Chapter V: Part III: The Way to Christ (1)

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

Faith

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

1. What is faith declared to be?

“Faith is _the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen_.” Heb. 11:1.

2. How necessary is faith?

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

3. Is mere assent to divine truth sufficient?

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

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

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

5. From whom does faith come?

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

6. Why did God raise Christ from the dead?

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

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

“Looking unto Jesus the _author_ and _finisher_ of our faith.” Heb. 12:2.

8. What is the basis of faith?

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

9. What relation does faith bear to knowledge?

“_Through faith we understand_ that the worlds were framed by the word of God.” Heb. 11:3.

10. By what principle is genuine faith actuated?

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

11. Of what is faith a fruit?

“But _the fruit of the Spirit_ is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, _faith_.” Verse 22.

12. What in the early church showed living faith?

“Remembering without ceasing your _work of faith_, and labor of love.” 1 Thess. 1:3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep _the commandments of God_, and _the faith of Jesus_.” Rev. 14:12.

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

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that _faith without works is dead_?” James 2:20.

18. How is faith brought to perfection?

“Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and _by works was faith made perfect_?” Verse 22.

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

“The trying of your faith _worketh patience_.” James 1:3.

20. What relationship to God is established by faith?

“For ye are all the _children of God by faith_ in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:26.

21. How do the children of God walk?

“For _we walk by faith_, not by sight.” 2 Cor. 5:7.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

26. What is the ultimate purpose of faith?

“Receiving the end of your faith, even _the salvation of your souls_.” 1 Peter 1:8, 9.

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

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

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

Hope

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

1. What is the relation between faith and hope?

“Now faith is the _substance_ of things _hoped for_, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1.

2. Why were the Scriptures written?

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, _that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope_.” Rom. 15:4.

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

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

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

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

5. What does hope become to the Christian?

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

6. Who have hope in their death?

“The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but _the righteous hath hope in his death_.” Prov. 14:32.

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

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

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

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

9. What is the Christian’s hope called?

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

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

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

11. What will this hope lead one to do?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. In what may the child of God abound?

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

16. In what do Christians rejoice?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20. How long should our hope endure?

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

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How cheering is the Christian’s hope
While toiling here below!
It buoys us up while passing through
This wilderness of woe.

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

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

Repentance

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

1. Who are called to repentance?

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

2. What accompanies repentance?

“And that repentance and _remission of sins_ should be preached in His name among all nations.” Luke 24:47.

3. By what means is sin made known?

“_By the law_ is the knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3:20.

4. How many are sinners?

“We have before proved _both Jews and Gentiles_, that _they are all under sin_.” Verse 9.

5. What do transgressors bring upon themselves?

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

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

“When _He_ [_the Comforter_] is come, _He will reprove_ [_convince_, margin] _the world of sin_.” John 16:8.

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

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

8. What replies does Inspiration return to these inquiries?

“_Repent, and be baptized every one of you_ in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” “_Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ_, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 2:38; 16:31.

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

“I will _declare mine iniquity_; I will be _sorry_ for my sin.” Ps. 38:18.

10. What is the result of godly sorrow?

“For godly sorrow _worketh repentance to salvation_.” 2 Cor. 7:10.

11. What does the sorrow of the world do?

“The sorrow of the world _worketh death_.” Same verse.

12. How does godly sorrow for sin manifest itself?

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

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

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

14. What did he tell them to do?

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

NOTE.—“There can be no repentance without reformation. Repentance
is a change of mind; reformation is a corresponding change of
life.”—_Dr. Raleigh_.

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

“And God saw their works, that _they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil that He had said that He would do unto them_; and He did it not.” Jonah 3:10.

16. What leads sinners to repentance?

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

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

Confession And Forgiveness

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

1. What instruction is given concerning confession of sin?

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

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

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

3. What promise is made to those who confess their sins?

“If we confess our sins, _He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins_, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

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

“He that covereth his sins _shall not prosper:_ but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them _shall have mercy_.” Prov. 28:13.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for _He will abundantly pardon_.” Isa. 55:7.

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

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

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

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us ward, _not willing that any should perish_, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

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

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

15. What reply did the Lord immediately make?

“And the Lord said, _I have pardoned according to thy word_.” Verse 20.

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

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

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

“The father said to his servants, _Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him_; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and _bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it_; and let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” Verses 22-24.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, _confessing their sins_.” Matt. 3:5, 6.

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

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

23. Through whom are repentance and forgiveness granted?

“The God of our fathers raised up _Jesus_, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for _to give repentance_ to Israel, and _forgiveness of sins_.” Acts 5:30, 31.

24. What is the only unpardonable sin?

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

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

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

“And forgive us our debts, _as we forgive our debtors_.” Matt. 6:12.

26. What spirit must those cherish whom God forgives?

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

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

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

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

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

Conversion, Or The New Birth

Christ And Nicodemus. "Ye must be born again." John 3:7.

1. How did Jesus emphasize the necessity of conversion?

“Verily I say unto you, _Except ye be converted_, and become as little children, _ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven_.” Matt. 18:3.

2. In what other statement did He teach the same truth?

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, _Except a man be born again_, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3.

3. How did he further explain the new birth?

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, _Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit_, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Verse 5.

4. With what comparison did He illustrate the subject?

“_The wind_ bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: _so is every one that is born of the Spirit_.” Verse 8.

5. What change is wrought in conversion, or the new birth?

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath _quickened_ us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).” Eph. 2:5.

6. What is one evidence of this change from death to life?

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because _we love the brethren_. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” 1 John 3:14.

7. From what is a converted sinner saved?

“Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from _death_, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20. See Acts 26:14-18.

8. To whom are sinners brought by conversion?

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.... Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners shall be _converted unto Thee_.” Ps. 51:10-13.

9. In what words to Peter did Jesus indicate the kind of service a converted person should render to his brethren?

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and _when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren_.” Luke 22:31, 32.

10. What other experience is associated with conversion?

“For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be _converted_, and I should _heal them_.” Matt. 13:15.

11. What gracious promise does God make to His people?

“_I will heal their backsliding_, I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away from him.” Hosea 14:4.

12. By what means is this healing accomplished?

“He [Christ] was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and _with His stripes we are healed_.” Isa. 53:5.

13. What takes place when one is converted to Christ?

“Wherefore if any man is in Christ, _he is a new creation_: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17, R. V., margin. See Acts 9:1-22; 22:1-21; 26:1-23.

14. What is the value of merely outward forms?

“For in Christ Jesus _neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision_, but a new creature.” Gal. 6:15.

15. Through what was the original creation wrought?

“_By the word of the Lord_ were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.” Ps. 33:6.

16. Through what instrumentality is conversion wrought?

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, _by the word of God_, which liveth and abideth forever.” 1 Peter 1:23.

17. What change is wrought by beholding Jesus?

“But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are _changed into the same image_ from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor. 3:18.

NOTE.—A beautiful statue once stood in the market-place of an
Italian city. It was the statue of a Greek slave girl. It
represented the slave as tidy and well dressed. A ragged, uncombed
little street child, coming across the statue in her play one day,
stopped and gazed at it in admiration. She was captivated by it.
She gazed long and lovingly. Moved by a sudden impulse, she went
home and washed her face and combed her hair. Another day she
stopped again before the statue and admired it, and got a new
idea. Next day her tattered clothes were washed and mended. Each
time she looked at the statue she found something in its beauties
to admire and copy, until she was a transformed child. By
beholding we become changed.

18. What are the evidences that one has been born of God?

“If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that _every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him_.” “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and _every one that loveth is born of God_, and knoweth God.” 1 John 2:29; 4:7.

19. What is true of every one who believes in Jesus?

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is _born of God_.” 1 John 5:1.

20. What do those born of God not do?

“We know that _whosoever is born of God sinneth not_; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” Verse 18.

21. What indwelling power keeps such from sinning?

“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for _His seed remaineth in him_: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” 1 John 3:9. See 1 John 5:4; Gen. 39:9.

22. What will be the experience of those born of the Spirit?

“There is therefore now _no condemnation_ to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Rom. 8:1.

The Conversion Of Saul. "It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks."
Acts 9:5.

Baptism

Baptism Of Christ. "Thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness."
Matt. 3:15.

1. What ordinance is closely associated with believing the gospel?

“And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is _baptized_ shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15, 16.

2. What did the apostle Peter associate with baptism in his instruction on the day of Pentecost?

“Then Peter said unto them, _Repent_, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” Acts 2:38.

3. In reply to his inquiry concerning salvation, what was the Philippian jailer told to do?

“And they said, _Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ_, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31.

4. What followed immediately after the jailer and his family had accepted Christ as their Saviour?

“And he took them [Paul and Silas] the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was _baptized_, he and all his, straightway.” Verse 33.

5. In connection with Christian baptism, what is washed away?

“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and _wash away thy sins_, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16. See Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21.

6. By what means are sins washed away?

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins _in His own blood_.” Rev. 1:5.

7. Into whose name are believers to be baptized?

“Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the _Father_ and of the _Son_ and of the _Holy Ghost_.” Matt. 28:19, R. V.

8. When believers are baptized into Christ, whom do they put on?

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have _put on Christ_.” Gal. 3:27.

9. Into what experience are those baptized who are baptized into Christ?

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were _baptized into His death_?” Rom. 6:3.

NOTE.—Baptism is a gospel ordinance commemorating the _death_,
_burial_, and _resurrection_ of Christ. In baptism public
testimony is given to the effect that the one baptized has been
crucified with Christ, buried with Him, and is raised with Him to
walk in newness of life. Only one mode of baptism can rightly
represent these facts of experience, and that is immersion,—the
mode followed by Christ and the primitive church.

10. How is such a baptism described?

“Therefore we are _buried with him_ by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Verse 4.

11. How fully are we thus united with Christ in His experience of death and resurrection?

“For if we have been _planted together_ in the likeness of His _death_, we shall be also in the likeness of His _resurrection_.” Verse 5.

12. What will follow this union with Christ in His death and resurrection?

“Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also _live with Him_.” Verse 8.

13. In what working of God is faith to be exercised in connection with baptism?

“Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him _through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead_.” Col. 2:12.

14. At the beginning of His ministry, what example did Jesus set for the benefit of His followers?

“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be _baptized_ of him.” Matt. 3:13.

15. What remarkable experience attended the baptism of Jesus?

“And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw _the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him_: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, _This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased_.” Verses 16, 17.

16. What promise is made to those who repent and are baptized?

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and _ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost_.” Acts 2:38.

17. What question did the eunuch ask after Philip had preached Jesus unto him?

“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; _what doth hinder me to be baptized_?” Acts 8:36.

18. In order to baptize the eunuch, where did Philip take him?

“And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and _they went down both into the water_, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” Verse 38.

19. How did the people of Samaria publicly testify to their faith in the preaching of Philip?

“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, _they were baptized_, both men and women.” Verse 12.

20. What instruction did the apostle Peter give concerning the Gentiles who had believed?

“Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? _And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord._” Acts 10:47, 48.

21. How perfect is the unity into which believers are brought by being baptized into Christ?

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all _baptized into one body_, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all _made to drink into one Spirit_.” 1 Cor. 12:12, 13.

22. After being united with Christ in the likeness of His death and resurrection, what should the believer do?

“If ye then be risen with Christ, _seek those things which are above_, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” Col. 3:1.

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Lord, in humble, sweet submission,
Here we meet to follow Thee,
Trusting in Thy great salvation,
Which alone can make us free.

Naught have we to claim as merit;
All the duties we can do
Can no crown of life inherit;
All the praise to Thee is due.

Yet we come in Christian duty,
Down beneath the wave to go;
O the bliss! the heavenly beauty!
Christ the Lord was buried so.
ROBERT T. DANIEL

Reconciled To God

Jonah Preaching To The Ninevites. "Be ye reconciled to God." 2 Cor. 5:20.

1. What message of entreaty has God sent to us through his appointed messengers?

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, _be ye reconciled to God_.” 2 Cor. 5:20.

2. Through whom is this reconciliation made?

“All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself _by Jesus Christ_, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” Verse 18.

3. What was required in order to effect this reconciliation?

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by _the death of His Son_, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Rom. 5:10.

4. What basis for reconciliation was made by Christ’s death?

“Having made _peace_ through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself.” Col. 1:20.

5. Through whom is the reconciliation received?

“We also joy in God _through our Lord Jesus Christ_, by whom we have now received the atonement [reconciliation, margin].” Rom. 5:11.

6. By what union does Christ reconcile both Jew and Gentile to God through the cross?

“And that He might reconcile both unto God _in one body_ by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.” Eph. 2:16.

7. In what prophecy was the work of reconciliation foretold?

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and _to make reconciliation for iniquity_.” Dan. 9:24.

8. In thus reconciling the world unto Himself, what attitude did God take toward men?

“God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, _not imputing their trespasses unto them_.” 2 Cor. 5:19.

9. What rendered it possible for God to treat sinners thus?

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and _the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all_.” Isa. 53:6.

10. What was Christ made, to release men from sin?

“For He hath made Him to be _sin_ for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Cor. 5:21.

11. How was He treated?

“But He was _wounded_ for our transgressions, He was _bruised_ for our iniquities: the _chastisement_ of our peace was upon Him; and with His _stripes_ we are healed.” Isa. 53:5.

12. What did John declare concerning Him?

“Behold the Lamb of God, _which taketh away_ [_beareth_, margin] _the sin of the world_.” John 1:29.

13. To what place did Christ carry these sins?

“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body _on the tree_, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24.

14. What is the great purpose of Christ in His work of reconciliation?

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, _to present you holy and unblamable and unreprovable in His sight_.” Col. 1:21, 22.

Acceptance With God

Noah’s Sacrifice. "He hath made us accepted in the Beloved." Eph. 1:6.

1. In whom has God made us accepted?

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings ... in Christ: according as He hath chosen us in Him ... to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us _accepted in the Beloved_.” Eph. 1:3-6.

2. What great gift comes with our acceptance of Christ?

“And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have _everlasting life_: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40. See also John 17:2.

3. What is the first and primary evidence of our acceptance with God?

“If we receive the witness of men, the _witness of God is greater_: for this is the witness of God _which He hath testified of His Son_.... And this is the record, _that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son_.” 1 John 5:9-11.

NOTE.—The primary basis of all faith and acceptance is the word of
God,—that which God Himself has _said_. To receive and believe
this is the first essential to salvation,—the first evidence of
acceptance.

4. Why did John write his testimony concerning God’s love and purpose in giving Christ?

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; _that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God_.” Verse 13. “These are written, _that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name_.” John 20:31.

5. What witness does the true believer in Christ have that he is accepted of God?

“He that believeth on the Son of God _hath the witness in himself_: he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the _record_ that God gave of His Son.” 1 John 5:10.

NOTE.—Faith and feeling should not be confounded. Faith is ours to
exercise in the Word of God, regardless of our feelings, and often
in opposition even to our feelings. Many fail to accept the pardon
and assurance of the acceptance of Heaven, because they do not
take God at His word, but instead turn their attention to their
changeable moods and feelings. _Faith_ always precedes the _joyful
feelings_ which naturally result from the assurance of forgiveness
and acceptance. This order is never reversed.

6. How only do any become children of God?

“Ye are all the children of God _by faith in Christ Jesus_.” Gal. 3:26.

7. What is the foundation of faith?

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing _by the word of God_.” Rom. 10:17.

8. What assurance has the believer of his union with God?

“Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, _because He hath given us of His Spirit_.” 1 John 4:13.

9. What three definite witnesses of acceptance are mentioned by John?

“There are three that bear witness in earth, the _Spirit_, and the _water_, and the _blood_: and these three agree in one.” 1 John 5:8.

10. How does the Spirit witness to our acceptance with God?

“Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, _Abba, Father_.” Gal. 4:6. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Rom. 8:16.

The Prodigal’s Return. "This my son was dead, and is alive again; he was
lost, and is found." Luke 15:24.

11. Of what is Christian baptism an evidence?

“As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have _put on Christ_.” Gal. 3:27.

NOTE.—In baptism, the water and the Spirit both bear witness of
God’s acceptance. The same Spirit which, at Christ’s baptism,
said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,”
witnesses to the acceptance of every sincere believer at his
baptism.

12. To what does the blood of Christ witness?

“These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.... If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son _cleanseth us from all sin_.” 1 John 1:4-7. “In whom we have redemption through His blood, _the forgiveness of sins_.” Eph. 1:7. See also Rev. 1:5, 6.

13. When may we find acceptance with God through Christ?

“I have heard thee _in a time accepted_, and _in the day of salvation_ have I succored thee: behold, _now is the accepted time_; behold, _now is the day of salvation_.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

14. To whom, therefore, should we ascribe glory and honor?

“_Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood_, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Rev. 1:5, 6.

15. What is another evidence of divine acceptance?

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, _because we love the brethren_.” 1 John 3:14.

16. What blessed assurance is given all believers in Christ?

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:7.

Arise, my soul, arise,
Shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding Sacrifice
In my behalf appears;
Before the throne my Saviour stands,
My name is written on His hands.

Five bleeding wounds He bears,
Received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers,
They strongly speak for me.
Forgive him, O, forgive! they cry,
Nor let the contrite sinner die!
CHARLES WESLEY.

Justification By Faith

The Penitent Thief. "Thou shalt be with Me in paradise." Luke 23:43.

1. What is the ground of justification on God’s part?

“That being justified _by His grace_, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7.

2. What is the means through which this justifying grace is made available to the sinner?

“Much more then, being now justified _by His_ [_Christ’s_] _blood_, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” Rom. 5:9.

3. How is justification laid hold upon?

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified _by faith_ without the deeds of the law.” Rom. 3:28.

4. What is the only way sinners may be justified, or made righteous?

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but _by the faith of Jesus Christ_, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Gal. 2:16.

5. What concrete example makes clear the meaning of this doctrine?

“And He brought him [Abraham] forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and He said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And _he believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness_.” Gen. 15:5, 6.

6. How is the righteousness thus obtained described?

“And be found in Him, not having thine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, _the righteousness which is of God by faith_.” Phil. 3:9.

7. Upon what basis is justification granted?

“And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the _gift_: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but _the free gift_ is of many offenses unto justification.” Rom. 5:16.

8. Upon what basis does the reward come to one who works?

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of _debt_.” Rom. 4:4.

9. Upon what condition is faith reckoned for righteousness?

“But to him that worketh not, but _believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly_, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Verse 5.

10. How does grace, as the ground of justification, exclude righteousness by works?

“And _if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace_. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” Rom. 11:6.

11. In what way are both Jews and Gentiles to be justified?

“Is He the God of the Jews only? is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision _by faith_, and uncircumcision _through faith_.” Rom. 3:29, 30.

12. What statement testifies to Abraham’s faith in God?

“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and _being fully persuaded that what He had promised, He was able also to perform_.” Rom. 4:20, 21.

13. What did this bring to him?

“And therefore _it was imputed to him for righteousness_.” Verse 22.

14. How may we receive this same imputed righteousness?

“Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, _if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead_.” Verses 23, 24.

15. Why must justifying faith lay hold upon both the death and the resurrection of Christ?

“Who was _delivered for our offenses_, and _was raised again for our justification_.” Verse 25. See 1 Cor. 15:17.

NOTE.—The resurrection of Christ, the promised Seed (Gal. 3:16),
was necessary in order to fulfil to Abraham the promise of an
innumerable seed; and therefore Abraham’s faith in the promise of
God, which included the resurrection, was reckoned to him for
righteousness. His faith laid hold upon that which made imputed
righteousness possible. See Heb. 11:17-19.

16. What is inseparable from the experience of justification by faith?

“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you _the forgiveness of sins_: and by Him all that believe are _justified from all things_, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38, 39.

17. How has Christ made it possible for righteousness to be imputed to the believer?

“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so _by the obedience of one_ shall many be made righteous.” Rom. 5:19.

18. What prophetic declaration foretold this truth?

“_In the Lord_ shall all the seed of Israel be _justified_, and shall glory.” Isa. 45:25.

19. What other prediction asserts the same great truth?

“_By His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many_; for He shall bear their iniquities.” Isa. 5:11.

20. What does the imputed righteousness of Christ enable God to do, and still be just?

“To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: _that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus_.” Rom. 3:26.

21. By what name is Christ appropriately called?

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely and this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Jer. 23:5, 6.

22. What blessed experience follows upon the acceptance of Christ as our righteousness?

“Therefore being justified by faith, _we have peace with God_ through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:1.

23. What does Christ thus become to the believer?

“For _He is our peace_, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” Eph. 2:14.

24. On what basis is there no possibility of justification for the sinner?

“Therefore _by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight_: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3:20.

25. How does the death of Christ bear testimony to this?

“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for _if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain_.” Gal. 2:21.

26. What is proved by any attempt to be justified by the law?

“_Christ is become of no effect unto you_, whosoever of you are justified by the law; _ye are fallen from grace_.” Gal. 5:4.

27. Why did Israel fail to attain unto righteousness?

“But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? _Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law._ For they stumbled at that stumbling-stone.” Rom. 9:31, 32.

28. What is revealed by the law?

“By the law is _the knowledge of sin_.” Rom. 3:20

29. What bears witness to the genuineness of the righteousness obtained by faith, apart from the deeds of the law?

“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, _being witnessed by the law and the prophets_.” Verse 21.

30. Does faith set aside the law of God?

“Do we then make void the law through faith? _God forbid_: yea, we _establish_ the law.” Verse 31.

31. What scripture shows that the righteousness which is received by grace through faith must not be made an excuse for continuing in sin?

“What shall we say then? _Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid._ How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Rom. 6:1, 2.

32. Does faith exclude works?

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that _faith without works is dead_?” James 2:20.

33. What is the evidence of genuine, living faith?

“Show me thy faith without thy works, and _I will show thee my faith by my works_.” Verse 18.

34. What, then, are the visible proofs of genuine justification by faith?

“Ye see then how that by _works_ a man is justified, and not by faith only.” Verse 24. See also verse 22.

35. What great exchange has been wrought for us in Christ?

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

NOTE.—Said Luther: “Learn to know Christ and Him crucified. Learn
to sing a new song—to despair of your own works, and to cry unto
Him, Lord Jesus, Thou art my righteousness, and I am Thy sin. Thou
hast taken upon Thee what was mine, and given to me what was
Thine; what Thou wast not Thou becamest, that I might become what
I was not.”—_D’Aubigne’s_ “_History of the Reformation_,” _book 2,
chap. 8_.

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Look upon Jesus, sinless is He;
Father, impute His life unto me.
My life of scarlet, my sin and woe,
Cover with His life, whiter than snow.

Deep are the wounds transgression has made:
Red are the stains; my soul is afraid.
O to be covered, Jesus, with Thee,
Safe from the law that now judgeth me!

Longing the joy of pardon to know;
Jesus holds out a robe white as snow:
“Lord, I accept it! leaving my own,
Gladly I wear Thy pure life alone.”

Reconciled by His death for my sin,
Justified by His life pure and clean,
Sanctified by obeying His word,
Glorified when returneth my Lord.
F. E. BELDEN.

Righteousness And Life

The Lord Our Righteousness. "He that hath the Son hath life." 1 John 5:12.

1. What is assured to the believer in Christ?

“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.

2. What is revealed in the gospel?

“For therein is _the righteousness of God_ revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Rom. 1:17.

3. What has Christ brought to light through the gospel?

“Who hath abolished death, and hath brought _life and immortality_ to light through the gospel.” 2 Tim. 1:10.