that God is One. Indeed, there is no false ‘ism’ which is not condemned by this statement.” - Dr. W. Graham Scroggie, in “The Christian.”

In what other ways does the Bible teach that God is a personal Being?
a. He is described as “living.” “He is the living God.” Jeremiah 10:10.
b. Personal faculties and actions are attributed to Him. “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” 1 Peter 3: 12.
c. Jesus is declared to be the “Son” of God and Jesus claims God as His “Father.” “God sent forth His Son . . . to redeem them that were under the law.” Galatians 4: 4, 5.
“And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice9 He said, Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” Luke 23:46.
d. He is called the “Father” of man and the righteous are described as His “sons.” “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things.” 1 Corinthians 8:6.
“You are the children of the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 14:1.

What testimony does nature bear to the existence and personality of God?
“The invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made even His eternal power and Godhead.” Romans 1:20.
“There is nothing between absolute scientific belief in a creative Being and the acceptance of the theories of the fortuitous concurrence of atoms. If you think strongly enough you will be forced by science to the belief in God, which is the foundation of all religion. “-Lord Kelvin.
“What a thunderstorm of facts! But what do they all signify? Is it all a meaningless maze of materialistic facts, or is it one syllable in God’s explanation of Himself to men, so that the ‘meanest flower that blows’ and the merest hint of design, show the working of the mind and power of One whom a son may call Father?”-Revelation Leslie D. W. Weatherhead in “The Eternal Voice.”

How do the Scriptures therefore regard those who deny His existence?
“The fool has said in his heart, There is no God.” Psalm 53:1.
“Posterity will one day laugh at the foolishness of the modern materialistic philosopher. The more I study nature, the more I stand amazed at the works of the Creator. I pray while I am engaged in my work at the laboratory,” - Louis Pasteur.
“Atheism, unlike agnosticism, with which it should not be confused-Atheism, the denial of God, is not a system of philosophy fit for intelligent people; seeing that it totally fails to account for the universe, life, and human experience. And also is generally rejected by scientific opinion, at least in this country.”- Dr. Heywood, Bishop of Ely, in the Church Times.

How do the Scriptures emphasize the unity of the Godhead?
“God is one.” Galatians 3: 20.

What does the Bible say of God in contrast with other alleged gods?
“Though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him.” 1 Corinthians 8:5, 6.

What title does the Lord take to distinguish Himself from all other claimants?
“The Lord is the true God.” Jeremiah 10:10.

What difference is there between the personality of God and of man?
a. He is invisible to mortal eyes. “Lo, He goes by me, and I see Him not: He passes on also, but I perceive Him not.” Job 9: 11.
b. He is not subject to the limitations of human personality. “God is a spirit.” John 4: 24.
c. His attributes are inherent in Him, whereas man’s are derived from God. “The Father has life in Himself.” John 5: 26.
d. In all things He infinitely transcends His creatures. “His understanding is infinite.” Psalm 147:
e. “With God all things are possible.” Matthew 19: 26. “There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside Thee.” 1 Samuel 2: 2.

How enduring is the being of God?
“Even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.” Psalm 90:2.

What Bible statements indicate that God has a definite dwelling-place?
“The Lord’s throne is in heaven.” Psalm 11:4.
“Hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling-place.” 1 Kings 8: 39. (See also Psalm 103:19.)

Though dwelling in heaven, is He limited thereto?
“Am I a God at hand, said the Lord, and not a God afar off? Do not I fill heaven and earth?” Jeremiah 23: 23, 24.

How close does He seek to come to His creatures?
“I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” Isaiah 57: 15.

What should the majesty and love of God evoke from us?
“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” Psalm 95: 6.

What are the essential factors in acceptable worship?
“God is a spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24.
“Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Hebrews 11:6.
“Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Psalm 29: 2.

For what are the ungodly condemned?
“The God, in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, has thou not glorified.” Daniel 5: 23.

In what tragic way has their worship been diverted through sin?
“Who changed the, truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever.” Romans 1:25.

What appeal, therefore, does Paul make to the wicked?
“We preach unto you that you should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein.” Acts 14:15.

What, in fact, will be the theme of the last gospel appeal to the world?
“Fear God, and give glory to Him; and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Revelation 14: 7.
“It may well be that this announcement of God as the Creator is the very thing that our own generation needs most to consider, if it would retrace its steps from the broad road leading to destruction which evolution and modernism have opened up. The more thoughtful thinkers are warning us that the only escape from the paths of error is for mankind to return to the first words of the. Bible, that God is the Creator.” - Sir William Dawson in “The Bible Confirmed by Science.”

God Tells Us How to Study the Bible

Notice: What is the Apostle Paul’s desire for all believers?
“I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Ephesians 1:15-17.

How early in life may the study of the Bible be profitably begun?
“From a child thou has known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.” 2 Timothy 3: 15.

Catherine Mumford Booth was born the daughter of a coachbuilder in 1829 at Ashbourne, Derbyshire. When she was a child the family moved to Boston, Lincolnshire and later they lived at Brixton.

Catherine was a devout Christian and by the time she was twelve, she had read the entire Bible eight times. She also had a social conscience. When she was only twelve years old, Catherine Mumford became secretary to a little temperance society. She also raised money for sending the gospel to foreign lands and even denied herself sugar in order to contribute to missions. She was bright and earnest child and wrote articles for publication when she was but a child. Catherine had a good heart and always took up the cause of the weak and unfortunate..

Catherine Booth is often referred to as the "Mother of the Salvation Army".

How constant thereafter should be, our study?
“These [in Berea] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17: 11.
I like what this minister says, and I say the same to you as we study God's Word. “Do not believe me simply unless you receive proof of what I say from Holy Scripture.” - Cyril of Jerusalem, in “Catechumen,” 4, 17, 33 (AD 348).

In what spirit should we approach the Word?
a. As God’s Word to us. “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when you received the Word of God which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectively works also in you that believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2: 13.
b. Ready to obey its precepts. “If any man will to do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” John 7: 17.

What attitude is fatal to profitable Bible study?
“You reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition.” Mark 7: 9.
T. H. Huxley’s fine statement on studying the book of nature is equally applicable to the study of the written Word. “Sit down before fact [and the Bible] as a little child, be prepared to give up every preconceived notion, follow humbly wherever nature [and the Bible] leads, or you shall learn nothing.”

Is lack of education a bar to the understanding of the Word of God?
“I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou has, hid these things from the Wise and prudent, and. has revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in Thy sight.” Matthew 11:25, 26.

Why is human wisdom no help in comprehending the Word?
“The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14. (See also 1 Corinthians 2:11)

How may we obtain the necessary spiritual discernment?
“We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” 1 Corinthians 2: 12. (See also verse 10.)

Is all Scripture equally understandable?
“Our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him has written unto you; in which are some things hard to be understood.” 2 Peter 3:15, 16.

How then should we come to our Bible study?
“Desire the sincere milk of the Word.” 1 Peter 2: 2.

Having mastered the fundamental principles of the gospel, to what should we proceed?
“Strong meat belonged to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:14.

How did the Apostle Paul reprove certain believers for lack of progress in study?
“For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” Hebrews 5:12.

How many are there today in the same spiritual condition, old in association with the faith and yet babes in understanding! Such is not the Father’s plan for His children. The Christian life should be an Advance, a growing day by day in grace and in the knowledge of God.

What admonition does he give to those who have failed to dig deep into the- mine of truth?
“Leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto Perfection.” Hebrews 6:1.

Not forsaking or abandoning them, but leaving them as a child leaves the letters of the alphabet, or as a plant lifts its head above the ground and presses upward toward the sun, yet ever drawing sustenance from its root.

What principles should govern our study of the Word?
a. Associate relevant Scriptures. “Comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13.
b. Synthesize and build up. “Precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” Isaiah 28:10.
“The infallible rule of ‘interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself; and, therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly.” - Westminster Confession of Faith (1647).

How much of the Bible may we profitably study?
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16.
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27.
“Guard against favorites in the Word of God. Take the Bible as a whole; reverence every part of it. Study every portion of it. You will find none unprofitable. The more your mind is enlarged to grasp and come in contact with revelation as a whole, the more will your tone of piety be healthy, and the more will your principles be fixed, broad, and firm.” - Revelation H. Stowell.

To what portions of Scripture should we give special attention?
“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them, and be established in the Present truth.” 2 Peter 1:12.
The message of Noah was urgent “present truth” to the generation before the Flood. Specifically, the books of Daniel and the Revelation together with other prophecies of the 1atter days” and the last time” are equally urgent and important to Christians today. (See Daniel 12:4; Revelation 1:1-3.)

What beneficent results come from a diligent study of the Word?
a. It points the way to personal salvation. “The Holy Scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. “ 2 Timothy 3:15.
b. It equips for the service of God. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed.” 2 Timothy 2:15.
c. It gives sure hope of future glory. “The hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.” Colossians 1:5.

Christ is the Word of GOD

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Of whom does Christ Himself tell us that the Scriptures speak about?
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." John 5:39.
NOTE: Search the Old Testament Scriptures: for they are they that testify of Christ. To find Him in them is the true and legitimate end of their study. To be able to interpret them as He interpreted them is the best result of all Biblical learning.

About whom did Moses and the Old Testament prophets write?
"Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." John 1:45.

Who revealed beforehand the death and resurrection of Christ?
"Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?" Luke 24:25,26.

Does all of Scripture tell us about Jesus?
"And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." Luke 24:27.

Where in the Bible is the first promise of the Redeemer?
"And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Genesis 3:14, 15.

In what words was this great truth explained to Abraham?
"And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." Genesis 22:18. (See also Genesis 26:4; 28:14.)

To whom did this promised seed refer?
"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." Galatians 3:16.

Whom did God promise would especially guide Israel to the Promised Land?
"Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared." Exodus 23:20.

Who was the Rock that went with them?
"And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:4.

Where was the promised Saviour to be born?
"But 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
5:2.

In what Old Testament prophecy are the life, suffering, and death of Christ foretold?
In the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah.

Which passage of Scripture foretold the price of Christ's betrayal?
"And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver." Zechariah 11:12. (See Matthew 26:15.)

Christ's dying words were written a thousand years before His death. Where are they found?
"...My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?" Psalms 22:1. (See Matthew 27:46.)

"Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth." Psalms 31:5. (See Luke 23:46.)

In what passage do the Psalms also foretell Christ's resurrection?
"For Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption." Psalm 16:10. (See Acts 2:25-31.)

What words does Daniel use to describe Christ's receiving of His kingdom?
"I saw in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." Daniel 7:13, 14. (See also Luke 1:32, 33; 19:11, 12; Revelation 11:15.)

How does the book of Psalms describe Christ's Second Advent?
"Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity." Psalm 98:8, 9. "

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people." Psalms 50:3, 4.

GOD's Word Gives Life

How powerful is the Word of God when brought into contact with one's life?
"For the word of God is quick, [literally, 'living']and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12.

What was Peter constrained to say about Christ's words?
"Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life." John 6:68.

What did Jesus declare regarding His Father's commandment?
"And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak." John 12:50.

What great truth did God wish to teach us, when He gave the daily manna to feed the children of Israel?
"And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live." Deuteronomy 8:3.

What happens when we feed upon the true, heavenly manna?
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16.

What reference did Jesus make to this same life-giving manna?
"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4.

How did God's will for Christ's life become His food?
"Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." John 4:34.

What name is given to Jesus, since He was the Revealer of God's thought to mankind?
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." John 1:1.
"And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God." Revelation 19:13.

What did this Word become?
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14.

What was in this Word that we so much need?
"In Him was life; and the life was the light of men." John 1:4.

What is Jesus therefore also called?
'"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life." 1 John 1:1.

What did Jesus declare Himself to be?
"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." John 6:35.

What did He say would be given to those that partook of this God-given bread?
"As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever." John 6:57, 58.

What did Jesus really mean when He said that we should eat His flesh?
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63.
NOTE: Thus we clearly understand that to eat the flesh of the Son of God is to live by His words. As one has said, "He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God." Christ's Object Lessons, p. 38.

What is it that God will let us taste right now?
"And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come." Hebrews 6:5. (See Jeremiah 15:16.)

Tasting it, what do we learn?
"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Psalm 34:8.

Does God want us to ask for this Bread daily?
"Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11.
NOTE: When "the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us," the thought of God was revealed in human flesh. When holy men of God "spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost," the thought of God was revealed in human language. The union of the Divine and the human in the manifestation of God's thought in the flesh is the mystery of godliness and is the same mystery in the union of the Divine thought and human language. The two revelations of God, in human flesh and in human speech, are both called the Word of God, and both are the Word of life. He who fails to find Christ thus in the Scriptures will not be able to feed upon the Word as the life-giving Word.

There is Power in GOD's Word

What was the way in which God brought the heavens into existence?
"By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast." Psalms 33:6-9.

What is it that Christ uses to uphold all things?
"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." Hebrews 1:3.

Of what great truth are some willingly ignorant?
"For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God he heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished." 2 Peter 3:5,6.

By what are the present heavens and earth reserved for a similar fate?
"But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." 2 Peter 3:7.

What other passage of Scripture also reveals that creative power is exercised through the word of God?
"Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created." Psalms 148:5.

What change is wrought out in the life of one who is in Christ?
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Jesus described this same experience in what other passage?
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3.

By what agency is this new creation--or new birth--accomplished?
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." 1 Peter 1:23.

What is the first creative commandment that is mentioned in the Bible?
"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." Genesis 1:3.

Did God also command another light to shine out of darkness?
"For God, who commanded the light to shine our of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6.

What was it about Christ's teaching that astonished people? "And they were astonished at His doctrine: for his word was with power." Luke 4:32.

What important fact testified to the power of Christ's word?
"And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out." Luke 4:36.

In ancient times, how did God bring healing to His people?
"He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." Psalm 107:20.

In what way did the Roman centurion reveal his strong faith in Christ?
"The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed." Matthew 8:8.

What did Christ say is the seed of the kingdom of God?
"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God." Luke 8:11.

Where does God want Christ's word to dwell?
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Colossians 3:16.

Could those who believed not on Jesus Christ receive this important seed?
"And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not." John 5:38.

How does the Word of God work in the life of the believer?
"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heart of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

What new nature is imparted to us through the promises of God?
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4.

What is it that can cleanse the lives of believers in Christ?
"Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." John 15:3.

How can a young man cleanse his ways?
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." Psalm 119:9.

What is the result of accepting the Word of God into the heart and life?
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11. (See also Psalm 17:4.)

Let Us All be Searching the Scriptures

What did Christ say to the people of His day concerning the Scriptures?
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." John 5:39.
NOTE: When this was spoken, not a word of the New Testament had been written. It was to the Old Testament that the Jews looked as their guide to eternal life; and although they would not accept Christ, he said that these very books which they esteemed so highly, testified of Him. If the Old Testament points to Christ, it is worthy of our careful study.

Do the Scriptures furnish positive evidence that the gospel was known in the patriarchal age?
"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed." Galatians 3:8.
NOTE: It was through gospel faith that Abraham rejoiced to see the day of Christ. John 8:56. So with all the faithful who loved in the partiarchal age. All these had a practical knowledge of the gospel, as appears from their godly lives and sacrificial offerings.

Does Holy Writ contain unmistakable evidence that the Hebrews were taught the gospel under the former dispensation?
"For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." Hebrews 4:2.
NOTE: The persons here referred to by "them" are the Israelites when on their journey from Egypt to the promised land, as will be seen by the Scripture connection. Paul says the gospel was preached unto us as well as unto them, putting "them" ahead, and letting "us" have the gospel afterward.

Why did Moses give up the riches of Egypt?
"Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward." Hebrews 11:26.
NOTE: People in that age, even as now, were influenced by the riches of Christ to give up the world.

Whence came the spiritual meat and drink of the Israelites while in the wilderness?
"And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:2-4.

What was the chief corner-stone of the faith of both apostles and prophets?
"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." Ephesians 2:20.

What part of the Scriptures did Philip hear a certain eunuch reading?
"And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?" Acts 8:30.

When asked if he understood what he was reading, what reply did the eunuch make?
"And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him." Acts 8:31.
What did Philip then do?
"Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." Acts 8:35.
NOTE: Notwithstanding the clearness with which we see Christ referred to in the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the Hebrews would not admit His claims to the Messiahship. It is a truthful remark, that "the New Testament was hid in the Old, and the Old Testament is revealed in the New." By searching both Testaments together, we may become enlightened regarding the plan of salvation; for had not the Old Testament before predicted what the Messiah would be and do, there would have been no standard by which to decide whether or not the personage who then appeared was He. How necessary, then, that we love and study all the Bible! If we do not, we, like the Hebrews, may lose sight of some of the most important points contained in the New Testament itself.

What are the Scriptures able to do?
"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15.

What was said of the Bereans because they searched the Scriptures daily?
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11.

By what is man to live?
"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4.
NOTE: If man is to live by the word of God, he certainly ought to use it daily, as daily nourishment is needed to keep him alive.

How greatly has God magnified His word?
"I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." Psalms 138:2.
NOTE: We ought, then, to treat the word of God with the profoundest reverence, and search its pages daily, that we may continually learn more of God.

Bible is GOD's Sacred Scriptures

In the days of Jesus, what was the name for the Bible?
"Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?" Matthew 21:42.

What other Biblical name is given to this important book?
"And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it." Luke 8:21.

How were the Scriptures given to mankind?
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16.

By whom were the prophets of old guided as they thus spake for God?
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21.

What specific example of this is mentioned by Peter?
"Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus." Acts 1:16.

Who was it, then, who spoke through these men?
"God, who at sundry times and divers manners spake in past unto the fathers by the prophets." Hebrews 1:1.

For what purpose were the Holy Scriptures written?
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4.

What are the four ways in which Scripture can help us?
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16.

What was God's plan in thus giving the Bible to us?
"That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:17.

How does God intend that His Word shall help us in this dark world of sin and death?
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105.

What were the three divisions of Scripture in the days of Christ?
"And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me." Luke 24:44.
NOTE: "The law of Moses" was a common Jewish term for the first five books of the Old Testament. In "the prophets" they included Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve Minor Prophets; also Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings. "The psalms" included all the remaining books.

Upon what evidence did Jesus base the fact of His Messiahship?
"And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27.
NOTE: Jesus referred particularly to the Old Testament prophecies as proof of His Messiahship. When Christ spoke of the Scriptures, He meant the Old Testament, for the New Testament has not yet been written.

What is one of the names of God in the Bible?
"He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." Deuteronomy 32:4.

What, therefore, must be the character of His Holy Word?
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17.

To what extent has God magnified His Word?
"I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." Psalms 138:2.
NOTE: A man's name stands for his character. It is the same with God. When God places His word above His name, His character becomes the foundation of His word and the pledge that His word will be fulfilled. (Hebrews 6:13, 14)

What value did Job place upon the words of God?
"Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." Job 23:12.

How firm was the prophet Isaiah's faith in God's Word?
"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." Isaiah 40:8.

How to Quit Sinning

I know I am a sinner, and no matter what I do in this life, the fact remains that I have sinned, but because of my relationship with JESUS, I want that to be a thing of the past in my life. I hate it when I recall the sins of the day as I go to my knees to talk to GOD and tell HIM about my day and ask for forgivenss and strength to resist the same temptations tomorrow. He honors that prayer and I do find strength the very next day and HE gives me HIS power to overcome those temptations. Unfortunately at the end of the day I realize that there are other sins to be forgiven. Praise GOD HE is changing me and I can look back at some things that used to be a temptation to me, and find that GOD has worked HIS miracle and they no longer have as much power to tempt me.

Paul knew this desire.
Romans 7:14 - 8;1 (New Living Translation)
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.
For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.
If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.
But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.
For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.
For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

Rom 8:1
"THERE is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."

What does Paul say of the carnal mind?
"The carnal mind is enmity against God..." Rom. 8:7.

Why is the carnal mind enmity?
"For it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Rom. 8:7.

Can one please God while he is carnally minded?
"So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Rom. 8:8.

What will those receive who remain in that state?
"For to be carnally minded is death." Rom. 8:6.
NOTE: Since the "wages of sin is death" (Rom. 8:23), and "sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4), it follows that to be carnally minded is death. It is also sin, or a violation of God's law.

In what way may this condition be changed?
"We pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Cor. 5:20.

How was this reconciliation brought about in the case of the wicked Ninevites, when Jonah prophesied their destruction?
The king of Nineveh said, "Let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn everyone from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hand." "And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that He had said that He would do unto them; and He did it not." Jonah 3:8, 10.

Are repentance and confession still essential to reconciliation?
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." Acts. 3:19. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
Note: Two things HE does when we confess, (1) He forgives (2) and He cleanses us from all unrighteousness. He forgives us immediately and then he work in us to cleanse us from unright thinking and acting.

Is this work effected independently of the sinner's action?
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. "For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." Rom. 5:10.

How is the carnal mind destroyed?
"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Rom. 6:6.

When the work on the part of the sinner has been thoroughly done, how complete will be the change in him?
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Cor. 5:17.

How may we know whether or not one has experienced this change?
"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Matt. 7:20.

If one has a spiritual mind, what fruit will he bear?
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Gal. 5:22, 23.

What is the first result of justification?
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1.

How complete is the justification of that person who becomes reconciled to God?
"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

When thus reconciled to God, how will the individual stand?
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. 8:1.

What does Jesus want us to do?
When a woman who was taken in adultry was brought to HIM to test HIM, Jesus showed forgiveness and at the same time it is thought that he scribbled the sins of her accusers in the sand and they all backed off. Then HE turned to her and asked her, "Where are your accusers" She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
Note: "go and sin no more" Anything GOD asks us to do HE also gives us the power to do it, we have to let HIS will be ours...we have to choose HIS will in order to overcome.