Biola Broadcaster - 1970-08

Biola Broadcaster - 1970-08

with July radio features

AUGUST, 1970 / Volume 10 / Number 8

MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE BIOLA FELLOWSHIP

CALIFORNIA Arroyo Grande - San Lula Obiapo KOAG 1280

president ....................

MTWTF

S.H. SUTHERLAND

10:00 A.M.

Bakortflaid - W nco

managing editor ..........

550 4:00 A.M. Sun. 1050 9:30 A.M. MTWTF

KAFY KWSO

BILL EHMANN

design .........................

Burbank KBBÖ

JOHN OZMON

1500 7:00 A.M. Sun.

Chico - Paradito KEWQ Frotno - Dlnuba KRDU Lodl - Stockton KCVR Lot Angoloi KBBI

prin ting ......................

8:00 A.M. MTWTF

930

CHURCH PRESS

bio/a hour host ............

1130 8:30 A.M. MTWTF 8:30 P.M. MTWTF

DON RANSON

8:00 A.M. MTWTF

1570

CONTENTS

8:30 A.M. MTWTF 1460 9:00 A.M. MTWTF 11:00 A.M. MTWTF 1390 9:30 P.M. MTWTF

107.5 (FM)

KTYM

Los Angeles - Long Boach KGER 1390

LIFE ON THE HIGHEST PLANE 3 FROM SONSHIP TO GLORY ...... 4 THE NEW ORDER........................ 6 THE PRAYER OF THE SPIRIT .... 8 THE FATHER’S PURPOSE ........ 9 THE PROVISION OF THE SON ..11 THE POWER OF LOVE ............... 12 Arvid Carlson PANEL DISCUSSIONS ................. 13 MIRACLES .................................... 19 Lloyd T. Anderson

KGER Modesto KTRB

860 3:30 P.M. Sun.

Oxnard - Ventura - Santa Barbara KOXR 910 Radding - Red Bluff KQMS San Bamardino - Riverside KACE

8:00 A.M. MTWTF

1400 8:30 A.M. Sun. 1570 9:30 A.M. MTWTF 590 7:30 A.M. Sun. 1080 8:30 A.M. Sun.

KFXM

Santa Crui KSCO

8:30 A.M. Sun.

99.1 (FM)

«SCO

San Dlogo

8:00 A.M. MTWTF 9:30 P.M. MTWTF

KBBW 102.9 (FM)

910 4:00 P.M. Sun.

KDEO XEMO

8:00 A.M. MTWTF

860

San Francitco KFAX Santa Maria KCOY

8:30 A.M. MTWTF

1100

1440 10:30 P.M. Sun. OREGON

Albany - Eugona KWIL Ashland - Medford KW IN Coquille - Coos Bay KW RO KWIL

790 8:00 A.M. MTWTF 790 3:00 A.M. MTWTF

ON THIS MONTH'S COVER

11:10 A.M. MTWTF 7:00 A.M. Sun.

580

630 8:30 A.M. MWF

The Biola Quartet is featured at Con­ ferences throughout the summer. Pic­ tured left to right is Paul Davis, Dawn Hefty, Dave Leeman, Andrea Wallin, and Keith Wells.

Portland KPDQ KPDQ

MTWTF MTWTF

11:30 A.M. 11:30 A.M.

800 93.7 (FM)

WASHINGTON

Blain« - Vancouver, B.C. KARI Seattle 550

8:30 A.M. MTWTF

1250

4:30 P.M. MTWTF 4:30 P.M. MTWTF 8:00 P.M. MTWTF 12:30 A.M. MTWTF

KTW KTW

102.5 (FM)

—

Soattla - Tacoma

630 11:30 A.M. MTWTF

KGDN

Spokana KCFA Walla Walla

1330 11:30 A.M. MTWTF

Second Claes postage, paid in La Mirada, Calif. Printed in U.S.A. by Church Press, Glendale, Calif. Address: Biola Broadcaster, 13800 Biola Ave., La Mirada, California 90638.

KTEL Yakima KBBO

1490 8:00 A.M. MWF

1390 9:30 A.M. MTWTF Continued on Page 85

liberty (w . 1-4). Someone has said that “the unbeliever has his judg­ ment before him while the believer has his judgment day behind him.” Romans 8 begins with “no condem­ nation,” and ends with “no separa­ tion.” The word condemnation can also mean a “legal burden” or “han­ dicap.” Paul is finished with the frustration of a divided self, defined in Romans 7. The hauntings and torments of an uneasy conscience are all eliminated by the indwelling, conquering Holy Spirit. Such liberty is not accomplished by self-effort or merit. It comes rather through “the law of the Spirit of life.” The very grace which freed us from sin has become a law with God. This is God’s way of granting amnesty to the prisoner. Anyone who beholds the face of the Lamb of God in saving and delivering faith is immediately freed from his bond­ age. The agent is the Holy Spirit, while the basis is the Cross. The law was weak in that it could merely ex­ cite and incite to rebellion. Sin is now a condemned criminal! Liberty’s true meaning is described in verse 4. Note that the text reads “in us”, not “by us.” We are saved apart from any righteousness of our own. We are also kept by a righteousness not our own. Our daily existence in Christ is a life of contrast (vs. 5-11). We see how one lives “after” or “according to” the flesh. Everything is moti­ vated by self-will. How many today live exactly according to their own natural desires. Our purpose should be to live “according to the Spirit.” We cannot defeat the “pull of the world,” and the “passions of the flesh” until we are completely in Christ, and filled with His Spirit. There is the continuing conflict between the carnal and the spiritual mind. These are irreconcilable and mutually antagonistic. We may be ever so refined, cultured, religious, personable, educated, and even pious,

LIFE ON THE HIGHEST PLANE

by Dr. A rv id Carlson, Pastor of Evangelical Free Church, Orange, Calif. A s t u d y of Romans 8:1-13 A S THE HALLMARK OF VICTORY in the Bible, we want to consider the 8th chapter of Romans where we have both a climax and a summary. Topics touched upon in the preceding portions of the epistle are fully de­ veloped here. Justification reaches its climax in glorification. Sanctification is presented as a possibility only through the work and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Williams trans­ lates verse 8, “The people who live on the plane of the lower nature can­ not please God. But you are not liv­ ing on this plane, but on the spiritual plane, if the Spirit of God has His home in you.” I t’s God’s desire that we move up to the spiritual level, and here we see how we can enjoy “life on the Highest Plane.” In Christ we can enjoy a life of

but if we are not in Christ, we are still in the flesh! The third contrast distinguishes between two sphere (w. 9-11). We are either in the Spirit or in the flesh. There can be no neutrality. Is­ rael came out of Egypt, but Egypt did not come out of Israel until they entered the promised land. The prob­ lem of salvation is not how to trans­ mute the flesh into something good, but how to live with this devilish thing every day without being over­ come by it. The presence of the Spir­ it in the life solves the problem. This new life has very definite ob­ ligations. Negatively, yielding to life in the flesh produces nothing but death. God doesn’t put any premium upon lives lived in sin and slovenli­ ness. Our responsibility is to “mor­ tify” or “put to death the deeds of the body.” Phillips puts it, “to cut the nerve of our actions.” A little girl stated it well when she said, “The Apostle Paul kept his body un­ der by keeping his soul on top.” May we take heed that we’re living life on the highest plane. This is the privilege and possibility of the heart which openly receives Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. It is true that the times are in God's hands. But remember, the tidings are in ours. My life shall touch a dozen lives Before this day is done, Leave countless marks for good or ill Ere sets the evening sun. This is the wish I always wish, The prayer I always pray, Lord, may my life bless other lives It touches by the way. —Duluth Tract Service He who would build high must dig deep. Bad conduct in a Christian is like rags on a king.

FROM SONSHIP TO GLORY A study o f Romans 8:13-17 by A rv id Carlson T he old adage , “the proof of the pudding is in the eating,” can cer­ tainly be applied to Christian expe­ rience. If our claims are not backed up by our conduct, the world will cease to respect our profession. Paul states, “as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the children of God” (Rom. 8:14). Those who in­ sist on being “led by the flesh” can­ not lay claim to any relationship to God. This portion very wonderfully shows us our position as sons which is obviously conditional. Too often have we been taken in by the idea of “accepting Christ” on the one hand, and being free to “act like the devil” on the other. Paul’s teaching doesn’t allow for such contradictions. “Be­ ing led by the Spirit” involves a re­ ception of the Spirit. This is abso­ lutely basic to faith! Jesus declared “That which is bom of the flesh is flesh; but that which is bom of the Spirit is spirit.” The grace of God does not flow in our veins by nature. Salvation may come like a dawn, or like a storm, but in either case, it should mark off a definite point of occurrence of which we may be abso­ lutely certain. Then we must accept the revela­ tion of the Spirit who never acts in­ dependently. He has a system, a standard, and a body of truth to fol­ low. He never violates the character or the teachings of Jesus Christ! The Holy Spirit acts in accordance with the written Word! It’s absurd to call ourselves the "children of

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It’s exciting to share this univer­ sal legacy. We’re heirs of everything which belongs to Christ! “Joint- heirship” doesn’t mean 60-40, or even 50-50. It means that what belongs to Christ also belongs to us. No court in the land can rule it otherwise. Therefore “be not weary in well-do­ ing, for in due season ye shall reap, if ye faint not.” This is why our Saviour wants to lead us all the way from sonship to glory! If you haven’t started walking on this pathway, why not begin today ? If place I choose, or place I shun, My soul is satisfied with none; But when Thy will directs my way, ’Tis equal joy to go or stay. AChristian sees farther on his knees than a philosopher on tip-toe. Even though we're on the right track, we’ll get run over if we just sit still. The best way to spend life is to use it for that which outlasts it, and that can only be done in the power of the Spirit.

God” if we don’t abide by the Bible- centered revelation of the Holy Spirit. This also requires implicit obedience to the Spirit. We have no right to call ourselves believers if we are constantly being controlled, directed, and motivated by the “flesh.” Looking at this, we see the blessed assurance that issues thereby (w . 15, 16). Again, this is based upon the privilege of liberty. We’re no longer slaves in bondage to either self or Satan. God never intended His children to wallow in the mire of fear, frustration, or futility. He made us to walk the highlands of holinesss, breathing the pure air of heaven’s freedom! In regeneration we become God’s children through a transformation of character and life; but in adoption we become God’s children by means of an elevation to position and privilege. No one needs to tell us that we are saved, except the Spirit Himself. He bears witness to a clean conscience, a crowned Christ, and a careful conduct! Our emotions and ecstasy are not the pri­ mary evidences of this witness. It’s the quiet assurance within the heart that all is well between itself and God! What a wonderful inheritance the Lord has in store for us (v. 17). How often we’ve heard people say, “If I become a Christian, I’ll be robbed of everything worth while in life.” God never says that; the devil does. The Lord reminds us, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His right­ eousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” For if “God spared not his only Son, but deliv­ ered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” There are things you can’t buy on the stock market. But our wealth is more than what the present can afford us! The Lord has also kept the future in mind. The Bible re­ minds us, “If we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him.”

Realizing the ned for qualified men of God to direct the afairs of any Christian organization, Ari­ zona Bible College has on its staff men who are equipped to do the job effectively. Picturedfrom left to right are Richard Anderson,Dean of Men and Professorof Anthropology and Philosophy, Vin­ cent Moris, Executive Director and Professorof Greek and Educational Psychology,Paul Eyman, Professorof Bible, and David Young, Registrar and Professor of PastoralStudies and History.

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physical.” Any follower of the Lamb, living in opposition to the world, the flesh and the devil, will ex­ perience the same. The “fellowship of His sufferings” also involves both the mental and the psychological at­ titudes of other people. It involves the oppression of the devil and the temptations of the flesh. Not only were these sufferings real, but also the Apostle knew how to reckon with them. After all, it is not what we meet in life, but how we meet it that counts! It is also possi­ ble to “resign oneself” rather pas­ sively to our sufferings, as though God’s sovereign will were a mill­ stone around our neck; or, we can meet them, and triumph over them, by the grace and power of God. The Apostle Paul gives us the key to victory over our sufferings. Phil­ lips translates Romans 8:18: “In my opinion, whatever we may have to go through now is less than nothing, compared with the magnificent fu­ ture God has planned for us.” The word compare in the text means to throw two things against each other, as weights in a scale. Paul simply threw time against eternity, and suf­ fering against glory, dismissing the former things as “nothing” com­ pared to the magnificent future which lies ahead of every child of God. The Apostle was not speculat­ ing, but coldly calculating the end- result of his fa ith ! When Michael Faraday lay dying, someone asked the great scientist, “What a re you r speculations?” “Speculations!” he answered. “I have none! I’m not resting my dying head on guesswork!” He then quoted II Timothy 1:12, and fell asleep in Christ! Similarly, John Calvin died in 1564 with Romans 8:18 yet unfinished on his dying lips! What will be the “glory” of which Paul speaks in the text? The first creation is in no wise comparable to the second, for God is not through

THE NEW ORDER A study of Romans 8:18-25 by A rv id Carlson C hapter O ne T he victorious life extends itself to all areas of life. God’s intent is for the believer to have victory all the way! It appears that in Ro­ mans 8:18-25 justification and sanc­ tification merge into glorification. Every major theme of Bible truth converges here. The Apostle has traced for us the history and con­ demnation of sin; the inability of the law to justify or to sanctify; the power of the atonement to forgive and justify us by faith; our victory over sin through our union with Christ, and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. You cannot build a society without God any more than you can build a house without a foundation! Paul testifies, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). The sufferings of this world were very real to Paul. Christianity was no “bed of ease” or “pathway of roses” for him. The Apostle Peter, too, makes much of the fact that the “sufferings” must precede the “glory” (I Pet. 1:11). So it was with our Saviour, and so it must be with us. (The only place in the New Tes­ tament where Jesus is “made our example” is in I Peter 2:21.) This was Paul’s experience from the be­ ginning of his Christian life. In Acts 9:16, the ascended Christ said of Paul: “I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” These sufferings of Paul were not “penal” nor necessarily 6

order! His eternal purpose is inextri­ cably bound up with His plan of re­ demption. Only through the cross can the kingdoms of this world be­ come the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ. Our Saviour won the title deed to the universe by virtue of His redemptive work on Calvary’s cross. Verse 20 clearly states that re­ demption was not a voluntary in­ volvement. When man lost his head­ ship and dominion through sin, he dragged the entire creation with him. God would not allow an imper­ fect man to operate a perfect order. Whatever man touches he corrupts! Beaches and streams are cluttered and polluted by sewage and garbage. Mountains are over-run by greedy land-grabbers. The only restorative for creation is redemption itself. Man will not deal with his sin, even on the basis of Christ’s atonement. Therefore, God will exercise His sovereign prerogative to set things in order in His own way and time. The existential philosophers of our day see absolutely no future for the world. One writer says, “We’re re­ ceding into an abysmal pit of oblivi­ on. Civilizations are likely the drag­ on-fly’s existence. We are no more important and purposive than the one-celled creatures. The Universe is like a great sea of solid jelly; then, on some moon-lit night, the waves disappear and the sun rises on a glassy sea, and all of life has gone! Such is not the Christian’s view­ point. There was a time when the “morning stars sang together ^and the sons of God shouted for joy. There was a time when every animal was domestic and every tree of the field bore fruit. Today the ocean shells and the night-winds moan their funeral song! Bird-song is in a minor key. Jungles abound with vicious and avaracious beasts. Disease lurks everywhere, even within. Death flows like a flood of lava across the land­ scapes of the world. Wars, catastro-

with it yet. He is still at work, “per­ fecting it until the day of Jesus Christ.” There is a practical obligation in view of this coming glory. The greatest institution in the universe is the Church, regardless of the criti­ cism leveled against it. All of God’s purposes revolve around it. What is the Christian’s obligation in this present hour? Most believers have a very shallow conception of Christian commitment. They get by as conveniently as possible. God, however, operates on a maximum scale. He never thinks of “how lit­ tle” He can do, but of “how much.” Only those who have been willing to “go all out” for Jesus Christ will find the fulfillment of Romans 8:18. C hapter T wo G od ’ s new order will be preceded by suffering. This is to be ex­ pected in the Christian life. We are not to shun it. Our Saviour could not avoid the cross and neither can we! We “must reckon that the sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed.” All of creation anticipates its “day of release.” The word manifestation in Romans 8:19 is the same as in Revelation 1:1. It also appears in Co- lossians 3 :4. This refers to the com­ ing of Christ for His saints. Phillips renders the verse, “The whole crea­ tion is on tiptoe, to see the wonder­ ful sight of the sons of God coming into their own.” That is what distin­ guishes Christian philosophy from evolutionary philosophy. Things aren’t gradually evolving into a bet­ ter order. Only the coming again of our Lord Jesus Christ will set things right. God is not dependent upon the U.N., the elimination of Communism, peace in Viet Nam, world govern­ ment, or even the restoration of Is­ rael, to pave the way for the new

phies, earthquakes, and sufferings increase rather than decrease. Con­ stellations collide and explode. No wonder Andrew Bonar wrote, “Come and make all things new; build up this ruined earth; restore our faded Paradise; creation’s second birth!” The believer longs for a change of scenery. The world is run by mad­ men and devils. Injustices abound. Truth is trampled. Christ is de­ famed. Christians are ridiculed. The cause of righteousness is espoused by only a few. No wonder we “groan” looking for that new day, “wherein dwelleth righteousness.” Verse 23 also implies that the Holy Spirit joins us in this “travail.” He desires to settle in clean habitations! He is a friend of the Bridegroom, longing to introduce as many as pos­ sible to the Saviour. But when the “body of Christ” is completed, He will wing His way heavenward! Salvation comes in stages. As yet it isn’t a finished product. We are, of course, saved by grace through faith. Nevertheless, the last and final act of that redemption is the con­ summation of all things in Jesus Christ and His Coming. I t’s natural to chafe under bond­ age. Yet, if we “in patience will pos­ sess our souls,” we shall come into the inheritance with certainty. The same word is used in James 5:11, where it’s translated “patience.” Ac­ tually, it means “steadfastness.” If your body is wracked with pain, if you have lost precious loved ones, if you have to subsist on life’s mea­ ger bounties, or if life has become a veritable avalanche of sorrow, your day is coming! It may be here soon. “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus, Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ. One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase, So bravely run the race, ’til we see Christ.”

THE PRAYER OF THE SPIRIT A study of Romans 8:26-27 by A rv id Carlson T hese closing verses of Romans 8 reflect the trend and thought of the entire book. Salvation is now complete. Our final redemption is ac­ complished by the sovereign power and grace of God. The Apostle Paul sets down four guarantees of glory. The first of these shows us that prayer is a basic ministry of the Holy Spirit. “Like­ wise, also, the Spirit helpeth our in­ firmities.” There are some 20 refer­ ences to the Holy Spirit in the pre­ ceding verses. No single chapter in the New Testament contains such copious teaching on the Holy Spirit. It is difficult to imagine that the Holy Spirit does anything more im­ portant than this in relation to the believer. This is His basic ministry. Note how that this ministry is specifically directed to our weakness­ es. The word “helpeth” is used in only one other place in the New Tes­ tament, Luke 10:40. It means “an assistance against all opposition.” The Holy Spirit abides in our hearts for the purpose of making common cause with us against all opposition —both external and internal. The Christian enjoys a sustaining power, of which the world is entirely ignorant. The presence and prayers of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer are proof positive that God is deeply interested in the af­ fairs of His children. God's love and

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interest in securing our future ex­ tended even beyond the cross! It be­ came manifestly evident in the send­ ing of the Holy Spirit to reside within us, and to fortify us in all of our trials and temptations. Only as we pray does He pray! There are times in our lives when we cannot pray, such as illness, acci­ dents, injury, or death. In such mo­ ments, the Holy Spirit does take over, but He prefers to do so as we co-operate in prayer. Two infirmities impede our prayer- life, namely ignorance, and inexpres- sibility. “We know not what we should pray for as we ought” (v. 26). There will come times in our lives when the will of God is not en­ tirely clear. We must yield our­ selves afresh to the Holy Spirit and permit Him to take over. At other times, our burden will become so great that we cannot express it! Again, the Holy Spirit must take over, perfecting His and our minis­ try of prayer. Prayer is not a posi­ tion, but a disposition; not a latitude, but an attitude; not a place to get rid of a burden, but a place to get one; not a flight from reality, but a fight against principalities and pow­ ers, a place where our strength be­ comes weakness, and our weakness becomes strength. The secret of the Spirit’s effec­ tiveness in intercession resides in His omniscience. He not only knows our deepest yearnings, but He also knows the will of God. It is His pur­ pose to join the two. Don’t forget that your case is committed to an all-wise Advocate, who knows the heart of God as well as He knows your own. Thus we ac­ tually have two Advocates pleading our case. This is an unbeatable com­ bination. The Holy Spirit shares our longings for Heaven and Home. In fact, He implanted them in our hearts. Why not permit Him a larg­ er measure of your life and heart’s devotion?

THE FATHER’S PURPOSE

A study of Romans 8:28-31 by A rv id Carlson

A s we approach this wonderful portion of Scripture (Romans 8:28-31), we are indeed on high and holy ground. We see here the provi­ dence of our Heavenly Father. Paul says that it inspires our confidence (v. 28). Knowledge must be founded on facts. We have the great evi­ dences of the trustworthiness of God’s character, the infallibility of God’s Word, and the experiences of His children. Saints in all ages have proved, to their perfect satisfaction, the reliability of God’s promises and purposes. It’s not good for the Chris­ tian to always enjoy favorable cir­ cumstances. For one thing, it spoils us for heavey; and for another, it subtracts from our character. It takes storms and adversity to pro­ duce what God intends us to be. This providence of God expresses itself in continuity. This “working” is as constant as the law of gravity. I t’s in the present progressive tense. God’s work of creation has never ceased. This providence produces “congruity.” Our Lord is a God of order and of design! There are no misfirings of His purposes! Obviously the word “good” must include more than its simple diction­ ary definition. It is not necessarily a “pleasant good,” nor is it promised to us immediately. God is primarily interested in the “end product.” Wil­ liam Cowper was a man of deep 9

moods. One day he decided to end it all, and consequently took a cab for London Bridge. But the fog was so thick that the driver couldn’t find the bridge and he returned Cowper to his home. The author paid him double fare and immediately went into his house and wrote that im­ mortal hymn: “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform, He plants His footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm. “Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill He treasures up His bright designs, And works His sovereign will.” This providence of God contains a condition. Both human and divine sides are represented. This all indi­ cates our Lord’s predetermination. Verses 29 and 30 can be either a source of controversy or consolation. Paul never attempts a harmony be­ tween God’s sovereignty and man’s freedom. The Holy Spirit was not writing these words through Paul for either Calvinists or Arminians. He is talk­ ing to dear believers who need an adequate assurance of their salva­ tion. As we consider the Father’s pur­ pose, we can see that it also includes His protection (v. 31). “God is for us!” The Apostle Paul could say with the Psalmist, “This I know; for God is for me” (Psa. 56:9). He is Captain of our salvation. There is nothing half-hearted about His sup­ port! One with God is a majority! We need to hold a healthy respect for our adversary, the devil, but let’s not permit him to frighten us! Rather, let’s “resist him steadfastly in the faith.” Only then will he flee from us! Too many believers are living in the shadows of fear and frustration. 10

We manage to do well as long as the battle is only a skirmish! But when the fighting gets heavy and the bom­ bardment becomes terrifying, we find it easy to panic and flee. Un­ doubtedly we face some terrible and trying days ahead. Christianity’s frontiers are being diminished by the Communistic advance. The Church may yet be thrust into its crucible of suffering! The story is told of one Christian saying to another, “It’s terribly hard to trust God and to realize His hand in all these dark passages of life.” The other observed, “If you can’t trust a man out of your sight he is not worth much. And if you can’t trust God in the dark, you don’t trust Him at all.” I looked at CHRIST and the dove of peace flew into my heart. I looked at the DOVE and it flew away. —Charles H. Spurgeon The more you witness, the easier it will become. He is coming, He is coming again, The very same Jesus rejected of men; With power and great glory, He is coming again.

Students at a Bible College havethe opportunity to learn the academic skills andto gain a tion in Bible truth. Limitedenrollment at Arizona Bible College allows time tor personal consultation between student and professor. Picturedis Richard Anderson (right). Dean of Men and Professor of Anthropology and Philosophy, counseling withCraig Swlneford,studentat ABC from Tucson, Arizona.

founda­

A person who gives away a mil­ lion dollars will not be stingy with his dimes! When one buys a costly jewel or a watch, a beautiful case is included without extra charge. Thus, the death of our Saviour measures all of His resources and mercies on our behalf. All of our askings and receivings are on the basis of Calvary! Christ died to silence our accus­ ers (v. 33). Many voices are raised in accusation against the Christian. Satan himself is the chief offender. He is rightly called the “accuser of the brethren.” None can answer him effectively, except the Son of God. Sins can be forgiven and forgotten by God, but they can never be erased from the memory of man! We must flee to Jesus for refuge. How often men call us hypocrites. They point their finger in judgment! God meets His and our accusers at the cross. Christ died to settle our judgment (v. 34). Judgment day is past for the believer (John 5:24). There is no ground for condemnation since Christ has suffered the penalty of our sins. We’re not under law, but under grace. There’s no judge to sentence us since God Himself, the only Judge, is our Justifier. The Apostle Paul beautifully sum­ marizes this in the concluding por­ tion of verse 34. Christ died, thus removing the grounds for judgment. Yea, He is risen again, thus bringing us into our justification. But He is also at the right hand of God, ex­ alted above all earthly and heavenly powers, and we are seated with Him in the heavenly places! Let the storms rage, the winds howl and the waves beat high, for your soul can rest securely on the bosom of our Saviour. Why not turn your entire life over to Him, and let Christ order it as He will? In the end, He’ll bring you safely through to Himself, to Heaven, and to Home! 11

THE PROVISION OF THE SON

A study of Romans 8:32-34 by A rv id Carlson

H ave we fully realize ® the bless­ ings we have in the provisions which Christ has made for us? We see this so graphically in Romans 8:32-34. Christ died, not only to for­ give us our sins, but also to secure us for heaven. Ample provision has been made for our salvation, safety and enjoyment. Christ died for our enrichment. The purpose of the Father was a costly venture. This could never have been fully realized apart from the death of His beloved Son! There was no way for God to make us like Christ, until Christ was made like unto us ! No single verse in the New Tes­ tament gives us a clearer significance to the death of Jesus Christ than does Romans 8:32. It tells us of the character of the sufferer. It was God’s “own Son” who died ! If Jesus Christ was no more than any other man, His death would have accom­ plished absolutely nothing. Had God spared the Son, He could not have spared the sinner. He chose to share rather than to spare! This verse also describes the aw­ fulness of sin. God turned Christ over to sin and to sinners, to do to Him what no other man had ever ex­ perienced! We can see the worthless­ ness of the sinner inferred. Christ’s death on Calvary is the measure and source of all His proffered blessings to us.

grow strong on dewless nights and sunlit days! The text doesn’t say that it’s our love for Christ which makes us more than conquerors! God doesn’t stop loving anybody. This matter is not settled by our feelings, but by a firm faith in the fact of God’s unchang­ ing nature and undying love! There is only one place in all of the uni­ verse where this truth was amply demonstrated, and that’s Calvary! Paul delights to the greatness of that conquest! On the one hand, he refers to the saints as “sheep for the slaughter,” but in the same breath he implies that our victory will assume the same proportions as that of Christ, the Lord, Who at one time suffered as the Lamb of God. Some day He’ll return as the Lion of Judah and the King of kings. He came not only to give us life, but to give it more abundantly. God Himself is the one Who pro­ duces this loving confidence we can have in Him. This word persuade is more than “knowledge,” or “con­ fidence.” It belongs at the very cen­ ter of faith and Christian experi­ ence! We need more than the specu­ lations of philosophy, or the meta­ physics of the cults to see us through in the hours of stress and strain. Christians need not go through life “whistling in the dark.” To lean on such flimsy foundations is like rest­ ing our eternal weight on a wisp of fog! Paul projects his confidence to the utmost. He goes far beyond the ex­ ternalities of life, enumerated in verse 35. Some people are afraid to die; others are afraid to live. The true Christian need not fear either one. This love is not cowed by the unseen, such an “angels, principali­ ties, and powers,” nor is it subject to the tyranny of time. There is only one place where this love of God cannot reach and that is into a closed human heart! Have you let Him have complete control?

THE POWER OF LOVE A study of Romans 8:35-39 by A rvid Carlson W hile the epistle to the Romans opens in gloom, chapter eight closes in glory. Here we see the sun­ shine of salvation. What tremendous power can be unescapably seen in Christ’s love. We can never get be­ yond it, beneath it, above it, or around it. We can explore the vast­ ness of the universe, push back the ever-receding curtains of time, chart the waste and trackless eons of the future, probe the darkness of sin and the depth of human need, and we shall still find the love of God somewhere in the shadows, standing watch above His own! In verses 35, 36, and 37 of Ro­ mans 8, Paul enumerates seven cala­ mitous circumstances, which array themselves in opposition to the over­ coming Christian. It makes no dif­ ference whether the believer is faced with “tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword,” he is well able to come out of the conflict with the crown of vic­ tory upon his head. The Christian life is a battle all the way. It may have its moments of peace and quiet­ ness, but the quiet front doesn’t mean that the enemy has deserted the battle-line. We can be more than conquerors through the infinite love of the Son of God. Problems are all the divine permissions of God’s never-failing love. Nothing can happen to a Chris­ tian which is outside of that prov­ ince. Remember, ships are not tested on a mirrored ocean, nor do oaks 12

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with DR. SAMUEL H. SUTHERLAND/DR. CHARLES L. FEINBERG

Q. Bellingham, Wash---- “In what way did Judas Iscariot die? In Matthew 27:5 I read that he hanged himself. Acts 1:18 states, however, that he fell headlong, burst open, and his insides spilled out. Which is cor­ rect?” A. What we see is only an apparent contradiction. It’s resolved when we realize all the facts of the case. Judas evidently did try to kill him­ self by hanging. The effort was abor­ tive. It may have been when the rope broke or slipped that he fell and re­ mainder was fulfilled. You remem­ ber, Jesus said that it would have been better for that man had he not been born. Q. Bakersfield, Calif. — “Was Judas a real disciple of Jesus before he betrayed Him, or was he a devil from the beginning?” A. John 6:70 gives us Jesus’ answer, “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” He was never a true disciple of the Lord. He was an opportunist, going along because it looked for awhile as though it would be to his advantage as treas­ urer of the group. Q. Fallbrook, Calif. — “Why do most fundamentalist preachers teach that Judas was not present when the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was instituted when Luke 22:17-20 de­

scribes the event? Verse 21 gives Christ’s own te stim on y to this fact.” A. Keep in mind that not everything stated in this passage comes along in immediate chronological order. We respect more highly than any other theological groups the pro­ nouncements of most fundamentalist preachers. S c rip tu re states that “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him.” On the surface it does appear that verse 21 took place after the earlier passage. But if you have a New Scofield Bible, you’ll find the order of events that our Lord Jesus first partakes of the Pass- over with the disciples. As an ob­ servant, godly Israelite, our Lord Jesus fulfilled the law to the very letter. Second, He washed their feet, as described in the 13th chapter of John. Then He identified Judas as the traitor. Judas subsequen tly withdrew while o th e rs professed their loyalty (John 13:30-38). In the fifth place, the instituting of the Lord’s Supper takes place. The elev­ en in the Upper Room are given that marvelous message from John 14 and on. Q. Tacoma, Wash. — “A person made the statement that John the Baptist was not a Christian. Could you com­ ment?” A. A Christian is one who has ac- 13

A. There are fine, evangelical Bible teachers, who differ on this point, as you have suggested in your question. It’s true that Old Testament saints believed God and that they had shadows of Christ’s coming. Notice the reference in I Thessalonians 4: 16, where it speaks of “the dead in Christ” That’s the best evidence for the answer without the need of any outside source. That can’t mean any­ one except the Church, His Bride. That was not started until after Pen­ tecost. Christ became the head of the Body after the resurrection. The Old Testament saints were ce rta in ly thoroughly saved, but they’re not to be confused with the Church. I Cor­ inthians 15 refers to a “mystery.” This means something never fore­ told in the Old Testament. It’s the Rapture. The resurrection of Old Testament saints, however, is foretold in the Old Testament. Daniel 12:1-3 speaks of a time when there shall be great trouble and distress. Michael, who stands for God’s people Israel, will rise and espouse their cause. Then many that sleep in the dust of the earth shall arise. For the godly this will take place before the reign of Christ here on earth. Here, then is the order of the biblical resurrec­ tion : First, there is our blessed Lord, as the first fruits (I Cor. 15: 20). Then, we who are His at His coming (vs. 20-24). This is the rap­ ture of the Church. Then the resur­ rection of the Old Testament saints as well as saints from the Tribula­ tion period. They will be, as it were, the “rear guard.” Q. Tacoma, Wash. — “Some of our church young people, as well as a few of their parents, want to have church-sponsored dancing. I object, but can’t find anything specifically from the Bible on which to base this. I have used I John 2:14-16.1 wonder if we shouldn’t find a church that isn’t so socially-minded. Also, I’ve oi-

cepted Jesus Christ as his own per­ sonal Saviour. He has been redeemed and thereby becomes a new creature. In Acts 11:26 we see that the dis­ ciples were called Christians first in Antioch. John the Baptist was of the Old Testament order. It wasn’t until after Pentecost that this word Christian appeared. John certainly recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world. He pointed others to the Lord in that manner. He was redeemed by looking forward, in faith, to the cross, and Jesus said no one on earth was greater than he (Matt. 11 : 11 ). 0 . Long Beach, Calif. — Could you explain Galatians 4:27, where we read that ‘the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband’?’’ A. This is a quotation from Isaiah 54:1. Prophetically, while Israel is scattered throughout the world, she will have more children than when she was in the land. Isaiah 49 shows the great multitudes which come from all parts of the world. In other words, there’s going to be a tremen­ dous increase in Israel, in spite of all the enemy will attempt to do. We can see that in the world Jewish population today. Q. Huntington Beach, Calif. — “In reading the Scofield notes under I ThesscUonians 4 and I Corinthians 15, I always considered the dead in Christ to be Old Testament saints. Yet in the publication, ‘Papers on the Lord’s Coming’ by C. H. Mac­ intosh, he suggests the church as the first born ones. Aren’t Old Testament saints ‘in Christ’ because they be­ lieved God? AU throughout the Old Testament there are pre-incamate appearances of Christ. These people looked forward to His coming and believed. Can you help me under­ stand this?”

ways been m Sunday school teach­ ing, and I don’t want to leave these little ones to such guidance. What should we do?" A. The verses you’ve used are ex­ cellent! The dance question is based upon potential immoral relations and thoughts between the couple. Without question it causes sexual arousement. We issue a very strong indictment against dancing. In Mat­ thew 5:27, 28, Jesus declared, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery; But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adul­ tery with her already in his heart.” This sin is not just in the act, but also in the thought. This is why Paul urges us in Romans 12:1, 2 to yield ourselves to the Lord (I Cor. 6:19, 20). “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies, a living sac­ rifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1). Note that “holy.” “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and per­ fect will of God” (v. 2). My dear friends, the dance is something that the Christian should leave alone. How sad to hear church young people wanting to have dances! Sadder yet is to find that their parents would support such activity. As to the problems of which church to attend, we would hesitate to become the conscience of an in­ dividual facing such a situation. If you haven’t already done so, pray about it. Seek the Lord’s guidance and follow that pathway that gives you the proper peace of heart. It’s an individual matter you’ll have to determine with the Lord’s help. Fre­ quently, however, when such situa­ tions prevail, it’s best for all con­

cerned to move on into an evangelical fellowship. Q. South Gate, Calif. — "I’m sure you’ve answered this before; how­ ever, I am bothered by I Corinthi­ ans 15:29 where it speaks of being ‘baptized for the dead.’ What does all this mean?” A. Let’s establish that it doesn’t mean that a living believer can be baptized in place of believers or un­ believers who have died and bring them salvation. There’s no efficacy in baptism at all. It’s simply a sign of faith in the heart. Under the inspira­ tion of the Holy Spirit, Paul is rea­ soning, “What value is it to be a Christian, and baptized, if there’s no resurrection after death?” Be­ lievers have to bear the hatred of the world and the ostracism of so­ ciety. Why bother if we don’t have any hope beyond the grave? Q. Pueblo, Colo. — “I f a man were demon-possessed, and then the demon were cast out of him, would he auto­ matically be saved?" A. Keep in mind one important fact. A person is saved by personal faith in Christ alone. In fact, it's not what comes out of him, but what goes into him. Our Lord made this clear in Matthew 12:43ff. If a demon is cast out of a man, the very next thing he should do is to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. Then the Holy Spirit will indwell the life of that individual. Q. Walla Walla, Wash. — “In Matthew 27:10, to whom does the word ‘me’ in the passage refer? Is there a dif­ ference in the wording, the plea, the expression, or demonstration of Jews and Arabs when they pray at the wall?” A. Obviously, these questions are un­ related. The passage about which

is the Father of everyone, since it says in Ephesians U:6, 'One God and Father of all.’ Also, in the Lord’s prayer there’s the phrase, ‘Our Fa­ ther, which art in Heaven.’ How do you explain these Scriptures?’’ A. As wonderful as these Scriptures are, they do not teach that God is the Father of everyone. In Ephesians Paul is referring to those who are “in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” It’s written to be­ lievers, not to unbelievers. There are seven unifying things: “one body, one Spirit, one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.” This should be ample evidence. Then, in the so- called “Lord’s Prayer,” the Saviour was speaking to His disciples who wanted to learn how to pray. In a very broad sense, God is the Father of all by creation, but not by re­ demption. Remember th a t when Christ was talking to the unbeliev­ ing Pharisees, He told them, “Ye are of your father, the devil.” Q. Pasadena, Calif. — “I f you believe that children who died prior to hav­ ing reached the age of accountability are saved, then do you believe that anyone dying at any age is saved? This also precludes the possibility of losing one’s salvation.” A. Any person who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour becomes a new creature and is saved for all eternity. We believe S c rip tu re teaches eternal security of the be­ liever. Humanly speaking, a person in a family may be obedient or dis­ obedient. Nonetheless, he's still a child of his parents. The same is true with a child of God. While there is nothing in Scripture that distinct­ ly states that if a child dies in in­ fancy, before the age of accounta­ bility, he is saved, yet, we hold that firm belief, based upon the love, mercy, and goodness of God. The blood of Jesus Christ avails for

you have asked deals with what hap­ pened to the money Judas received for betraying the Lord. The “me” here refers prophetically to our Lord as quoted from Zechariah 11:12. Did you know that 30 pieces of silver was the price for a slave who had been gored ? It was a worthless thing. The Lord was the One who was set at naught, being pictured and symbolized in what Zechariah does. Ever since the June war in 1967, the city of Jerusalem has been united under the state of Israel. Even when Jerusalem was divided, the Arabs were very careful to see that the wailing wall, which was on the Jor­ danian side, was not accessible to any Jews. The Arabs don’t use the wall for worship or ritual. This west­ ern wall has meaning only to the Jews. It symbolizes their lost glory. You cannot come away from seeing these Jews praying at the wall with such fervor without your heart be­ ing touched very deeply. We long to tell them of Christ, their Messiah. If you will read the entire book of Lamentations, you will see that for which they are so bereft. They’re asking God that the departed ma­ jesty and glory may come back. Did you know that no truly orthodox Jew will allow himself to dwell in a home that’s completely finished while the house of God lies desolate? They’re not to be indifferent to these impor­ tant needs. Some will openly say that they feel we are now living in Messianic times. Q. Turlock, Calif. — “What’s the dif­ ference between believing ‘in’ (John 3:16) and believing ‘on’ (Acts 16: 31) the Lord?” A. In this sense and contexts, the words can be used interchangeably. In a technical reference, “in” might be the preferred preposition. Q. Fresno, Calif. — “In our Sunday school class, someone stated that God

A. Keep in mind that the Lord didn’t say that on every occasion. We would not properly say that our Lord was afraid He might come to Calvary too soon. Rather, He did everything ac­ cording to the will of His Father. He didn’t want opposition to Him to make it impossible for Him to com­ plete that work for which He came to this earth. In infinite wisdom His program was to go on as scheduled. The Lord certainly does want us to be witnesses today for, after His resurrection, Christ said, “Go and tell.” What a marvelous privilege to tell others about a risen Saviour! Q. Whittier, Calif. — “R ec en tly I heard someone say on your program that Christ could come for the saved before the broadcast was over, and that no prophecy had to be fulfilled before Christ could come again. How about II Thessalonians 2:3? Has this taken place?” A. We do believe that the return of our Saviour, the Rapture of the Church, is imminent. As far as the fulfillment of I Thessalonians 4 ¡IS­ IS, this could take place at any mo­ ment. No event needs to be completed for this to take place. He will come in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. II Thessalonians 2:3 refers to the time of the Tribulation, not the Rapture. This whole section reflects on things that will take place, but which obviously have not occurred as yet. Q. Vancouver, B.C---- “There is a cult which states that at death, the un­ believer is annihilated. Christ said to the thief on the cross, 'Today thou shalt be with me in Paradise.’ How could this have been if the Lord descended into Hell three days after His death?” A. We need to understand the words as they appear in the original. There are three words which refer to the

them. His grace is sufficient to save all such who die in infancy. But when a person comes to the age of accountability, he must make the decision for himself. “Behold, now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation.” See II Samuel 12:23 regarding David’s infant son; Mat­ thew 18:10; Mark 10:14. Q. Oakland, Calif. — “What is the proof that the Jehovah of the Old Testament is in fact Jesus of the New Testament?” A. That may be an oversimplifica­ tion. While Jehovah does refer to the Lord Jesus, it’s not used exclu­ sively for Him. In Isaiah 53:6 we see God the Father, placing on God the Son, the iniquity of us all. In Job 33:4, we see that the Holy Spirit is also referred to as Jehovah. This is one of the beauties of the Trinity. Q. Mission Hills, Calif. — “Does Scrip­ ture indicate whether or not there will be any lapse of time between the Rapture and the Tribulation? Does the latter follow the former?” A. The answer is found in II Thes- salonians 2:3-8. The mystery of in­ iquity is the working of Satan in the world. The Holy Spirit is the One who hinders him through the body of believers. When the church is tak­ en out of the way, “the son of per­ dition who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God” will be made evident. Notice his final judgment as the Lord destroys him with the brightness of His com­ ing. So, the Tribulation will begin immediately after the Rapture. Q. Santa Barbara, Calif. — “Why was it that Jesus, after He healed people, told them not to tell anyone about it? Was He afraid He would come to Calvary too soon? Why shouldn’t those people be witnesses, even as we are today?”

abode of the dead in the New Testa­ ment. They are hades, gehenna, and tartarus. The latter is found only once. The counterpart in the Old Testament for hades is sheoL It simply means the abode of the dead. Gehenna refers to the lake of fire which is a future condition. This is where Satan, the anti-christ, the false prophet and all unbelievers have their final destiny. Hades, how­ ever, from all indications, was divid­ ed into two parts: the abode of the unrighteous dead and the abode of the righteous dead. The latter also was called Paradise, as in the case here, or Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16: 19-31). In your question, Jesus was telling the thief, “Today you and I are going down into the abode of the righteous dead.” When the Saviour rose from the dead, ascending into Heaven, He emptied Paradise and took those souls to be with Him in heaven (Eph. 4:8, 9). Today, Para­ dise is empty, for now, when a be­ liever dies, “absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” The abode of the wicked dead is still in­ habited, and those so incarcerated are awaiting the Great White Throne Judgment which is described in Rev­ elation 20. They will go from here, without exception, into Hell, or Ge­ henna, which is the Greek word for the lake of fire. Q. Santa Susanna, Calif. — “I ’m very confused as to the resurrection of our bodies. My church teaches that we go to be with the Lord at death. But in sections of the New Testa­ ment, I get confused. Can you give me further help?” A. Perhaps it will help to say that in I Corinthians 15 and I Thessa- lonians 4, the clear indication is that bodies of believers may go to the grave, but their spirits go to be with the Lord. There is no such thing as soul-sleeping. It’s the body that lies dormant in the tomb. In 18

death there’s a severance of the ma­ terial from the immaterial part of man. The soul and the spirit go one way while the body goes another. II Corinthians 5 shows this factor most convincingly. The body is just the house while the real person is the spirit. Body and spirit are unit­ ed at the resurrection when Jesus comes. Did you know that you can read the entire Bible through in a year, by read­ ing less than twelve minutes a day? Why not begin right now? Before the earth received its frame, God loved me—blessed be His name! Life is a gift to be used every day, not to be smothered and hidden away. How thou canst love me as Thou dost, And be the God Thou art, Is darkness to my intellect, But sunshine to my heart. Love never asks, "How much MUST I do?” but "How much CAN I do?”

At a Talbot Seminary Awards ChapelDr. Charles L. Felnberg,dean, gives recognition to student Jerry Johnson.