The Character And Attributes Of GodIllustration.The Bow Of Promise. "This is the token of the covenant." Gen. 9:17.1. In what one word is the character of God expressed?“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God islove.”1 John 4:8.2. What are some of the attributes of God?“The Lord isrighteousin all His ways, andholyin all His works.”Ps. 145:17.3. Does Christ possess these same attributes?“By His knowledge shallMy righteous servant[Christ] justify many.”Isa. 53:11.“Neither wilt Thou sufferThine Holy Oneto see corruption.”Acts 2:27.4. When proclaiming His name to Moses, how did the Lord define His character?“And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God,mercifulandgracious,long-suffering, andabundant in goodness and truth,keeping mercy for thousands,forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.”Ex. 34:5-7.[pg 062]5. What is said of the tender compassion of God?“But Thou, O Lord, art a Godfull of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”Ps. 86:15.6. What is said of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises?“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God,the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations.”Deut. 7:9.7. What is said of the strength and wisdom of God?“Behold, God ismighty, and despiseth not any: He ismighty in strength and wisdom.”Job 36:5.8. What treasures are hid in Christ?“In whom are hid all the treasures ofwisdomandknowledge.”Col. 2:3.9. In what language is the justice of God described?“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; forall His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity,just and right is He.”Deut. 32:4.10. In what words is His impartiality proclaimed?“For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible,which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.”Deut. 10:17.“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive thatGod is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.”Acts 10: 34, 35.11. To how many is the Lord good?“The Lord isgood to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.”Ps. 145:9.12. Why did Christ tell us to love our enemies?“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”Matt. 5:44, 45.13. How perfect does Christ tell His followers to be?“Be ye therefore perfect,even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”Verse 48.[pg 063]The Love Of GodIllustration.The Burial Of Christ. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." John 3:16.1. What is God declared to be?“God is love.”1 John 4:16.2. How great is God's love for the world?“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 3:16.3. In what act especially has God's love been manifested?“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because thatGod sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”1 John 4:9.4. In what does God delight?“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, becauseHe delighteth in mercy.”Micah 7:18.5. How are His mercies continually manifested?“It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.”Lam. 3:22, 23.6. Upon how many does God bestow His blessings?“He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and[pg 064]sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”Matt. 5:457. What did Jesus say of the one who loves Him?“He that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself unto him.”John 14:21.8. Into what relationship to God does His love bring us?“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be calledthe sons of God.”1 John 3:1.9. How may we know that we are the sons of God?“Foras many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God....The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”Rom. 8:14-16.10. How is the love of God supplied to the believer?“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our heartsby the Holy Ghostwhich is given unto us.”Rom. 5:5.11. In view of God's great love to us, what ought we to do?“Beloved, if God so loved us,we ought also to love one another.”1 John 4:11.12. With what measure of love should we serve others?“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: andwe ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”1 John 3:16.13. What exhortation is based upon Christ's love for us?“Andwalk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.”Eph. 5:2.14. Upon what ground does God's work for sinners rest?“But God, who is rich in mercy,for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”Eph. 2:4-6. See Titus 3:5, 6.15. In what other way is God's love sometimes shown?“For whom the Lord loveth Hechasteneth, andscourgethevery son whom He receiveth.”Heb. 12:6.16. In view of God's great love, what may we confidently expect?“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freelygive us all things?”Rom. 8:32[pg 065]Illustration.Bearing The Cross. "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love." Jer. 31:3.[pg 066]17. What is God's love able to do for His children?“Nevertheless the Lord thy God would not harken unto Balaam; but the Lord thy Godturned the curse into a blessingunto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee.”Deut. 23:5.18. When men appreciate God's love, what will they do?“How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God! therefore the children of menput their trust under the shadow of Thy wings.”Ps. 36:7.19. How enduring is God's love for us?“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea,I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.”Jer. 31:3.20. Can anything separate the true child of God from the love of God?“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”Rom. 8:38, 39.21. Unto whom will the saints forever ascribe praise?“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sinsin His own blood, ... to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.”Rev. 1:5, 6.There's a wideness in God's mercy,Like the wideness of the sea;There's a kindness in His justice,Which is more than liberty.There is welcome for the sinner,And more graces for the good;There is mercy with the Saviour;There is healing in His blood.For the love of God is broaderThan the measure of man's mind,And the heart of the EternalIs most wonderfully kind.If our love were but more simple,We should take Him at His word;And our lives would be all sunshineIn the sweetness of our Lord.Frederick W. Faber.[pg 067]The Deity Of ChristIllustration.Raising The Widow's Son. "In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Col. 2:9.1. How has the Father shown that His Son is one person of the Godhead?“Butunto the Son He saith, Thy throne,O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy kingdom.”Heb. 1:8.2. In what other scripture is the same truth taught?“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, andthe Word was God.”John 1:1.3. In what way did Christ refer to the eternity of His being?“And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Theebefore the world was.”John 17:5.“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 of old,from everlasting.”Micah 5:2. See margin; and Matt. 2:6; John 8:58; Ex. 3:13, 14.4. How was Christ begotten in the flesh?“And the angel answered and said unto her,The Holy Ghostshall come upon thee, andthe power of the Highestshall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”Luke 1:35.[pg 068]5. What scripture states that the Son of God was God manifested in the flesh?“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, andthe Word was God.”“Andthe 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 1:1, 14.6. What does Christ say is His relation to the Father?“I and My Father areone.”John 10:30.7. How was He manifested on earth as a Saviour?“For unto you isbornthis day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”Luke 2:11.8. Why was it necessary that He should be born thus, and partake of human nature?“Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren,that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”Heb. 2:17.9. How was He recognized by the Father while on earth?“And lo a voice from heaven, saying,This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”Matt. 3:17.10. What shows that Christ sustains the same relation to the angels as does the Father?“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Fatherwith His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works.”Matt. 16:27. See Matt. 24:31.11. How did Christ assert an equal proprietorship with His Father in the kingdom?“The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out ofHis kingdomall things that offend, and them which do iniquity.”Matt. 13:41.12. To whom do the elect equally belong?“And shall not God avengeHis own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?”Luke 18:7.“And He [the Son of man] shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather togetherHis electfrom the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”Matt. 24:31.13. Who are equally joined in bestowing the final rewards?[pg 069]“But without faith it is impossible to please Him [God, the Father]: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and thatHe is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”Heb. 11:6.“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; andthen He shall reward every man according to his works.”Matt. 16:27.Note.—In the texts (Matt. 16:27; 13:41; 24:31) in which Christ refers to the angels as“His angels”and to the kingdom as“His kingdom”and to the elect as“His elect,”He refers to Himself as“the Son of man.”It thus appears that while He was on earth as a man, He recognized His essential deity and His equality with His Father in heaven.14. What fulness dwells in Christ?“For in Him dwellethall the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”Col. 2:9.15. What does God (Jehovah) declare Himself to be?“Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and His Redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am thefirst, and I am thelast; and beside Me there is no God.”Isa. 44:6.16. In what scripture does Christ adopt the same expression?“And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, thefirstand thelast.”Rev. 22:12, 13.17. Having such a wonderful Saviour, what are we exhorted to do?“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”Heb. 4:14, 15.Before the heavens were spread abroad,From everlasting was the Word;With God He was, the Word was God,And must divinely be adored.Ere sin was born, or Satan fell,He led the host of morning stars;His generation who can tell,Or count the number of His years?But lo! He leaves those heavenly forms;The Word descends and dwells in clay,That He may converse hold with worms,Pressed in such feeble flesh as they.Isaac Watts.[pg 070]Prophecies Relating To ChristIllustration.The Star Of Bethlehem. "There shall come a Star out of Jacob." Num. 24:17.1. Whom did Moses say the Lord would raise up?“The Lord thy God will raise up unto theea Prophetfrom the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me, unto Him ye shall harken.”Deut. 18:15. See also verse 18.2. What use of this prophecy by the apostle Peter shows that it referred to Christ?“For Moses truly said unto the fathers,A prophetshall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me.... Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold ofthese days.”Acts 3:22-24.3. In what language did Isaiah foretell Christ's birth?“Behold,a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”Isa. 7:14.4. In what event was this prophecy fulfilled?“Nowall this was done[the birth of Jesus of the Virgin Mary], that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”Matt. 1:22, 23.[pg 071]5. Where was the Messiah 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.”Micah 5:2.6. When was Jesus born?“Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judeain the days of Herod the king.”Matt. 2:1.7. Under what striking emblem was He prophesied of by Balaam?“There shall comea Starout of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.”Num. 24:17.8. In what scripture does Christ apply the same emblem to Himself?“I am the root and the offspring of David, andthe bright and morning star.”Rev. 22:16. See also 2 Peter 1:19; Rev. 2:28.9. What prophecy was fulfilled in the slaughter of the children of Bethlehem?“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, andslew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilledthat which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.”Matt. 2:16-18.10. How was Christ's first advent to be heralded?“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”Isa. 40:3.11. By whom was this fulfilled?“And this is the record ofJohn, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?... he said,I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.”John 1:19-23.12. How was Christ to be received by His own people?“He isdespisedandrejectedof men; a man of sorrows, and[pg 073]acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He wasdespised, andwe esteemed Him not.”Isa. 53:3.Illustration.Christ Before Pilate. "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth." Isa. 53:7.13. How is the fulfilment of this prophecy recorded?“He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.”John 1:10, 11.14. What was predicted of Christ's preaching?“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; becausethe Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”Isa. 61:1.15. What application did Jesus make of this prophecy?“And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.... And He began to say unto them,This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”Luke 4:16-21. See Luke 7:19-22.16. How, according to prophecy, was Christ to conduct Himself when on trial?“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted,yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,so He openeth not His mouth.”Isa. 53:7.17. When accused by His enemies before Pilate, how did Christ treat these accusations?“Then said Pilate unto Him, Hearest Thou not how many things they witness against Thee? AndHe answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly.”Matt. 27:13, 14.18. What prophecy foretold of the disposal of Christ's garments at the crucifixion?“Theypart My garmentsamong them, andcast lotsupon My vesture.”Ps. 22:18.[pg 074]19. What record answers to this prophecy?“And they crucified Him, andparted His garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted My garments among them, and upon My vesture did they cast lots.”Matt. 27:35.20. What was foretold of His treatment while on the cross?“They gave Me alsogallfor My meat; and in My thirst they gave Mevinegarto drink.”Ps. 69:21.21. What was offered Christ at His crucifixion?“They gave Himvinegarto drink mingled withgall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.”Matt. 27:34. See also John 19:28-30, and page 167 of this work.22. With whom did the prophet Isaiah say Christ would make His grave?“And He made His grave with thewicked, and with therichin His death.”Isa. 53:9.23. With whom was Christ crucified?“Then were theretwo thievescrucified with Him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.”Matt. 27:38.24. Who took charge of Christ's body after it was taken down from the cross?“A rich man of Arimathæa, named Joseph, ... went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.... He wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock.”Verses 57-60.25. What experience in the life of a noted prophet indicated the length of Christ's stay in the grave?“But He answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: foras Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”Matt. 12:39,40.26. What prophecy foretold Christ's triumph over death?“ForThou wilt not leave My soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.”Ps. 16:10. See Acts 2:24-27.[pg 075]Christ The Way Of LifeIllustration.At Jacob's Well. "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst." John 4:14.1. What does Jesus declare Himself to be?“Jesus saith unto him,I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”John 14:6.2. In what condition are all men?“But the Scripture hath concluded allunder sin.”Gal. 3:22.“Forall have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”Rom. 3:23.3. What are the wages of sin?“The wages of sin isdeath.”Rom. 6:23.4. How many are affected by Adam's transgression?“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and sodeath passed upon all men.”Rom. 5:12.5. What is the gift of God?“The gift of God iseternal life.”Rom. 6:23.6. How many may receive this gift?“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. Andwhosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”Rev. 22:17.7. In whom is the gift?“This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, andthis life is in His Son.”1 John 5:11.[pg 076]8. In receiving the Son, what do we have in Him?“He that hath the Son hathlife.”Verse 12.9. What loss do those sustain who do not accept Him?“And he that hath not the Son of Godhath not life.”Same verse.10. In what other way is this same truth stated?“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”John 3:36.11. After one truly receives Christ, whose life will be manifested in him?“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, butChrist liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”Gal. 2:20.12. In what condition are all before they are quickened with Christ?“God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we weredead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ.”Eph. 2:4, 5.13. What is this change from death to life called?“Beingborn again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.”1 Peter 1:23.14. When man first transgressed, what was done to prevent him from living forever in sin?“And now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.... SoHe drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.”Gen. 3:22-24.15. What is declared to be one purpose of Christ's death?“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same;that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.”Heb. 2:14.16. Through whom will Abraham receive the promise of the future inheritance?[pg 077]“The Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Untothy seedwill I give this land.”Gen. 12:7.17. How many were embraced in God's promises to Abraham?“And in thy seed shallall the kindreds of the earthbe blessed.”Acts 3:25.18. To whom does the“seed”in these promises 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 isChrist.”Gal. 3:16.19. What would make the death of Christ in vain?“If righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”Gal. 2:21.20. Why have all been reckoned under sin?“But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin,that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”Gal. 3:22.21. How then do all become children of God?“For ye are all the children of Godby faith in Christ Jesus.”Verse 26.22. With whom are the children of God joint heirs?“If children, then heirs; heirs of God, andjoint heirs with Christ.”Rom. 8:17.Thou art the Way; to Thee alone,From sin and death we flee;And he who would the Father seek,Must seek Him, Lord, by Thee.Thou art the Truth; Thy word alone.True wisdom can impart;Thou only canst inform the mindAnd purify the heart.Thou art the Life; the rending tombProclaims Thy conquering arm;And those who put their trust in Thee,Nor death nor hell shall harm.Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life;Grant us that way to know,That truth to keep, that life to win,Whose joys eternal flow.[pg 078]Illustration.The Serpent In The Wilderness. "When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." Num. 21:9.[pg 079]
The Character And Attributes Of GodIllustration.The Bow Of Promise. "This is the token of the covenant." Gen. 9:17.1. In what one word is the character of God expressed?“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God islove.”1 John 4:8.2. What are some of the attributes of God?“The Lord isrighteousin all His ways, andholyin all His works.”Ps. 145:17.3. Does Christ possess these same attributes?“By His knowledge shallMy righteous servant[Christ] justify many.”Isa. 53:11.“Neither wilt Thou sufferThine Holy Oneto see corruption.”Acts 2:27.4. When proclaiming His name to Moses, how did the Lord define His character?“And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God,mercifulandgracious,long-suffering, andabundant in goodness and truth,keeping mercy for thousands,forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.”Ex. 34:5-7.[pg 062]5. What is said of the tender compassion of God?“But Thou, O Lord, art a Godfull of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”Ps. 86:15.6. What is said of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises?“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God,the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations.”Deut. 7:9.7. What is said of the strength and wisdom of God?“Behold, God ismighty, and despiseth not any: He ismighty in strength and wisdom.”Job 36:5.8. What treasures are hid in Christ?“In whom are hid all the treasures ofwisdomandknowledge.”Col. 2:3.9. In what language is the justice of God described?“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; forall His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity,just and right is He.”Deut. 32:4.10. In what words is His impartiality proclaimed?“For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible,which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.”Deut. 10:17.“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive thatGod is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.”Acts 10: 34, 35.11. To how many is the Lord good?“The Lord isgood to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.”Ps. 145:9.12. Why did Christ tell us to love our enemies?“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”Matt. 5:44, 45.13. How perfect does Christ tell His followers to be?“Be ye therefore perfect,even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”Verse 48.[pg 063]The Love Of GodIllustration.The Burial Of Christ. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." John 3:16.1. What is God declared to be?“God is love.”1 John 4:16.2. How great is God's love for the world?“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 3:16.3. In what act especially has God's love been manifested?“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because thatGod sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”1 John 4:9.4. In what does God delight?“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, becauseHe delighteth in mercy.”Micah 7:18.5. How are His mercies continually manifested?“It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.”Lam. 3:22, 23.6. Upon how many does God bestow His blessings?“He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and[pg 064]sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”Matt. 5:457. What did Jesus say of the one who loves Him?“He that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself unto him.”John 14:21.8. Into what relationship to God does His love bring us?“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be calledthe sons of God.”1 John 3:1.9. How may we know that we are the sons of God?“Foras many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God....The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”Rom. 8:14-16.10. How is the love of God supplied to the believer?“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our heartsby the Holy Ghostwhich is given unto us.”Rom. 5:5.11. In view of God's great love to us, what ought we to do?“Beloved, if God so loved us,we ought also to love one another.”1 John 4:11.12. With what measure of love should we serve others?“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: andwe ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”1 John 3:16.13. What exhortation is based upon Christ's love for us?“Andwalk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.”Eph. 5:2.14. Upon what ground does God's work for sinners rest?“But God, who is rich in mercy,for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”Eph. 2:4-6. See Titus 3:5, 6.15. In what other way is God's love sometimes shown?“For whom the Lord loveth Hechasteneth, andscourgethevery son whom He receiveth.”Heb. 12:6.16. In view of God's great love, what may we confidently expect?“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freelygive us all things?”Rom. 8:32[pg 065]Illustration.Bearing The Cross. "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love." Jer. 31:3.[pg 066]17. What is God's love able to do for His children?“Nevertheless the Lord thy God would not harken unto Balaam; but the Lord thy Godturned the curse into a blessingunto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee.”Deut. 23:5.18. When men appreciate God's love, what will they do?“How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God! therefore the children of menput their trust under the shadow of Thy wings.”Ps. 36:7.19. How enduring is God's love for us?“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea,I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.”Jer. 31:3.20. Can anything separate the true child of God from the love of God?“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”Rom. 8:38, 39.21. Unto whom will the saints forever ascribe praise?“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sinsin His own blood, ... to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.”Rev. 1:5, 6.There's a wideness in God's mercy,Like the wideness of the sea;There's a kindness in His justice,Which is more than liberty.There is welcome for the sinner,And more graces for the good;There is mercy with the Saviour;There is healing in His blood.For the love of God is broaderThan the measure of man's mind,And the heart of the EternalIs most wonderfully kind.If our love were but more simple,We should take Him at His word;And our lives would be all sunshineIn the sweetness of our Lord.Frederick W. Faber.[pg 067]The Deity Of ChristIllustration.Raising The Widow's Son. "In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Col. 2:9.1. How has the Father shown that His Son is one person of the Godhead?“Butunto the Son He saith, Thy throne,O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy kingdom.”Heb. 1:8.2. In what other scripture is the same truth taught?“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, andthe Word was God.”John 1:1.3. In what way did Christ refer to the eternity of His being?“And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Theebefore the world was.”John 17:5.“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 of old,from everlasting.”Micah 5:2. See margin; and Matt. 2:6; John 8:58; Ex. 3:13, 14.4. How was Christ begotten in the flesh?“And the angel answered and said unto her,The Holy Ghostshall come upon thee, andthe power of the Highestshall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”Luke 1:35.[pg 068]5. What scripture states that the Son of God was God manifested in the flesh?“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, andthe Word was God.”“Andthe 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 1:1, 14.6. What does Christ say is His relation to the Father?“I and My Father areone.”John 10:30.7. How was He manifested on earth as a Saviour?“For unto you isbornthis day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”Luke 2:11.8. Why was it necessary that He should be born thus, and partake of human nature?“Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren,that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”Heb. 2:17.9. How was He recognized by the Father while on earth?“And lo a voice from heaven, saying,This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”Matt. 3:17.10. What shows that Christ sustains the same relation to the angels as does the Father?“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Fatherwith His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works.”Matt. 16:27. See Matt. 24:31.11. How did Christ assert an equal proprietorship with His Father in the kingdom?“The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out ofHis kingdomall things that offend, and them which do iniquity.”Matt. 13:41.12. To whom do the elect equally belong?“And shall not God avengeHis own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?”Luke 18:7.“And He [the Son of man] shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather togetherHis electfrom the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”Matt. 24:31.13. Who are equally joined in bestowing the final rewards?[pg 069]“But without faith it is impossible to please Him [God, the Father]: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and thatHe is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”Heb. 11:6.“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; andthen He shall reward every man according to his works.”Matt. 16:27.Note.—In the texts (Matt. 16:27; 13:41; 24:31) in which Christ refers to the angels as“His angels”and to the kingdom as“His kingdom”and to the elect as“His elect,”He refers to Himself as“the Son of man.”It thus appears that while He was on earth as a man, He recognized His essential deity and His equality with His Father in heaven.14. What fulness dwells in Christ?“For in Him dwellethall the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”Col. 2:9.15. What does God (Jehovah) declare Himself to be?“Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and His Redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am thefirst, and I am thelast; and beside Me there is no God.”Isa. 44:6.16. In what scripture does Christ adopt the same expression?“And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, thefirstand thelast.”Rev. 22:12, 13.17. Having such a wonderful Saviour, what are we exhorted to do?“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”Heb. 4:14, 15.Before the heavens were spread abroad,From everlasting was the Word;With God He was, the Word was God,And must divinely be adored.Ere sin was born, or Satan fell,He led the host of morning stars;His generation who can tell,Or count the number of His years?But lo! He leaves those heavenly forms;The Word descends and dwells in clay,That He may converse hold with worms,Pressed in such feeble flesh as they.Isaac Watts.[pg 070]Prophecies Relating To ChristIllustration.The Star Of Bethlehem. "There shall come a Star out of Jacob." Num. 24:17.1. Whom did Moses say the Lord would raise up?“The Lord thy God will raise up unto theea Prophetfrom the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me, unto Him ye shall harken.”Deut. 18:15. See also verse 18.2. What use of this prophecy by the apostle Peter shows that it referred to Christ?“For Moses truly said unto the fathers,A prophetshall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me.... Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold ofthese days.”Acts 3:22-24.3. In what language did Isaiah foretell Christ's birth?“Behold,a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”Isa. 7:14.4. In what event was this prophecy fulfilled?“Nowall this was done[the birth of Jesus of the Virgin Mary], that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”Matt. 1:22, 23.[pg 071]5. Where was the Messiah 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.”Micah 5:2.6. When was Jesus born?“Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judeain the days of Herod the king.”Matt. 2:1.7. Under what striking emblem was He prophesied of by Balaam?“There shall comea Starout of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.”Num. 24:17.8. In what scripture does Christ apply the same emblem to Himself?“I am the root and the offspring of David, andthe bright and morning star.”Rev. 22:16. See also 2 Peter 1:19; Rev. 2:28.9. What prophecy was fulfilled in the slaughter of the children of Bethlehem?“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, andslew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilledthat which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.”Matt. 2:16-18.10. How was Christ's first advent to be heralded?“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”Isa. 40:3.11. By whom was this fulfilled?“And this is the record ofJohn, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?... he said,I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.”John 1:19-23.12. How was Christ to be received by His own people?“He isdespisedandrejectedof men; a man of sorrows, and[pg 073]acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He wasdespised, andwe esteemed Him not.”Isa. 53:3.Illustration.Christ Before Pilate. "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth." Isa. 53:7.13. How is the fulfilment of this prophecy recorded?“He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.”John 1:10, 11.14. What was predicted of Christ's preaching?“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; becausethe Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”Isa. 61:1.15. What application did Jesus make of this prophecy?“And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.... And He began to say unto them,This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”Luke 4:16-21. See Luke 7:19-22.16. How, according to prophecy, was Christ to conduct Himself when on trial?“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted,yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,so He openeth not His mouth.”Isa. 53:7.17. When accused by His enemies before Pilate, how did Christ treat these accusations?“Then said Pilate unto Him, Hearest Thou not how many things they witness against Thee? AndHe answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly.”Matt. 27:13, 14.18. What prophecy foretold of the disposal of Christ's garments at the crucifixion?“Theypart My garmentsamong them, andcast lotsupon My vesture.”Ps. 22:18.[pg 074]19. What record answers to this prophecy?“And they crucified Him, andparted His garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted My garments among them, and upon My vesture did they cast lots.”Matt. 27:35.20. What was foretold of His treatment while on the cross?“They gave Me alsogallfor My meat; and in My thirst they gave Mevinegarto drink.”Ps. 69:21.21. What was offered Christ at His crucifixion?“They gave Himvinegarto drink mingled withgall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.”Matt. 27:34. See also John 19:28-30, and page 167 of this work.22. With whom did the prophet Isaiah say Christ would make His grave?“And He made His grave with thewicked, and with therichin His death.”Isa. 53:9.23. With whom was Christ crucified?“Then were theretwo thievescrucified with Him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.”Matt. 27:38.24. Who took charge of Christ's body after it was taken down from the cross?“A rich man of Arimathæa, named Joseph, ... went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.... He wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock.”Verses 57-60.25. What experience in the life of a noted prophet indicated the length of Christ's stay in the grave?“But He answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: foras Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”Matt. 12:39,40.26. What prophecy foretold Christ's triumph over death?“ForThou wilt not leave My soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.”Ps. 16:10. See Acts 2:24-27.[pg 075]Christ The Way Of LifeIllustration.At Jacob's Well. "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst." John 4:14.1. What does Jesus declare Himself to be?“Jesus saith unto him,I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”John 14:6.2. In what condition are all men?“But the Scripture hath concluded allunder sin.”Gal. 3:22.“Forall have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”Rom. 3:23.3. What are the wages of sin?“The wages of sin isdeath.”Rom. 6:23.4. How many are affected by Adam's transgression?“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and sodeath passed upon all men.”Rom. 5:12.5. What is the gift of God?“The gift of God iseternal life.”Rom. 6:23.6. How many may receive this gift?“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. Andwhosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”Rev. 22:17.7. In whom is the gift?“This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, andthis life is in His Son.”1 John 5:11.[pg 076]8. In receiving the Son, what do we have in Him?“He that hath the Son hathlife.”Verse 12.9. What loss do those sustain who do not accept Him?“And he that hath not the Son of Godhath not life.”Same verse.10. In what other way is this same truth stated?“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”John 3:36.11. After one truly receives Christ, whose life will be manifested in him?“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, butChrist liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”Gal. 2:20.12. In what condition are all before they are quickened with Christ?“God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we weredead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ.”Eph. 2:4, 5.13. What is this change from death to life called?“Beingborn again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.”1 Peter 1:23.14. When man first transgressed, what was done to prevent him from living forever in sin?“And now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.... SoHe drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.”Gen. 3:22-24.15. What is declared to be one purpose of Christ's death?“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same;that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.”Heb. 2:14.16. Through whom will Abraham receive the promise of the future inheritance?[pg 077]“The Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Untothy seedwill I give this land.”Gen. 12:7.17. How many were embraced in God's promises to Abraham?“And in thy seed shallall the kindreds of the earthbe blessed.”Acts 3:25.18. To whom does the“seed”in these promises 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 isChrist.”Gal. 3:16.19. What would make the death of Christ in vain?“If righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”Gal. 2:21.20. Why have all been reckoned under sin?“But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin,that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”Gal. 3:22.21. How then do all become children of God?“For ye are all the children of Godby faith in Christ Jesus.”Verse 26.22. With whom are the children of God joint heirs?“If children, then heirs; heirs of God, andjoint heirs with Christ.”Rom. 8:17.Thou art the Way; to Thee alone,From sin and death we flee;And he who would the Father seek,Must seek Him, Lord, by Thee.Thou art the Truth; Thy word alone.True wisdom can impart;Thou only canst inform the mindAnd purify the heart.Thou art the Life; the rending tombProclaims Thy conquering arm;And those who put their trust in Thee,Nor death nor hell shall harm.Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life;Grant us that way to know,That truth to keep, that life to win,Whose joys eternal flow.[pg 078]Illustration.The Serpent In The Wilderness. "When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." Num. 21:9.[pg 079]
The Character And Attributes Of GodIllustration.The Bow Of Promise. "This is the token of the covenant." Gen. 9:17.1. In what one word is the character of God expressed?“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God islove.”1 John 4:8.2. What are some of the attributes of God?“The Lord isrighteousin all His ways, andholyin all His works.”Ps. 145:17.3. Does Christ possess these same attributes?“By His knowledge shallMy righteous servant[Christ] justify many.”Isa. 53:11.“Neither wilt Thou sufferThine Holy Oneto see corruption.”Acts 2:27.4. When proclaiming His name to Moses, how did the Lord define His character?“And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God,mercifulandgracious,long-suffering, andabundant in goodness and truth,keeping mercy for thousands,forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.”Ex. 34:5-7.[pg 062]5. What is said of the tender compassion of God?“But Thou, O Lord, art a Godfull of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”Ps. 86:15.6. What is said of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises?“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God,the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations.”Deut. 7:9.7. What is said of the strength and wisdom of God?“Behold, God ismighty, and despiseth not any: He ismighty in strength and wisdom.”Job 36:5.8. What treasures are hid in Christ?“In whom are hid all the treasures ofwisdomandknowledge.”Col. 2:3.9. In what language is the justice of God described?“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; forall His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity,just and right is He.”Deut. 32:4.10. In what words is His impartiality proclaimed?“For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible,which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.”Deut. 10:17.“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive thatGod is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.”Acts 10: 34, 35.11. To how many is the Lord good?“The Lord isgood to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.”Ps. 145:9.12. Why did Christ tell us to love our enemies?“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”Matt. 5:44, 45.13. How perfect does Christ tell His followers to be?“Be ye therefore perfect,even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”Verse 48.[pg 063]The Love Of GodIllustration.The Burial Of Christ. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." John 3:16.1. What is God declared to be?“God is love.”1 John 4:16.2. How great is God's love for the world?“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 3:16.3. In what act especially has God's love been manifested?“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because thatGod sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”1 John 4:9.4. In what does God delight?“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, becauseHe delighteth in mercy.”Micah 7:18.5. How are His mercies continually manifested?“It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.”Lam. 3:22, 23.6. Upon how many does God bestow His blessings?“He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and[pg 064]sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”Matt. 5:457. What did Jesus say of the one who loves Him?“He that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself unto him.”John 14:21.8. Into what relationship to God does His love bring us?“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be calledthe sons of God.”1 John 3:1.9. How may we know that we are the sons of God?“Foras many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God....The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”Rom. 8:14-16.10. How is the love of God supplied to the believer?“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our heartsby the Holy Ghostwhich is given unto us.”Rom. 5:5.11. In view of God's great love to us, what ought we to do?“Beloved, if God so loved us,we ought also to love one another.”1 John 4:11.12. With what measure of love should we serve others?“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: andwe ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”1 John 3:16.13. What exhortation is based upon Christ's love for us?“Andwalk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.”Eph. 5:2.14. Upon what ground does God's work for sinners rest?“But God, who is rich in mercy,for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”Eph. 2:4-6. See Titus 3:5, 6.15. In what other way is God's love sometimes shown?“For whom the Lord loveth Hechasteneth, andscourgethevery son whom He receiveth.”Heb. 12:6.16. In view of God's great love, what may we confidently expect?“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freelygive us all things?”Rom. 8:32[pg 065]Illustration.Bearing The Cross. "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love." Jer. 31:3.[pg 066]17. What is God's love able to do for His children?“Nevertheless the Lord thy God would not harken unto Balaam; but the Lord thy Godturned the curse into a blessingunto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee.”Deut. 23:5.18. When men appreciate God's love, what will they do?“How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God! therefore the children of menput their trust under the shadow of Thy wings.”Ps. 36:7.19. How enduring is God's love for us?“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea,I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.”Jer. 31:3.20. Can anything separate the true child of God from the love of God?“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”Rom. 8:38, 39.21. Unto whom will the saints forever ascribe praise?“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sinsin His own blood, ... to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.”Rev. 1:5, 6.There's a wideness in God's mercy,Like the wideness of the sea;There's a kindness in His justice,Which is more than liberty.There is welcome for the sinner,And more graces for the good;There is mercy with the Saviour;There is healing in His blood.For the love of God is broaderThan the measure of man's mind,And the heart of the EternalIs most wonderfully kind.If our love were but more simple,We should take Him at His word;And our lives would be all sunshineIn the sweetness of our Lord.Frederick W. Faber.[pg 067]The Deity Of ChristIllustration.Raising The Widow's Son. "In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Col. 2:9.1. How has the Father shown that His Son is one person of the Godhead?“Butunto the Son He saith, Thy throne,O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy kingdom.”Heb. 1:8.2. In what other scripture is the same truth taught?“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, andthe Word was God.”John 1:1.3. In what way did Christ refer to the eternity of His being?“And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Theebefore the world was.”John 17:5.“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 of old,from everlasting.”Micah 5:2. See margin; and Matt. 2:6; John 8:58; Ex. 3:13, 14.4. How was Christ begotten in the flesh?“And the angel answered and said unto her,The Holy Ghostshall come upon thee, andthe power of the Highestshall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”Luke 1:35.[pg 068]5. What scripture states that the Son of God was God manifested in the flesh?“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, andthe Word was God.”“Andthe 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 1:1, 14.6. What does Christ say is His relation to the Father?“I and My Father areone.”John 10:30.7. How was He manifested on earth as a Saviour?“For unto you isbornthis day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”Luke 2:11.8. Why was it necessary that He should be born thus, and partake of human nature?“Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren,that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”Heb. 2:17.9. How was He recognized by the Father while on earth?“And lo a voice from heaven, saying,This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”Matt. 3:17.10. What shows that Christ sustains the same relation to the angels as does the Father?“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Fatherwith His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works.”Matt. 16:27. See Matt. 24:31.11. How did Christ assert an equal proprietorship with His Father in the kingdom?“The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out ofHis kingdomall things that offend, and them which do iniquity.”Matt. 13:41.12. To whom do the elect equally belong?“And shall not God avengeHis own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?”Luke 18:7.“And He [the Son of man] shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather togetherHis electfrom the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”Matt. 24:31.13. Who are equally joined in bestowing the final rewards?[pg 069]“But without faith it is impossible to please Him [God, the Father]: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and thatHe is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”Heb. 11:6.“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; andthen He shall reward every man according to his works.”Matt. 16:27.Note.—In the texts (Matt. 16:27; 13:41; 24:31) in which Christ refers to the angels as“His angels”and to the kingdom as“His kingdom”and to the elect as“His elect,”He refers to Himself as“the Son of man.”It thus appears that while He was on earth as a man, He recognized His essential deity and His equality with His Father in heaven.14. What fulness dwells in Christ?“For in Him dwellethall the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”Col. 2:9.15. What does God (Jehovah) declare Himself to be?“Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and His Redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am thefirst, and I am thelast; and beside Me there is no God.”Isa. 44:6.16. In what scripture does Christ adopt the same expression?“And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, thefirstand thelast.”Rev. 22:12, 13.17. Having such a wonderful Saviour, what are we exhorted to do?“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”Heb. 4:14, 15.Before the heavens were spread abroad,From everlasting was the Word;With God He was, the Word was God,And must divinely be adored.Ere sin was born, or Satan fell,He led the host of morning stars;His generation who can tell,Or count the number of His years?But lo! He leaves those heavenly forms;The Word descends and dwells in clay,That He may converse hold with worms,Pressed in such feeble flesh as they.Isaac Watts.[pg 070]Prophecies Relating To ChristIllustration.The Star Of Bethlehem. "There shall come a Star out of Jacob." Num. 24:17.1. Whom did Moses say the Lord would raise up?“The Lord thy God will raise up unto theea Prophetfrom the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me, unto Him ye shall harken.”Deut. 18:15. See also verse 18.2. What use of this prophecy by the apostle Peter shows that it referred to Christ?“For Moses truly said unto the fathers,A prophetshall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me.... Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold ofthese days.”Acts 3:22-24.3. In what language did Isaiah foretell Christ's birth?“Behold,a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”Isa. 7:14.4. In what event was this prophecy fulfilled?“Nowall this was done[the birth of Jesus of the Virgin Mary], that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”Matt. 1:22, 23.[pg 071]5. Where was the Messiah 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.”Micah 5:2.6. When was Jesus born?“Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judeain the days of Herod the king.”Matt. 2:1.7. Under what striking emblem was He prophesied of by Balaam?“There shall comea Starout of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.”Num. 24:17.8. In what scripture does Christ apply the same emblem to Himself?“I am the root and the offspring of David, andthe bright and morning star.”Rev. 22:16. See also 2 Peter 1:19; Rev. 2:28.9. What prophecy was fulfilled in the slaughter of the children of Bethlehem?“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, andslew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilledthat which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.”Matt. 2:16-18.10. How was Christ's first advent to be heralded?“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”Isa. 40:3.11. By whom was this fulfilled?“And this is the record ofJohn, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?... he said,I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.”John 1:19-23.12. How was Christ to be received by His own people?“He isdespisedandrejectedof men; a man of sorrows, and[pg 073]acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He wasdespised, andwe esteemed Him not.”Isa. 53:3.Illustration.Christ Before Pilate. "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth." Isa. 53:7.13. How is the fulfilment of this prophecy recorded?“He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.”John 1:10, 11.14. What was predicted of Christ's preaching?“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; becausethe Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”Isa. 61:1.15. What application did Jesus make of this prophecy?“And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.... And He began to say unto them,This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”Luke 4:16-21. See Luke 7:19-22.16. How, according to prophecy, was Christ to conduct Himself when on trial?“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted,yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,so He openeth not His mouth.”Isa. 53:7.17. When accused by His enemies before Pilate, how did Christ treat these accusations?“Then said Pilate unto Him, Hearest Thou not how many things they witness against Thee? AndHe answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly.”Matt. 27:13, 14.18. What prophecy foretold of the disposal of Christ's garments at the crucifixion?“Theypart My garmentsamong them, andcast lotsupon My vesture.”Ps. 22:18.[pg 074]19. What record answers to this prophecy?“And they crucified Him, andparted His garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted My garments among them, and upon My vesture did they cast lots.”Matt. 27:35.20. What was foretold of His treatment while on the cross?“They gave Me alsogallfor My meat; and in My thirst they gave Mevinegarto drink.”Ps. 69:21.21. What was offered Christ at His crucifixion?“They gave Himvinegarto drink mingled withgall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.”Matt. 27:34. See also John 19:28-30, and page 167 of this work.22. With whom did the prophet Isaiah say Christ would make His grave?“And He made His grave with thewicked, and with therichin His death.”Isa. 53:9.23. With whom was Christ crucified?“Then were theretwo thievescrucified with Him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.”Matt. 27:38.24. Who took charge of Christ's body after it was taken down from the cross?“A rich man of Arimathæa, named Joseph, ... went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.... He wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock.”Verses 57-60.25. What experience in the life of a noted prophet indicated the length of Christ's stay in the grave?“But He answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: foras Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”Matt. 12:39,40.26. What prophecy foretold Christ's triumph over death?“ForThou wilt not leave My soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.”Ps. 16:10. See Acts 2:24-27.[pg 075]Christ The Way Of LifeIllustration.At Jacob's Well. "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst." John 4:14.1. What does Jesus declare Himself to be?“Jesus saith unto him,I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”John 14:6.2. In what condition are all men?“But the Scripture hath concluded allunder sin.”Gal. 3:22.“Forall have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”Rom. 3:23.3. What are the wages of sin?“The wages of sin isdeath.”Rom. 6:23.4. How many are affected by Adam's transgression?“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and sodeath passed upon all men.”Rom. 5:12.5. What is the gift of God?“The gift of God iseternal life.”Rom. 6:23.6. How many may receive this gift?“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. Andwhosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”Rev. 22:17.7. In whom is the gift?“This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, andthis life is in His Son.”1 John 5:11.[pg 076]8. In receiving the Son, what do we have in Him?“He that hath the Son hathlife.”Verse 12.9. What loss do those sustain who do not accept Him?“And he that hath not the Son of Godhath not life.”Same verse.10. In what other way is this same truth stated?“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”John 3:36.11. After one truly receives Christ, whose life will be manifested in him?“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, butChrist liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”Gal. 2:20.12. In what condition are all before they are quickened with Christ?“God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we weredead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ.”Eph. 2:4, 5.13. What is this change from death to life called?“Beingborn again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.”1 Peter 1:23.14. When man first transgressed, what was done to prevent him from living forever in sin?“And now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.... SoHe drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.”Gen. 3:22-24.15. What is declared to be one purpose of Christ's death?“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same;that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.”Heb. 2:14.16. Through whom will Abraham receive the promise of the future inheritance?[pg 077]“The Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Untothy seedwill I give this land.”Gen. 12:7.17. How many were embraced in God's promises to Abraham?“And in thy seed shallall the kindreds of the earthbe blessed.”Acts 3:25.18. To whom does the“seed”in these promises 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 isChrist.”Gal. 3:16.19. What would make the death of Christ in vain?“If righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”Gal. 2:21.20. Why have all been reckoned under sin?“But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin,that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”Gal. 3:22.21. How then do all become children of God?“For ye are all the children of Godby faith in Christ Jesus.”Verse 26.22. With whom are the children of God joint heirs?“If children, then heirs; heirs of God, andjoint heirs with Christ.”Rom. 8:17.Thou art the Way; to Thee alone,From sin and death we flee;And he who would the Father seek,Must seek Him, Lord, by Thee.Thou art the Truth; Thy word alone.True wisdom can impart;Thou only canst inform the mindAnd purify the heart.Thou art the Life; the rending tombProclaims Thy conquering arm;And those who put their trust in Thee,Nor death nor hell shall harm.Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life;Grant us that way to know,That truth to keep, that life to win,Whose joys eternal flow.[pg 078]Illustration.The Serpent In The Wilderness. "When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." Num. 21:9.[pg 079]
The Character And Attributes Of GodIllustration.The Bow Of Promise. "This is the token of the covenant." Gen. 9:17.1. In what one word is the character of God expressed?“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God islove.”1 John 4:8.2. What are some of the attributes of God?“The Lord isrighteousin all His ways, andholyin all His works.”Ps. 145:17.3. Does Christ possess these same attributes?“By His knowledge shallMy righteous servant[Christ] justify many.”Isa. 53:11.“Neither wilt Thou sufferThine Holy Oneto see corruption.”Acts 2:27.4. When proclaiming His name to Moses, how did the Lord define His character?“And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God,mercifulandgracious,long-suffering, andabundant in goodness and truth,keeping mercy for thousands,forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.”Ex. 34:5-7.[pg 062]5. What is said of the tender compassion of God?“But Thou, O Lord, art a Godfull of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”Ps. 86:15.6. What is said of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises?“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God,the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations.”Deut. 7:9.7. What is said of the strength and wisdom of God?“Behold, God ismighty, and despiseth not any: He ismighty in strength and wisdom.”Job 36:5.8. What treasures are hid in Christ?“In whom are hid all the treasures ofwisdomandknowledge.”Col. 2:3.9. In what language is the justice of God described?“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; forall His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity,just and right is He.”Deut. 32:4.10. In what words is His impartiality proclaimed?“For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible,which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.”Deut. 10:17.“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive thatGod is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.”Acts 10: 34, 35.11. To how many is the Lord good?“The Lord isgood to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.”Ps. 145:9.12. Why did Christ tell us to love our enemies?“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”Matt. 5:44, 45.13. How perfect does Christ tell His followers to be?“Be ye therefore perfect,even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”Verse 48.
Illustration.The Bow Of Promise. "This is the token of the covenant." Gen. 9:17.
The Bow Of Promise. "This is the token of the covenant." Gen. 9:17.
1. In what one word is the character of God expressed?
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God islove.”1 John 4:8.
2. What are some of the attributes of God?
“The Lord isrighteousin all His ways, andholyin all His works.”Ps. 145:17.
3. Does Christ possess these same attributes?
“By His knowledge shallMy righteous servant[Christ] justify many.”Isa. 53:11.“Neither wilt Thou sufferThine Holy Oneto see corruption.”Acts 2:27.
4. When proclaiming His name to Moses, how did the Lord define His character?
“And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God,mercifulandgracious,long-suffering, andabundant in goodness and truth,keeping mercy for thousands,forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.”Ex. 34:5-7.
5. What is said of the tender compassion of God?
“But Thou, O Lord, art a Godfull of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”Ps. 86:15.
6. What is said of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises?
“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God,the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations.”Deut. 7:9.
7. What is said of the strength and wisdom of God?
“Behold, God ismighty, and despiseth not any: He ismighty in strength and wisdom.”Job 36:5.
8. What treasures are hid in Christ?
“In whom are hid all the treasures ofwisdomandknowledge.”Col. 2:3.
9. In what language is the justice of God described?
“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; forall His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity,just and right is He.”Deut. 32:4.
10. In what words is His impartiality proclaimed?
“For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible,which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.”Deut. 10:17.“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive thatGod is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.”Acts 10: 34, 35.
11. To how many is the Lord good?
“The Lord isgood to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.”Ps. 145:9.
12. Why did Christ tell us to love our enemies?
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”Matt. 5:44, 45.
13. How perfect does Christ tell His followers to be?
“Be ye therefore perfect,even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”Verse 48.
The Love Of GodIllustration.The Burial Of Christ. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." John 3:16.1. What is God declared to be?“God is love.”1 John 4:16.2. How great is God's love for the world?“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 3:16.3. In what act especially has God's love been manifested?“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because thatGod sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”1 John 4:9.4. In what does God delight?“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, becauseHe delighteth in mercy.”Micah 7:18.5. How are His mercies continually manifested?“It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.”Lam. 3:22, 23.6. Upon how many does God bestow His blessings?“He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and[pg 064]sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”Matt. 5:457. What did Jesus say of the one who loves Him?“He that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself unto him.”John 14:21.8. Into what relationship to God does His love bring us?“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be calledthe sons of God.”1 John 3:1.9. How may we know that we are the sons of God?“Foras many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God....The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”Rom. 8:14-16.10. How is the love of God supplied to the believer?“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our heartsby the Holy Ghostwhich is given unto us.”Rom. 5:5.11. In view of God's great love to us, what ought we to do?“Beloved, if God so loved us,we ought also to love one another.”1 John 4:11.12. With what measure of love should we serve others?“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: andwe ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”1 John 3:16.13. What exhortation is based upon Christ's love for us?“Andwalk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.”Eph. 5:2.14. Upon what ground does God's work for sinners rest?“But God, who is rich in mercy,for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”Eph. 2:4-6. See Titus 3:5, 6.15. In what other way is God's love sometimes shown?“For whom the Lord loveth Hechasteneth, andscourgethevery son whom He receiveth.”Heb. 12:6.16. In view of God's great love, what may we confidently expect?“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freelygive us all things?”Rom. 8:32[pg 065]Illustration.Bearing The Cross. "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love." Jer. 31:3.[pg 066]17. What is God's love able to do for His children?“Nevertheless the Lord thy God would not harken unto Balaam; but the Lord thy Godturned the curse into a blessingunto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee.”Deut. 23:5.18. When men appreciate God's love, what will they do?“How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God! therefore the children of menput their trust under the shadow of Thy wings.”Ps. 36:7.19. How enduring is God's love for us?“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea,I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.”Jer. 31:3.20. Can anything separate the true child of God from the love of God?“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”Rom. 8:38, 39.21. Unto whom will the saints forever ascribe praise?“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sinsin His own blood, ... to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.”Rev. 1:5, 6.There's a wideness in God's mercy,Like the wideness of the sea;There's a kindness in His justice,Which is more than liberty.There is welcome for the sinner,And more graces for the good;There is mercy with the Saviour;There is healing in His blood.For the love of God is broaderThan the measure of man's mind,And the heart of the EternalIs most wonderfully kind.If our love were but more simple,We should take Him at His word;And our lives would be all sunshineIn the sweetness of our Lord.Frederick W. Faber.
Illustration.The Burial Of Christ. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." John 3:16.
The Burial Of Christ. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." John 3:16.
1. What is God declared to be?
“God is love.”1 John 4:16.
2. How great is God's love for the world?
“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.
3. In what act especially has God's love been manifested?
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because thatGod sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”1 John 4:9.
4. In what does God delight?
“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, becauseHe delighteth in mercy.”Micah 7:18.
5. How are His mercies continually manifested?
“It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.”Lam. 3:22, 23.
6. Upon how many does God bestow His blessings?
“He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and[pg 064]sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”Matt. 5:45
7. What did Jesus say of the one who loves Him?
“He that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself unto him.”John 14:21.
8. Into what relationship to God does His love bring us?
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be calledthe sons of God.”1 John 3:1.
9. How may we know that we are the sons of God?
“Foras many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God....The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”Rom. 8:14-16.
10. How is the love of God supplied to the believer?
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our heartsby the Holy Ghostwhich is given unto us.”Rom. 5:5.
11. In view of God's great love to us, what ought we to do?
“Beloved, if God so loved us,we ought also to love one another.”1 John 4:11.
12. With what measure of love should we serve others?
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: andwe ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”1 John 3:16.
13. What exhortation is based upon Christ's love for us?
“Andwalk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.”Eph. 5:2.
14. Upon what ground does God's work for sinners rest?
“But God, who is rich in mercy,for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”Eph. 2:4-6. See Titus 3:5, 6.
15. In what other way is God's love sometimes shown?
“For whom the Lord loveth Hechasteneth, andscourgethevery son whom He receiveth.”Heb. 12:6.
16. In view of God's great love, what may we confidently expect?
“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freelygive us all things?”Rom. 8:32
Illustration.Bearing The Cross. "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love." Jer. 31:3.
Bearing The Cross. "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love." Jer. 31:3.
17. What is God's love able to do for His children?
“Nevertheless the Lord thy God would not harken unto Balaam; but the Lord thy Godturned the curse into a blessingunto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee.”Deut. 23:5.
18. When men appreciate God's love, what will they do?
“How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God! therefore the children of menput their trust under the shadow of Thy wings.”Ps. 36:7.
19. How enduring is God's love for us?
“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea,I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.”Jer. 31:3.
20. Can anything separate the true child of God from the love of God?
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”Rom. 8:38, 39.
21. Unto whom will the saints forever ascribe praise?
“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sinsin His own blood, ... to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.”Rev. 1:5, 6.
There's a wideness in God's mercy,Like the wideness of the sea;There's a kindness in His justice,Which is more than liberty.There is welcome for the sinner,And more graces for the good;There is mercy with the Saviour;There is healing in His blood.For the love of God is broaderThan the measure of man's mind,And the heart of the EternalIs most wonderfully kind.If our love were but more simple,We should take Him at His word;And our lives would be all sunshineIn the sweetness of our Lord.Frederick W. Faber.
There's a wideness in God's mercy,Like the wideness of the sea;There's a kindness in His justice,Which is more than liberty.
There's a wideness in God's mercy,
Like the wideness of the sea;
There's a kindness in His justice,
Which is more than liberty.
There is welcome for the sinner,And more graces for the good;There is mercy with the Saviour;There is healing in His blood.
There is welcome for the sinner,
And more graces for the good;
There is mercy with the Saviour;
There is healing in His blood.
For the love of God is broaderThan the measure of man's mind,And the heart of the EternalIs most wonderfully kind.
For the love of God is broader
Than the measure of man's mind,
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.
If our love were but more simple,We should take Him at His word;And our lives would be all sunshineIn the sweetness of our Lord.
If our love were but more simple,
We should take Him at His word;
And our lives would be all sunshine
In the sweetness of our Lord.
Frederick W. Faber.
The Deity Of ChristIllustration.Raising The Widow's Son. "In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Col. 2:9.1. How has the Father shown that His Son is one person of the Godhead?“Butunto the Son He saith, Thy throne,O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy kingdom.”Heb. 1:8.2. In what other scripture is the same truth taught?“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, andthe Word was God.”John 1:1.3. In what way did Christ refer to the eternity of His being?“And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Theebefore the world was.”John 17:5.“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 of old,from everlasting.”Micah 5:2. See margin; and Matt. 2:6; John 8:58; Ex. 3:13, 14.4. How was Christ begotten in the flesh?“And the angel answered and said unto her,The Holy Ghostshall come upon thee, andthe power of the Highestshall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”Luke 1:35.[pg 068]5. What scripture states that the Son of God was God manifested in the flesh?“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, andthe Word was God.”“Andthe 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 1:1, 14.6. What does Christ say is His relation to the Father?“I and My Father areone.”John 10:30.7. How was He manifested on earth as a Saviour?“For unto you isbornthis day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”Luke 2:11.8. Why was it necessary that He should be born thus, and partake of human nature?“Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren,that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”Heb. 2:17.9. How was He recognized by the Father while on earth?“And lo a voice from heaven, saying,This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”Matt. 3:17.10. What shows that Christ sustains the same relation to the angels as does the Father?“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Fatherwith His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works.”Matt. 16:27. See Matt. 24:31.11. How did Christ assert an equal proprietorship with His Father in the kingdom?“The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out ofHis kingdomall things that offend, and them which do iniquity.”Matt. 13:41.12. To whom do the elect equally belong?“And shall not God avengeHis own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?”Luke 18:7.“And He [the Son of man] shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather togetherHis electfrom the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”Matt. 24:31.13. Who are equally joined in bestowing the final rewards?[pg 069]“But without faith it is impossible to please Him [God, the Father]: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and thatHe is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”Heb. 11:6.“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; andthen He shall reward every man according to his works.”Matt. 16:27.Note.—In the texts (Matt. 16:27; 13:41; 24:31) in which Christ refers to the angels as“His angels”and to the kingdom as“His kingdom”and to the elect as“His elect,”He refers to Himself as“the Son of man.”It thus appears that while He was on earth as a man, He recognized His essential deity and His equality with His Father in heaven.14. What fulness dwells in Christ?“For in Him dwellethall the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”Col. 2:9.15. What does God (Jehovah) declare Himself to be?“Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and His Redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am thefirst, and I am thelast; and beside Me there is no God.”Isa. 44:6.16. In what scripture does Christ adopt the same expression?“And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, thefirstand thelast.”Rev. 22:12, 13.17. Having such a wonderful Saviour, what are we exhorted to do?“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”Heb. 4:14, 15.Before the heavens were spread abroad,From everlasting was the Word;With God He was, the Word was God,And must divinely be adored.Ere sin was born, or Satan fell,He led the host of morning stars;His generation who can tell,Or count the number of His years?But lo! He leaves those heavenly forms;The Word descends and dwells in clay,That He may converse hold with worms,Pressed in such feeble flesh as they.Isaac Watts.
Illustration.Raising The Widow's Son. "In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Col. 2:9.
Raising The Widow's Son. "In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Col. 2:9.
1. How has the Father shown that His Son is one person of the Godhead?
“Butunto the Son He saith, Thy throne,O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy kingdom.”Heb. 1:8.
2. In what other scripture is the same truth taught?
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, andthe Word was God.”John 1:1.
3. In what way did Christ refer to the eternity of His being?
“And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Theebefore the world was.”John 17:5.“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 of old,from everlasting.”Micah 5:2. See margin; and Matt. 2:6; John 8:58; Ex. 3:13, 14.
4. How was Christ begotten in the flesh?
“And the angel answered and said unto her,The Holy Ghostshall come upon thee, andthe power of the Highestshall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”Luke 1:35.
5. What scripture states that the Son of God was God manifested in the flesh?
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, andthe Word was God.”“Andthe 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 1:1, 14.
6. What does Christ say is His relation to the Father?
“I and My Father areone.”John 10:30.
7. How was He manifested on earth as a Saviour?
“For unto you isbornthis day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”Luke 2:11.
8. Why was it necessary that He should be born thus, and partake of human nature?
“Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren,that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”Heb. 2:17.
9. How was He recognized by the Father while on earth?
“And lo a voice from heaven, saying,This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”Matt. 3:17.
10. What shows that Christ sustains the same relation to the angels as does the Father?
“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Fatherwith His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works.”Matt. 16:27. See Matt. 24:31.
11. How did Christ assert an equal proprietorship with His Father in the kingdom?
“The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out ofHis kingdomall things that offend, and them which do iniquity.”Matt. 13:41.
12. To whom do the elect equally belong?
“And shall not God avengeHis own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?”Luke 18:7.“And He [the Son of man] shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather togetherHis electfrom the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”Matt. 24:31.
13. Who are equally joined in bestowing the final rewards?
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him [God, the Father]: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and thatHe is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”Heb. 11:6.“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; andthen He shall reward every man according to his works.”Matt. 16:27.
Note.—In the texts (Matt. 16:27; 13:41; 24:31) in which Christ refers to the angels as“His angels”and to the kingdom as“His kingdom”and to the elect as“His elect,”He refers to Himself as“the Son of man.”It thus appears that while He was on earth as a man, He recognized His essential deity and His equality with His Father in heaven.
14. What fulness dwells in Christ?
“For in Him dwellethall the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”Col. 2:9.
15. What does God (Jehovah) declare Himself to be?
“Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and His Redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am thefirst, and I am thelast; and beside Me there is no God.”Isa. 44:6.
16. In what scripture does Christ adopt the same expression?
“And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, thefirstand thelast.”Rev. 22:12, 13.
17. Having such a wonderful Saviour, what are we exhorted to do?
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”Heb. 4:14, 15.
Before the heavens were spread abroad,From everlasting was the Word;With God He was, the Word was God,And must divinely be adored.Ere sin was born, or Satan fell,He led the host of morning stars;His generation who can tell,Or count the number of His years?But lo! He leaves those heavenly forms;The Word descends and dwells in clay,That He may converse hold with worms,Pressed in such feeble flesh as they.Isaac Watts.
Before the heavens were spread abroad,From everlasting was the Word;With God He was, the Word was God,And must divinely be adored.
Before the heavens were spread abroad,
From everlasting was the Word;
With God He was, the Word was God,
And must divinely be adored.
Ere sin was born, or Satan fell,He led the host of morning stars;His generation who can tell,Or count the number of His years?
Ere sin was born, or Satan fell,
He led the host of morning stars;
His generation who can tell,
Or count the number of His years?
But lo! He leaves those heavenly forms;The Word descends and dwells in clay,That He may converse hold with worms,Pressed in such feeble flesh as they.Isaac Watts.
But lo! He leaves those heavenly forms;
The Word descends and dwells in clay,
That He may converse hold with worms,
Pressed in such feeble flesh as they.
Isaac Watts.
Prophecies Relating To ChristIllustration.The Star Of Bethlehem. "There shall come a Star out of Jacob." Num. 24:17.1. Whom did Moses say the Lord would raise up?“The Lord thy God will raise up unto theea Prophetfrom the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me, unto Him ye shall harken.”Deut. 18:15. See also verse 18.2. What use of this prophecy by the apostle Peter shows that it referred to Christ?“For Moses truly said unto the fathers,A prophetshall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me.... Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold ofthese days.”Acts 3:22-24.3. In what language did Isaiah foretell Christ's birth?“Behold,a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”Isa. 7:14.4. In what event was this prophecy fulfilled?“Nowall this was done[the birth of Jesus of the Virgin Mary], that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”Matt. 1:22, 23.[pg 071]5. Where was the Messiah 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.”Micah 5:2.6. When was Jesus born?“Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judeain the days of Herod the king.”Matt. 2:1.7. Under what striking emblem was He prophesied of by Balaam?“There shall comea Starout of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.”Num. 24:17.8. In what scripture does Christ apply the same emblem to Himself?“I am the root and the offspring of David, andthe bright and morning star.”Rev. 22:16. See also 2 Peter 1:19; Rev. 2:28.9. What prophecy was fulfilled in the slaughter of the children of Bethlehem?“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, andslew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilledthat which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.”Matt. 2:16-18.10. How was Christ's first advent to be heralded?“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”Isa. 40:3.11. By whom was this fulfilled?“And this is the record ofJohn, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?... he said,I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.”John 1:19-23.12. How was Christ to be received by His own people?“He isdespisedandrejectedof men; a man of sorrows, and[pg 073]acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He wasdespised, andwe esteemed Him not.”Isa. 53:3.Illustration.Christ Before Pilate. "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth." Isa. 53:7.13. How is the fulfilment of this prophecy recorded?“He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.”John 1:10, 11.14. What was predicted of Christ's preaching?“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; becausethe Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”Isa. 61:1.15. What application did Jesus make of this prophecy?“And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.... And He began to say unto them,This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”Luke 4:16-21. See Luke 7:19-22.16. How, according to prophecy, was Christ to conduct Himself when on trial?“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted,yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,so He openeth not His mouth.”Isa. 53:7.17. When accused by His enemies before Pilate, how did Christ treat these accusations?“Then said Pilate unto Him, Hearest Thou not how many things they witness against Thee? AndHe answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly.”Matt. 27:13, 14.18. What prophecy foretold of the disposal of Christ's garments at the crucifixion?“Theypart My garmentsamong them, andcast lotsupon My vesture.”Ps. 22:18.[pg 074]19. What record answers to this prophecy?“And they crucified Him, andparted His garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted My garments among them, and upon My vesture did they cast lots.”Matt. 27:35.20. What was foretold of His treatment while on the cross?“They gave Me alsogallfor My meat; and in My thirst they gave Mevinegarto drink.”Ps. 69:21.21. What was offered Christ at His crucifixion?“They gave Himvinegarto drink mingled withgall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.”Matt. 27:34. See also John 19:28-30, and page 167 of this work.22. With whom did the prophet Isaiah say Christ would make His grave?“And He made His grave with thewicked, and with therichin His death.”Isa. 53:9.23. With whom was Christ crucified?“Then were theretwo thievescrucified with Him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.”Matt. 27:38.24. Who took charge of Christ's body after it was taken down from the cross?“A rich man of Arimathæa, named Joseph, ... went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.... He wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock.”Verses 57-60.25. What experience in the life of a noted prophet indicated the length of Christ's stay in the grave?“But He answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: foras Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”Matt. 12:39,40.26. What prophecy foretold Christ's triumph over death?“ForThou wilt not leave My soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.”Ps. 16:10. See Acts 2:24-27.
Illustration.The Star Of Bethlehem. "There shall come a Star out of Jacob." Num. 24:17.
The Star Of Bethlehem. "There shall come a Star out of Jacob." Num. 24:17.
1. Whom did Moses say the Lord would raise up?
“The Lord thy God will raise up unto theea Prophetfrom the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me, unto Him ye shall harken.”Deut. 18:15. See also verse 18.
2. What use of this prophecy by the apostle Peter shows that it referred to Christ?
“For Moses truly said unto the fathers,A prophetshall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me.... Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold ofthese days.”Acts 3:22-24.
3. In what language did Isaiah foretell Christ's birth?
“Behold,a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”Isa. 7:14.
4. In what event was this prophecy fulfilled?
“Nowall this was done[the birth of Jesus of the Virgin Mary], that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”Matt. 1:22, 23.
5. Where was the Messiah 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.”Micah 5:2.
6. When was Jesus born?
“Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judeain the days of Herod the king.”Matt. 2:1.
7. Under what striking emblem was He prophesied of by Balaam?
“There shall comea Starout of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.”Num. 24:17.
8. In what scripture does Christ apply the same emblem to Himself?
“I am the root and the offspring of David, andthe bright and morning star.”Rev. 22:16. See also 2 Peter 1:19; Rev. 2:28.
9. What prophecy was fulfilled in the slaughter of the children of Bethlehem?
“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, andslew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilledthat which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.”Matt. 2:16-18.
10. How was Christ's first advent to be heralded?
“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”Isa. 40:3.
11. By whom was this fulfilled?
“And this is the record ofJohn, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?... he said,I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.”John 1:19-23.
12. How was Christ to be received by His own people?
“He isdespisedandrejectedof men; a man of sorrows, and[pg 073]acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He wasdespised, andwe esteemed Him not.”Isa. 53:3.
Illustration.Christ Before Pilate. "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth." Isa. 53:7.
Christ Before Pilate. "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth." Isa. 53:7.
13. How is the fulfilment of this prophecy recorded?
“He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.”John 1:10, 11.
14. What was predicted of Christ's preaching?
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; becausethe Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”Isa. 61:1.
15. What application did Jesus make of this prophecy?
“And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.... And He began to say unto them,This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”Luke 4:16-21. See Luke 7:19-22.
16. How, according to prophecy, was Christ to conduct Himself when on trial?
“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted,yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,so He openeth not His mouth.”Isa. 53:7.
17. When accused by His enemies before Pilate, how did Christ treat these accusations?
“Then said Pilate unto Him, Hearest Thou not how many things they witness against Thee? AndHe answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly.”Matt. 27:13, 14.
18. What prophecy foretold of the disposal of Christ's garments at the crucifixion?
“Theypart My garmentsamong them, andcast lotsupon My vesture.”Ps. 22:18.
19. What record answers to this prophecy?
“And they crucified Him, andparted His garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted My garments among them, and upon My vesture did they cast lots.”Matt. 27:35.
20. What was foretold of His treatment while on the cross?
“They gave Me alsogallfor My meat; and in My thirst they gave Mevinegarto drink.”Ps. 69:21.
21. What was offered Christ at His crucifixion?
“They gave Himvinegarto drink mingled withgall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.”Matt. 27:34. See also John 19:28-30, and page 167 of this work.
22. With whom did the prophet Isaiah say Christ would make His grave?
“And He made His grave with thewicked, and with therichin His death.”Isa. 53:9.
23. With whom was Christ crucified?
“Then were theretwo thievescrucified with Him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.”Matt. 27:38.
24. Who took charge of Christ's body after it was taken down from the cross?
“A rich man of Arimathæa, named Joseph, ... went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.... He wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock.”Verses 57-60.
25. What experience in the life of a noted prophet indicated the length of Christ's stay in the grave?
“But He answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: foras Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”Matt. 12:39,40.
26. What prophecy foretold Christ's triumph over death?
“ForThou wilt not leave My soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.”Ps. 16:10. See Acts 2:24-27.
Christ The Way Of LifeIllustration.At Jacob's Well. "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst." John 4:14.1. What does Jesus declare Himself to be?“Jesus saith unto him,I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”John 14:6.2. In what condition are all men?“But the Scripture hath concluded allunder sin.”Gal. 3:22.“Forall have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”Rom. 3:23.3. What are the wages of sin?“The wages of sin isdeath.”Rom. 6:23.4. How many are affected by Adam's transgression?“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and sodeath passed upon all men.”Rom. 5:12.5. What is the gift of God?“The gift of God iseternal life.”Rom. 6:23.6. How many may receive this gift?“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. Andwhosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”Rev. 22:17.7. In whom is the gift?“This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, andthis life is in His Son.”1 John 5:11.[pg 076]8. In receiving the Son, what do we have in Him?“He that hath the Son hathlife.”Verse 12.9. What loss do those sustain who do not accept Him?“And he that hath not the Son of Godhath not life.”Same verse.10. In what other way is this same truth stated?“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”John 3:36.11. After one truly receives Christ, whose life will be manifested in him?“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, butChrist liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”Gal. 2:20.12. In what condition are all before they are quickened with Christ?“God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we weredead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ.”Eph. 2:4, 5.13. What is this change from death to life called?“Beingborn again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.”1 Peter 1:23.14. When man first transgressed, what was done to prevent him from living forever in sin?“And now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.... SoHe drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.”Gen. 3:22-24.15. What is declared to be one purpose of Christ's death?“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same;that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.”Heb. 2:14.16. Through whom will Abraham receive the promise of the future inheritance?[pg 077]“The Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Untothy seedwill I give this land.”Gen. 12:7.17. How many were embraced in God's promises to Abraham?“And in thy seed shallall the kindreds of the earthbe blessed.”Acts 3:25.18. To whom does the“seed”in these promises 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 isChrist.”Gal. 3:16.19. What would make the death of Christ in vain?“If righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”Gal. 2:21.20. Why have all been reckoned under sin?“But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin,that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”Gal. 3:22.21. How then do all become children of God?“For ye are all the children of Godby faith in Christ Jesus.”Verse 26.22. With whom are the children of God joint heirs?“If children, then heirs; heirs of God, andjoint heirs with Christ.”Rom. 8:17.Thou art the Way; to Thee alone,From sin and death we flee;And he who would the Father seek,Must seek Him, Lord, by Thee.Thou art the Truth; Thy word alone.True wisdom can impart;Thou only canst inform the mindAnd purify the heart.Thou art the Life; the rending tombProclaims Thy conquering arm;And those who put their trust in Thee,Nor death nor hell shall harm.Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life;Grant us that way to know,That truth to keep, that life to win,Whose joys eternal flow.[pg 078]Illustration.The Serpent In The Wilderness. "When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." Num. 21:9.
Illustration.At Jacob's Well. "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst." John 4:14.
At Jacob's Well. "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst." John 4:14.
1. What does Jesus declare Himself to be?
“Jesus saith unto him,I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”John 14:6.
2. In what condition are all men?
“But the Scripture hath concluded allunder sin.”Gal. 3:22.“Forall have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”Rom. 3:23.
3. What are the wages of sin?
“The wages of sin isdeath.”Rom. 6:23.
4. How many are affected by Adam's transgression?
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and sodeath passed upon all men.”Rom. 5:12.
5. What is the gift of God?
“The gift of God iseternal life.”Rom. 6:23.
6. How many may receive this gift?
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. Andwhosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”Rev. 22:17.
7. In whom is the gift?
“This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, andthis life is in His Son.”1 John 5:11.
8. In receiving the Son, what do we have in Him?
“He that hath the Son hathlife.”Verse 12.
9. What loss do those sustain who do not accept Him?
“And he that hath not the Son of Godhath not life.”Same verse.
10. In what other way is this same truth stated?
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”John 3:36.
11. After one truly receives Christ, whose life will be manifested in him?
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, butChrist liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”Gal. 2:20.
12. In what condition are all before they are quickened with Christ?
“God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we weredead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ.”Eph. 2:4, 5.
13. What is this change from death to life called?
“Beingborn again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.”1 Peter 1:23.
14. When man first transgressed, what was done to prevent him from living forever in sin?
“And now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.... SoHe drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.”Gen. 3:22-24.
15. What is declared to be one purpose of Christ's death?
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same;that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.”Heb. 2:14.
16. Through whom will Abraham receive the promise of the future inheritance?
“The Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Untothy seedwill I give this land.”Gen. 12:7.
17. How many were embraced in God's promises to Abraham?
“And in thy seed shallall the kindreds of the earthbe blessed.”Acts 3:25.
18. To whom does the“seed”in these promises 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 isChrist.”Gal. 3:16.
19. What would make the death of Christ in vain?
“If righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”Gal. 2:21.
20. Why have all been reckoned under sin?
“But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin,that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”Gal. 3:22.
21. How then do all become children of God?
“For ye are all the children of Godby faith in Christ Jesus.”Verse 26.
22. With whom are the children of God joint heirs?
“If children, then heirs; heirs of God, andjoint heirs with Christ.”Rom. 8:17.
Thou art the Way; to Thee alone,From sin and death we flee;And he who would the Father seek,Must seek Him, Lord, by Thee.Thou art the Truth; Thy word alone.True wisdom can impart;Thou only canst inform the mindAnd purify the heart.Thou art the Life; the rending tombProclaims Thy conquering arm;And those who put their trust in Thee,Nor death nor hell shall harm.Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life;Grant us that way to know,That truth to keep, that life to win,Whose joys eternal flow.
Thou art the Way; to Thee alone,From sin and death we flee;And he who would the Father seek,Must seek Him, Lord, by Thee.
Thou art the Way; to Thee alone,
From sin and death we flee;
And he who would the Father seek,
Must seek Him, Lord, by Thee.
Thou art the Truth; Thy word alone.True wisdom can impart;Thou only canst inform the mindAnd purify the heart.
Thou art the Truth; Thy word alone.
True wisdom can impart;
Thou only canst inform the mind
And purify the heart.
Thou art the Life; the rending tombProclaims Thy conquering arm;And those who put their trust in Thee,Nor death nor hell shall harm.
Thou art the Life; the rending tomb
Proclaims Thy conquering arm;
And those who put their trust in Thee,
Nor death nor hell shall harm.
Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life;Grant us that way to know,That truth to keep, that life to win,Whose joys eternal flow.
Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life;
Grant us that way to know,
That truth to keep, that life to win,
Whose joys eternal flow.
Illustration.The Serpent In The Wilderness. "When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." Num. 21:9.
The Serpent In The Wilderness. "When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." Num. 21:9.