Part III. The Way to Christ

Part III. The Way to Christ[pg 082]Illustration.The Prodigal Son. "When he came to himself, he said, ... I will arise and go to my father." Luke 15:17, 18.[pg 083]FaithIllustration.Joshua Commanding The Sun To Stand Still. "All things are possible to him that believeth." Mark 9:13.1. What is faith declared to be?“Faith isthe substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”Heb. 11:1.2. How necessary is faith?“Without faith it is impossible to please Him.”Verse 6.3. Is mere assent to divine truth sufficient?“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well:the devils also believe, and tremble.”James 2:19.4. What is required besides a belief in the existence of God?“For he that cometh to God must believe that He is, andthat He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”Heb. 11:6, last part.5. From whom does faith come?“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves;it is the gift of God.”Eph. 2:8.6. Why did God raise Christ from the dead?“Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory;that your faith and hope might be in God.”1 Peter 1:21.7. What is Christ's relation to this faith?[pg 084]“Looking unto Jesus theauthorandfinisherof our faith.”Heb. 12:2.8. What is the basis of faith?“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing bythe word of God.”Rom. 10:17.9. What relation does faith bear to knowledge?“Through faith we understandthat the worlds were framed by the word of God.”Heb. 11:3.10. By what principle is genuine faith actuated?“In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh bylove.”Gal. 5:6.11. Of what is faith a fruit?“Butthe fruit of the Spiritis love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness,faith.”Verse 22.12. What in the early church showed living faith?“Remembering without ceasing yourwork of faith, and labor of love.”1 Thess. 1:3.13. What is necessary in order that the preaching of the gospel may be profitable?“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not beingmixed with faithin them that heard it.”Heb. 4:2.14. What is the character of any act or service not performed in faith?“Whatsoever is not of faith issin.”Rom. 14:23.15. How does Abraham's experience show that obedience and faith are inseparable?“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance,obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”Heb. 11:8.16. With what, therefore, is the faith of Jesus joined?“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keepthe commandments of God, andthe faith of Jesus.”Rev. 14:12.17. In what other statement is the same truth emphasized?“But wilt thou know, O vain man, thatfaith without works is dead?”James 2:20.18. How is faith brought to perfection?[pg 085]“Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, andby works was faith made perfect?”Verse 22.19. What is the result of faith's being put to the test?“The trying of your faithworketh patience.”James 1:3.20. What relationship to God is established by faith?“For ye are all thechildren of God by faithin Christ Jesus.”Gal. 3:26.21. How do the children of God walk?“Forwe walk by faith, not by sight.”2 Cor. 5:7.22. Upon what condition may one expect answers to prayer?“Butlet him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”James 1:6.23. To what parts of the ancient armor is faith compared?“Above all, taking theshieldof faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”Eph. 6:16.“Putting on thebreastplateof faith and love.”1 Thess. 5:8.24. What chapter in the Bible is devoted to faith?The eleventh chapter of Hebrews. In verses 33-38 are summarized the victories of the heroes of faith.25. What gives victory in our conflicts with the world?“This is the victory that overcometh the world,even our faith.”1 John 5:4.26. What is the ultimate purpose of faith?“Receiving the end of your faith, eventhe salvation of your souls.”1 Peter 1:8, 9.'Tis by the faith of joys to comeWe walk through deserts dark as night;Till we arrive at heaven, our home,Truth is our guide, and faith our light.The want of sight she well supplies;She makes the pearly gates appear;Far into distant worlds she pries,And brings eternal glories near.Though lions roar, and tempests blow,And rocks and dangers fill the way,With joy we tread the desert through,While faith inspires a heavenly ray.Isaac Watts[pg 086]HopeIllustration.Return Of The Dove. "Blessed be God ... which ... hath begotten us again unto a lively hope." 1 Peter 1:3.1. What is the relation between faith and hope?“Now faith is thesubstanceof thingshoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”Heb. 11:1.2. Why were the 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.”Rom. 15:4.3. Why should God's wonderful works be rehearsed to the children?“We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done....That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.”Ps. 78:4-7.4. In what condition are those who are without Christ?“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, ... that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers[pg 087]from the covenants of promise,having no hope, and without God in the world.”Eph. 2:11, 12.5. What does hope become to the Christian?“Which hope we have asan anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.”Heb. 6:19.6. Who have hope in their death?“The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: butthe righteous hath hope in his death.”Prov. 14:32.7. In bereavement, from what hopeless sorrow are Christians delivered?“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep,that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”1 Thess. 4:13.8. Unto what has the resurrection of Christ begotten us?“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hathbegotten us again unto a lively hopeby the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”1 Peter 1:3.9. What is the Christian's hope called?“Looking forthat blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”Titus 2:13.10. At what time did Paul expect to realize his hope?“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give meat that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that loveHis appearing.”2 Tim. 4:8.11. What will this hope lead one to do?“And every man that hath this hope in himpurifieth himself, even as He is pure.”1 John 3:3.12. What does the prophet Jeremiah say is a good thing for a man to do?“It is goodthat a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”Lam. 3:26.13. What is said of the hope of the hypocrite?“So are the paths of all that forget God; andthe hypocrite's hope shall perish: whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web.”Job 8:13, 14.[pg 088]14. What is the condition of one whose hope is in God?“Happyis he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.”Ps. 146:5.“Blessedis the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.”Jer. 17:7.15. In what may the child of God abound?“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye mayabound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”Rom. 15:13.16. In what do Christians rejoice?“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, andrejoice in hope of the glory of God.”Rom. 5:2.17. What will prevent us from being put to shame?“Andhope maketh not ashamed;because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”Verse 5.18. In the time of trouble, who will be the hope of God's people?“The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: butthe Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”Joel 3:16.19. What inspiring words are spoken to such as hope in God?“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”Ps. 31:24.20. How long should our hope endure?“And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance ofhope unto the end.”Heb. 6:11.How cheering is the Christian's hopeWhile toiling here below!It buoys us up while passing throughThis wilderness of woe.It points us to a land of restWhere saints with Christ will reign;Where we shall meet the loved of earth,And never part again,—A land where sin can never come,Temptations ne'er annoy;Where happiness will ever dwell,And that without alloy.[pg 089]RepentanceIllustration.Micaiah Urging Israel To Repentance. "The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." Rom. 2:4.1. Who are called to repentance?“I came not to call the righteous, butsinnersto repentance.”Luke 5:32.2. What accompanies repentance?“And that repentance andremission of sinsshould be preached in His name among all nations.”Luke 24:47.3. By what means is sin made known?“By the lawis the knowledge of sin.”Rom. 3:20.4. How many are sinners?“We have before provedboth Jews and Gentiles, thatthey are all under sin.”Verse 9.5. What do transgressors bring upon themselves?“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comeththe wrath of Godupon the children of disobedience.”Eph. 5:6.6. Who awakens the soul to a sense of its sinful condition?“WhenHe[the Comforter] is come,He will reprove[convince, margin]the world of sin.”John 16:8.7. What are fitting inquiries for those convicted of sin?[pg 090]“Men and brethren,what shall we do?”“Sirs,what must I do to be saved?”Acts 2:37; 16:30.8. What replies does Inspiration return to these inquiries?“Repent, and be baptized every one of youin the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”Acts 2:38; 16:31.9. What will the truly repentant sinner be constrained to do?“I willdeclare mine iniquity; I will besorryfor my sin.”Ps. 38:18.10. What is the result of godly sorrow?“For godly sorrowworketh repentance to salvation.”2 Cor. 7:10.11. What does the sorrow of the world do?“The sorrow of the worldworketh death.”Same verse.12. How does godly sorrow for sin manifest itself?“For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, whatcarefulnessit wrought in you, yea, whatclearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”Verse 11.13. What did John the Baptist say to the Pharisees and Sadducees when he saw them come to his baptism?“O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”Matt. 3:7.14. What did he tell them to do?“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.”Verse 8.Note.—“There can be no repentance without reformation. Repentance is a change of mind; reformation is a corresponding change of life.”—Dr. Raleigh.15. When God sent the Ninevites a warning message, how did they show their repentance, and what was the result?“And God saw their works, thatthey 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 3:10.16. What leads sinners to repentance?“Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing thatthe goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”Rom. 2:4.[pg 091]Illustration.John The Baptist Preaching Repentance. "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance." Matt. 3:8.[pg 092]Confession And ForgivenessIllustration.Mary Magdalene's Repentance. "According unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions." Ps. 51:1.1. What instruction is given concerning confession of sin?“Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord, and that person be guilty;then shall they confess their sin which they have done.”Num. 5:6, 7.2. How futile is it to attempt to hide sin from God?“But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: andbe sure your sin will find you out.”Num. 32:23.“Thou hast set our iniquities before Thee, our secret sins in the light of Thy countenance.”Ps. 90:8.“All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”Heb. 4:13.3. What promise is made to 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 1:9.4. What different results attend the covering and the confessing of sins?“He that covereth his sinsshall not prosper:but whoso confesseth and forsaketh themshall have mercy.”Prov. 28:13.[pg 093]5. How definite should we be in confessing our sins?“And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinnedin that thing.”Lev. 5:5.Note.—“True confession is always of a specific character, and acknowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as to be brought before God only; they may be wrongs that should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through them; or they may be of a public character, and should then be as publicly confessed. But all confession should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty.”—“Steps to Christ,”page 43.6. How fully did Israel once acknowledge their wrong-doing?“And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not: forwe have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.”1 Sam. 12:19.7. When David confessed his sin, what did he say God did?“I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; andThou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.”Ps. 32:5.8. Upon what did he rest his hope for forgiveness?“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving-kindness:according unto the multitude of Thy tender merciesblot out my transgressions.”Ps. 51:1.9. What is God ready to do for all who seek for forgiveness?“For Thou, Lord, art good, andready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.”Ps. 86:5.10. What is the measure of the greatness of God's mercy?“Foras the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.”Ps. 103:11.11. How fully does the Lord pardon when one repents?“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, forHe will abundantly pardon.”Isa. 55:7.12. What reason is given for God's readiness to forgive sin?“Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever,because He delighteth in mercy.”Micah 7:18. See Ps. 78:38.[pg 094]13. Why does God manifest such mercy and long-suffering toward men?“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 3:9.14. What prayer did Moses offer in behalf of Israel?“Pardon, I beseech Thee, the iniquity of this peopleaccording unto the greatness of Thy mercy, and as Thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.”Num. 14:19.15. What reply did the Lord immediately make?“And the Lord said,I have pardoned according to thy word.”Verse 20.16. When the prodigal son, in the parable, repented and turned toward home, what did his father do?“When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, andhad compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”Luke 15:20.17. How did the father show his joy at his son's return?“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: andbring 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.”Verses 22-24.18. What is felt in heaven when a sinner repents?“Likewise, I say unto you,there is joy in the presence of the angels of Godover one sinner that repenteth.”Verse 10.19. What did Hezekiah say God had done with his sins?“Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: forThou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back.”Isa. 38:17.20. How completely does God wish to separate sin from us?“Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”Micah 7:19.“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.”Ps. 103:12.21. How did the people respond to the preaching of John?“Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the[pg 095]region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan,confessing their sins.”Matt. 3:5, 6.22. How did some of the believers at Ephesus testify to the sincerity of the confession of their sins?“And many that believed came, andconfessed, and showed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious artsbrought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.”Acts 19:18, 19.23. Through whom are repentance and forgiveness granted?“The God of our fathers raised upJesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, forto give repentanceto Israel, andforgiveness of sins.”Acts 5:30, 31.24. What is the only unpardonable sin?“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: butthe blasphemy against the Holy Ghostshall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”Matt. 12:31, 32.Note.—As the Holy Spirit is the agent that convicts of sin, and brings the offer of pardon through the Word, the denial of the Spirit's work is the refusal of pardon. In other words, the only unpardonable sin is the sin which refuses to be pardoned.25. Upon what basis has Christ taught us to ask forgiveness?“And forgive us our debts,as we forgive our debtors.”Matt. 6:12.26. What spirit must those cherish whom God forgives?“Forif ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”Verses 14, 15.27. What exhortation is based on the fact that God has forgiven us?“And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted,forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”Eph. 4:32.28. In what condition is one whose sins are forgiven?“Blessedis he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.Blessedis the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.”Ps. 32:1, 2.[pg 096]

Illustration.The Prodigal Son. "When he came to himself, he said, ... I will arise and go to my father." Luke 15:17, 18.

The Prodigal Son. "When he came to himself, he said, ... I will arise and go to my father." Luke 15:17, 18.

FaithIllustration.Joshua Commanding The Sun To Stand Still. "All things are possible to him that believeth." Mark 9:13.1. What is faith declared to be?“Faith isthe substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”Heb. 11:1.2. How necessary is faith?“Without faith it is impossible to please Him.”Verse 6.3. Is mere assent to divine truth sufficient?“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well:the devils also believe, and tremble.”James 2:19.4. What is required besides a belief in the existence of God?“For he that cometh to God must believe that He is, andthat He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”Heb. 11:6, last part.5. From whom does faith come?“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves;it is the gift of God.”Eph. 2:8.6. Why did God raise Christ from the dead?“Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory;that your faith and hope might be in God.”1 Peter 1:21.7. What is Christ's relation to this faith?[pg 084]“Looking unto Jesus theauthorandfinisherof our faith.”Heb. 12:2.8. What is the basis of faith?“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing bythe word of God.”Rom. 10:17.9. What relation does faith bear to knowledge?“Through faith we understandthat the worlds were framed by the word of God.”Heb. 11:3.10. By what principle is genuine faith actuated?“In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh bylove.”Gal. 5:6.11. Of what is faith a fruit?“Butthe fruit of the Spiritis love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness,faith.”Verse 22.12. What in the early church showed living faith?“Remembering without ceasing yourwork of faith, and labor of love.”1 Thess. 1:3.13. What is necessary in order that the preaching of the gospel may be profitable?“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not beingmixed with faithin them that heard it.”Heb. 4:2.14. What is the character of any act or service not performed in faith?“Whatsoever is not of faith issin.”Rom. 14:23.15. How does Abraham's experience show that obedience and faith are inseparable?“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance,obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”Heb. 11:8.16. With what, therefore, is the faith of Jesus joined?“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keepthe commandments of God, andthe faith of Jesus.”Rev. 14:12.17. In what other statement is the same truth emphasized?“But wilt thou know, O vain man, thatfaith without works is dead?”James 2:20.18. How is faith brought to perfection?[pg 085]“Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, andby works was faith made perfect?”Verse 22.19. What is the result of faith's being put to the test?“The trying of your faithworketh patience.”James 1:3.20. What relationship to God is established by faith?“For ye are all thechildren of God by faithin Christ Jesus.”Gal. 3:26.21. How do the children of God walk?“Forwe walk by faith, not by sight.”2 Cor. 5:7.22. Upon what condition may one expect answers to prayer?“Butlet him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”James 1:6.23. To what parts of the ancient armor is faith compared?“Above all, taking theshieldof faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”Eph. 6:16.“Putting on thebreastplateof faith and love.”1 Thess. 5:8.24. What chapter in the Bible is devoted to faith?The eleventh chapter of Hebrews. In verses 33-38 are summarized the victories of the heroes of faith.25. What gives victory in our conflicts with the world?“This is the victory that overcometh the world,even our faith.”1 John 5:4.26. What is the ultimate purpose of faith?“Receiving the end of your faith, eventhe salvation of your souls.”1 Peter 1:8, 9.'Tis by the faith of joys to comeWe walk through deserts dark as night;Till we arrive at heaven, our home,Truth is our guide, and faith our light.The want of sight she well supplies;She makes the pearly gates appear;Far into distant worlds she pries,And brings eternal glories near.Though lions roar, and tempests blow,And rocks and dangers fill the way,With joy we tread the desert through,While faith inspires a heavenly ray.Isaac Watts

Illustration.Joshua Commanding The Sun To Stand Still. "All things are possible to him that believeth." Mark 9:13.

Joshua Commanding The Sun To Stand Still. "All things are possible to him that believeth." Mark 9:13.

1. What is faith declared to be?

“Faith isthe substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”Heb. 11:1.

2. How necessary is faith?

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him.”Verse 6.

3. Is mere assent to divine truth sufficient?

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well:the devils also believe, and tremble.”James 2:19.

4. What is required besides a belief in the existence of God?

“For he that cometh to God must believe that He is, andthat He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”Heb. 11:6, last part.

5. From whom does faith come?

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves;it is the gift of God.”Eph. 2:8.

6. Why did God raise Christ from the dead?

“Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory;that your faith and hope might be in God.”1 Peter 1:21.

7. What is Christ's relation to this faith?

“Looking unto Jesus theauthorandfinisherof our faith.”Heb. 12:2.

8. What is the basis of faith?

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing bythe word of God.”Rom. 10:17.

9. What relation does faith bear to knowledge?

“Through faith we understandthat the worlds were framed by the word of God.”Heb. 11:3.

10. By what principle is genuine faith actuated?

“In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh bylove.”Gal. 5:6.

11. Of what is faith a fruit?

“Butthe fruit of the Spiritis love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness,faith.”Verse 22.

12. What in the early church showed living faith?

“Remembering without ceasing yourwork of faith, and labor of love.”1 Thess. 1:3.

13. What is necessary in order that the preaching of the gospel may be profitable?

“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not beingmixed with faithin them that heard it.”Heb. 4:2.

14. What is the character of any act or service not performed in faith?

“Whatsoever is not of faith issin.”Rom. 14:23.

15. How does Abraham's experience show that obedience and faith are inseparable?

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance,obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”Heb. 11:8.

16. With what, therefore, is the faith of Jesus joined?

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keepthe commandments of God, andthe faith of Jesus.”Rev. 14:12.

17. In what other statement is the same truth emphasized?

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, thatfaith without works is dead?”James 2:20.

18. How is faith brought to perfection?

“Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, andby works was faith made perfect?”Verse 22.

19. What is the result of faith's being put to the test?

“The trying of your faithworketh patience.”James 1:3.

20. What relationship to God is established by faith?

“For ye are all thechildren of God by faithin Christ Jesus.”Gal. 3:26.

21. How do the children of God walk?

“Forwe walk by faith, not by sight.”2 Cor. 5:7.

22. Upon what condition may one expect answers to prayer?

“Butlet him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”James 1:6.

23. To what parts of the ancient armor is faith compared?

“Above all, taking theshieldof faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”Eph. 6:16.“Putting on thebreastplateof faith and love.”1 Thess. 5:8.

24. What chapter in the Bible is devoted to faith?

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews. In verses 33-38 are summarized the victories of the heroes of faith.

25. What gives victory in our conflicts with the world?

“This is the victory that overcometh the world,even our faith.”1 John 5:4.

26. What is the ultimate purpose of faith?

“Receiving the end of your faith, eventhe salvation of your souls.”1 Peter 1:8, 9.

'Tis by the faith of joys to comeWe walk through deserts dark as night;Till we arrive at heaven, our home,Truth is our guide, and faith our light.The want of sight she well supplies;She makes the pearly gates appear;Far into distant worlds she pries,And brings eternal glories near.Though lions roar, and tempests blow,And rocks and dangers fill the way,With joy we tread the desert through,While faith inspires a heavenly ray.Isaac Watts

'Tis by the faith of joys to comeWe walk through deserts dark as night;Till we arrive at heaven, our home,Truth is our guide, and faith our light.

'Tis by the faith of joys to come

We walk through deserts dark as night;

Till we arrive at heaven, our home,

Truth is our guide, and faith our light.

The want of sight she well supplies;She makes the pearly gates appear;Far into distant worlds she pries,And brings eternal glories near.

The want of sight she well supplies;

She makes the pearly gates appear;

Far into distant worlds she pries,

And brings eternal glories near.

Though lions roar, and tempests blow,And rocks and dangers fill the way,With joy we tread the desert through,While faith inspires a heavenly ray.Isaac Watts

Though lions roar, and tempests blow,

And rocks and dangers fill the way,

With joy we tread the desert through,

While faith inspires a heavenly ray.

Isaac Watts

HopeIllustration.Return Of The Dove. "Blessed be God ... which ... hath begotten us again unto a lively hope." 1 Peter 1:3.1. What is the relation between faith and hope?“Now faith is thesubstanceof thingshoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”Heb. 11:1.2. Why were the 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.”Rom. 15:4.3. Why should God's wonderful works be rehearsed to the children?“We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done....That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.”Ps. 78:4-7.4. In what condition are those who are without Christ?“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, ... that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers[pg 087]from the covenants of promise,having no hope, and without God in the world.”Eph. 2:11, 12.5. What does hope become to the Christian?“Which hope we have asan anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.”Heb. 6:19.6. Who have hope in their death?“The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: butthe righteous hath hope in his death.”Prov. 14:32.7. In bereavement, from what hopeless sorrow are Christians delivered?“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep,that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”1 Thess. 4:13.8. Unto what has the resurrection of Christ begotten us?“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hathbegotten us again unto a lively hopeby the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”1 Peter 1:3.9. What is the Christian's hope called?“Looking forthat blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”Titus 2:13.10. At what time did Paul expect to realize his hope?“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give meat that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that loveHis appearing.”2 Tim. 4:8.11. What will this hope lead one to do?“And every man that hath this hope in himpurifieth himself, even as He is pure.”1 John 3:3.12. What does the prophet Jeremiah say is a good thing for a man to do?“It is goodthat a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”Lam. 3:26.13. What is said of the hope of the hypocrite?“So are the paths of all that forget God; andthe hypocrite's hope shall perish: whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web.”Job 8:13, 14.[pg 088]14. What is the condition of one whose hope is in God?“Happyis he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.”Ps. 146:5.“Blessedis the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.”Jer. 17:7.15. In what may the child of God abound?“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye mayabound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”Rom. 15:13.16. In what do Christians rejoice?“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, andrejoice in hope of the glory of God.”Rom. 5:2.17. What will prevent us from being put to shame?“Andhope maketh not ashamed;because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”Verse 5.18. In the time of trouble, who will be the hope of God's people?“The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: butthe Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”Joel 3:16.19. What inspiring words are spoken to such as hope in God?“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”Ps. 31:24.20. How long should our hope endure?“And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance ofhope unto the end.”Heb. 6:11.How cheering is the Christian's hopeWhile toiling here below!It buoys us up while passing throughThis wilderness of woe.It points us to a land of restWhere saints with Christ will reign;Where we shall meet the loved of earth,And never part again,—A land where sin can never come,Temptations ne'er annoy;Where happiness will ever dwell,And that without alloy.

Illustration.Return Of The Dove. "Blessed be God ... which ... hath begotten us again unto a lively hope." 1 Peter 1:3.

Return Of The Dove. "Blessed be God ... which ... hath begotten us again unto a lively hope." 1 Peter 1:3.

1. What is the relation between faith and hope?

“Now faith is thesubstanceof thingshoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”Heb. 11:1.

2. Why were the 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.”Rom. 15:4.

3. Why should God's wonderful works be rehearsed to the children?

“We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done....That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.”Ps. 78:4-7.

4. In what condition are those who are without Christ?

“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, ... that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers[pg 087]from the covenants of promise,having no hope, and without God in the world.”Eph. 2:11, 12.

5. What does hope become to the Christian?

“Which hope we have asan anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.”Heb. 6:19.

6. Who have hope in their death?

“The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: butthe righteous hath hope in his death.”Prov. 14:32.

7. In bereavement, from what hopeless sorrow are Christians delivered?

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep,that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”1 Thess. 4:13.

8. Unto what has the resurrection of Christ begotten us?

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hathbegotten us again unto a lively hopeby the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”1 Peter 1:3.

9. What is the Christian's hope called?

“Looking forthat blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”Titus 2:13.

10. At what time did Paul expect to realize his hope?

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give meat that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that loveHis appearing.”2 Tim. 4:8.

11. What will this hope lead one to do?

“And every man that hath this hope in himpurifieth himself, even as He is pure.”1 John 3:3.

12. What does the prophet Jeremiah say is a good thing for a man to do?

“It is goodthat a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”Lam. 3:26.

13. What is said of the hope of the hypocrite?

“So are the paths of all that forget God; andthe hypocrite's hope shall perish: whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web.”Job 8:13, 14.

14. What is the condition of one whose hope is in God?

“Happyis he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.”Ps. 146:5.“Blessedis the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.”Jer. 17:7.

15. In what may the child of God abound?

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye mayabound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”Rom. 15:13.

16. In what do Christians rejoice?

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, andrejoice in hope of the glory of God.”Rom. 5:2.

17. What will prevent us from being put to shame?

“Andhope maketh not ashamed;because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”Verse 5.

18. In the time of trouble, who will be the hope of God's people?

“The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: butthe Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”Joel 3:16.

19. What inspiring words are spoken to such as hope in God?

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”Ps. 31:24.

20. How long should our hope endure?

“And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance ofhope unto the end.”Heb. 6:11.

How cheering is the Christian's hopeWhile toiling here below!It buoys us up while passing throughThis wilderness of woe.It points us to a land of restWhere saints with Christ will reign;Where we shall meet the loved of earth,And never part again,—A land where sin can never come,Temptations ne'er annoy;Where happiness will ever dwell,And that without alloy.

How cheering is the Christian's hopeWhile toiling here below!It buoys us up while passing throughThis wilderness of woe.

How cheering is the Christian's hope

While toiling here below!

It buoys us up while passing through

This wilderness of woe.

It points us to a land of restWhere saints with Christ will reign;Where we shall meet the loved of earth,And never part again,—

It points us to a land of rest

Where saints with Christ will reign;

Where we shall meet the loved of earth,

And never part again,—

A land where sin can never come,Temptations ne'er annoy;Where happiness will ever dwell,And that without alloy.

A land where sin can never come,

Temptations ne'er annoy;

Where happiness will ever dwell,

And that without alloy.

RepentanceIllustration.Micaiah Urging Israel To Repentance. "The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." Rom. 2:4.1. Who are called to repentance?“I came not to call the righteous, butsinnersto repentance.”Luke 5:32.2. What accompanies repentance?“And that repentance andremission of sinsshould be preached in His name among all nations.”Luke 24:47.3. By what means is sin made known?“By the lawis the knowledge of sin.”Rom. 3:20.4. How many are sinners?“We have before provedboth Jews and Gentiles, thatthey are all under sin.”Verse 9.5. What do transgressors bring upon themselves?“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comeththe wrath of Godupon the children of disobedience.”Eph. 5:6.6. Who awakens the soul to a sense of its sinful condition?“WhenHe[the Comforter] is come,He will reprove[convince, margin]the world of sin.”John 16:8.7. What are fitting inquiries for those convicted of sin?[pg 090]“Men and brethren,what shall we do?”“Sirs,what must I do to be saved?”Acts 2:37; 16:30.8. What replies does Inspiration return to these inquiries?“Repent, and be baptized every one of youin the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”Acts 2:38; 16:31.9. What will the truly repentant sinner be constrained to do?“I willdeclare mine iniquity; I will besorryfor my sin.”Ps. 38:18.10. What is the result of godly sorrow?“For godly sorrowworketh repentance to salvation.”2 Cor. 7:10.11. What does the sorrow of the world do?“The sorrow of the worldworketh death.”Same verse.12. How does godly sorrow for sin manifest itself?“For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, whatcarefulnessit wrought in you, yea, whatclearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”Verse 11.13. What did John the Baptist say to the Pharisees and Sadducees when he saw them come to his baptism?“O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”Matt. 3:7.14. What did he tell them to do?“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.”Verse 8.Note.—“There can be no repentance without reformation. Repentance is a change of mind; reformation is a corresponding change of life.”—Dr. Raleigh.15. When God sent the Ninevites a warning message, how did they show their repentance, and what was the result?“And God saw their works, thatthey 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 3:10.16. What leads sinners to repentance?“Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing thatthe goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”Rom. 2:4.[pg 091]Illustration.John The Baptist Preaching Repentance. "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance." Matt. 3:8.

Illustration.Micaiah Urging Israel To Repentance. "The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." Rom. 2:4.

Micaiah Urging Israel To Repentance. "The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." Rom. 2:4.

1. Who are called to repentance?

“I came not to call the righteous, butsinnersto repentance.”Luke 5:32.

2. What accompanies repentance?

“And that repentance andremission of sinsshould be preached in His name among all nations.”Luke 24:47.

3. By what means is sin made known?

“By the lawis the knowledge of sin.”Rom. 3:20.

4. How many are sinners?

“We have before provedboth Jews and Gentiles, thatthey are all under sin.”Verse 9.

5. What do transgressors bring upon themselves?

“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comeththe wrath of Godupon the children of disobedience.”Eph. 5:6.

6. Who awakens the soul to a sense of its sinful condition?

“WhenHe[the Comforter] is come,He will reprove[convince, margin]the world of sin.”John 16:8.

7. What are fitting inquiries for those convicted of sin?

“Men and brethren,what shall we do?”“Sirs,what must I do to be saved?”Acts 2:37; 16:30.

8. What replies does Inspiration return to these inquiries?

“Repent, and be baptized every one of youin the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”Acts 2:38; 16:31.

9. What will the truly repentant sinner be constrained to do?

“I willdeclare mine iniquity; I will besorryfor my sin.”Ps. 38:18.

10. What is the result of godly sorrow?

“For godly sorrowworketh repentance to salvation.”2 Cor. 7:10.

11. What does the sorrow of the world do?

“The sorrow of the worldworketh death.”Same verse.

12. How does godly sorrow for sin manifest itself?

“For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, whatcarefulnessit wrought in you, yea, whatclearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”Verse 11.

13. What did John the Baptist say to the Pharisees and Sadducees when he saw them come to his baptism?

“O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”Matt. 3:7.

14. What did he tell them to do?

“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.”Verse 8.

Note.—“There can be no repentance without reformation. Repentance is a change of mind; reformation is a corresponding change of life.”—Dr. Raleigh.

15. When God sent the Ninevites a warning message, how did they show their repentance, and what was the result?

“And God saw their works, thatthey 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 3:10.

16. What leads sinners to repentance?

“Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing thatthe goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”Rom. 2:4.

Illustration.John The Baptist Preaching Repentance. "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance." Matt. 3:8.

John The Baptist Preaching Repentance. "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance." Matt. 3:8.

Confession And ForgivenessIllustration.Mary Magdalene's Repentance. "According unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions." Ps. 51:1.1. What instruction is given concerning confession of sin?“Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord, and that person be guilty;then shall they confess their sin which they have done.”Num. 5:6, 7.2. How futile is it to attempt to hide sin from God?“But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: andbe sure your sin will find you out.”Num. 32:23.“Thou hast set our iniquities before Thee, our secret sins in the light of Thy countenance.”Ps. 90:8.“All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”Heb. 4:13.3. What promise is made to 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 1:9.4. What different results attend the covering and the confessing of sins?“He that covereth his sinsshall not prosper:but whoso confesseth and forsaketh themshall have mercy.”Prov. 28:13.[pg 093]5. How definite should we be in confessing our sins?“And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinnedin that thing.”Lev. 5:5.Note.—“True confession is always of a specific character, and acknowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as to be brought before God only; they may be wrongs that should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through them; or they may be of a public character, and should then be as publicly confessed. But all confession should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty.”—“Steps to Christ,”page 43.6. How fully did Israel once acknowledge their wrong-doing?“And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not: forwe have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.”1 Sam. 12:19.7. When David confessed his sin, what did he say God did?“I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; andThou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.”Ps. 32:5.8. Upon what did he rest his hope for forgiveness?“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving-kindness:according unto the multitude of Thy tender merciesblot out my transgressions.”Ps. 51:1.9. What is God ready to do for all who seek for forgiveness?“For Thou, Lord, art good, andready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.”Ps. 86:5.10. What is the measure of the greatness of God's mercy?“Foras the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.”Ps. 103:11.11. How fully does the Lord pardon when one repents?“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, forHe will abundantly pardon.”Isa. 55:7.12. What reason is given for God's readiness to forgive sin?“Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever,because He delighteth in mercy.”Micah 7:18. See Ps. 78:38.[pg 094]13. Why does God manifest such mercy and long-suffering toward men?“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 3:9.14. What prayer did Moses offer in behalf of Israel?“Pardon, I beseech Thee, the iniquity of this peopleaccording unto the greatness of Thy mercy, and as Thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.”Num. 14:19.15. What reply did the Lord immediately make?“And the Lord said,I have pardoned according to thy word.”Verse 20.16. When the prodigal son, in the parable, repented and turned toward home, what did his father do?“When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, andhad compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”Luke 15:20.17. How did the father show his joy at his son's return?“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: andbring 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.”Verses 22-24.18. What is felt in heaven when a sinner repents?“Likewise, I say unto you,there is joy in the presence of the angels of Godover one sinner that repenteth.”Verse 10.19. What did Hezekiah say God had done with his sins?“Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: forThou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back.”Isa. 38:17.20. How completely does God wish to separate sin from us?“Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”Micah 7:19.“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.”Ps. 103:12.21. How did the people respond to the preaching of John?“Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the[pg 095]region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan,confessing their sins.”Matt. 3:5, 6.22. How did some of the believers at Ephesus testify to the sincerity of the confession of their sins?“And many that believed came, andconfessed, and showed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious artsbrought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.”Acts 19:18, 19.23. Through whom are repentance and forgiveness granted?“The God of our fathers raised upJesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, forto give repentanceto Israel, andforgiveness of sins.”Acts 5:30, 31.24. What is the only unpardonable sin?“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: butthe blasphemy against the Holy Ghostshall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”Matt. 12:31, 32.Note.—As the Holy Spirit is the agent that convicts of sin, and brings the offer of pardon through the Word, the denial of the Spirit's work is the refusal of pardon. In other words, the only unpardonable sin is the sin which refuses to be pardoned.25. Upon what basis has Christ taught us to ask forgiveness?“And forgive us our debts,as we forgive our debtors.”Matt. 6:12.26. What spirit must those cherish whom God forgives?“Forif ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”Verses 14, 15.27. What exhortation is based on the fact that God has forgiven us?“And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted,forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”Eph. 4:32.28. In what condition is one whose sins are forgiven?“Blessedis he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.Blessedis the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.”Ps. 32:1, 2.

Illustration.Mary Magdalene's Repentance. "According unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions." Ps. 51:1.

Mary Magdalene's Repentance. "According unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions." Ps. 51:1.

1. What instruction is given concerning confession of sin?

“Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord, and that person be guilty;then shall they confess their sin which they have done.”Num. 5:6, 7.

2. How futile is it to attempt to hide sin from God?

“But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: andbe sure your sin will find you out.”Num. 32:23.“Thou hast set our iniquities before Thee, our secret sins in the light of Thy countenance.”Ps. 90:8.“All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”Heb. 4:13.

3. What promise is made to 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.

4. What different results attend the covering and the confessing of sins?

“He that covereth his sinsshall not prosper:but whoso confesseth and forsaketh themshall have mercy.”Prov. 28:13.

5. How definite should we be in confessing our sins?

“And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinnedin that thing.”Lev. 5:5.

Note.—“True confession is always of a specific character, and acknowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as to be brought before God only; they may be wrongs that should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through them; or they may be of a public character, and should then be as publicly confessed. But all confession should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty.”—“Steps to Christ,”page 43.

6. How fully did Israel once acknowledge their wrong-doing?

“And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not: forwe have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.”1 Sam. 12:19.

7. When David confessed his sin, what did he say God did?

“I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; andThou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.”Ps. 32:5.

8. Upon what did he rest his hope for forgiveness?

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving-kindness:according unto the multitude of Thy tender merciesblot out my transgressions.”Ps. 51:1.

9. What is God ready to do for all who seek for forgiveness?

“For Thou, Lord, art good, andready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.”Ps. 86:5.

10. What is the measure of the greatness of God's mercy?

“Foras the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.”Ps. 103:11.

11. How fully does the Lord pardon when one repents?

“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, forHe will abundantly pardon.”Isa. 55:7.

12. What reason is given for God's readiness to forgive sin?

“Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever,because He delighteth in mercy.”Micah 7:18. See Ps. 78:38.

13. Why does God manifest such mercy and long-suffering toward men?

“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.

14. What prayer did Moses offer in behalf of Israel?

“Pardon, I beseech Thee, the iniquity of this peopleaccording unto the greatness of Thy mercy, and as Thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.”Num. 14:19.

15. What reply did the Lord immediately make?

“And the Lord said,I have pardoned according to thy word.”Verse 20.

16. When the prodigal son, in the parable, repented and turned toward home, what did his father do?

“When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, andhad compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”Luke 15:20.

17. How did the father show his joy at his son's return?

“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: andbring 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.”Verses 22-24.

18. What is felt in heaven when a sinner repents?

“Likewise, I say unto you,there is joy in the presence of the angels of Godover one sinner that repenteth.”Verse 10.

19. What did Hezekiah say God had done with his sins?

“Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: forThou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back.”Isa. 38:17.

20. How completely does God wish to separate sin from us?

“Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”Micah 7:19.“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.”Ps. 103:12.

21. How did the people respond to the preaching of John?

“Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the[pg 095]region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan,confessing their sins.”Matt. 3:5, 6.

22. How did some of the believers at Ephesus testify to the sincerity of the confession of their sins?

“And many that believed came, andconfessed, and showed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious artsbrought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.”Acts 19:18, 19.

23. Through whom are repentance and forgiveness granted?

“The God of our fathers raised upJesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, forto give repentanceto Israel, andforgiveness of sins.”Acts 5:30, 31.

24. What is the only unpardonable sin?

“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: butthe blasphemy against the Holy Ghostshall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”Matt. 12:31, 32.

Note.—As the Holy Spirit is the agent that convicts of sin, and brings the offer of pardon through the Word, the denial of the Spirit's work is the refusal of pardon. In other words, the only unpardonable sin is the sin which refuses to be pardoned.

25. Upon what basis has Christ taught us to ask forgiveness?

“And forgive us our debts,as we forgive our debtors.”Matt. 6:12.

26. What spirit must those cherish whom God forgives?

“Forif ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”Verses 14, 15.

27. What exhortation is based on the fact that God has forgiven us?

“And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted,forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”Eph. 4:32.

28. In what condition is one whose sins are forgiven?

“Blessedis he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.Blessedis the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.”Ps. 32:1, 2.

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