Harold S. Paisley
Question: One well known teacher has stated that John 3:16 was not part of the Lord's conversation with Nicodemus, but are words of John giving an explanation of what the Lord had already spoken. Is this a true statement?
Answer: This suggestion is not a new one but we reject such a division of this important section. Dean Alford presents a clear answer to the question: "The discourse would have been altogether fragmentary if verse 16 was not spoken by the Lord, and would have left Nicodemus where he was before." It is the understanding of the vast majority of expositors of Scripture that Nicodemus heard these beautiful words first and was born again there and then. Millions have been saved upon hearing it for no single word spoken has been heard by so many. The context joins this verse with the rest. The whole section presents the divine interest of the Godhead in a world of perishing sinners. It may be also pointed out that this is the only place in all the Bible where we read "God loved the world." Let us ever ascribe these words to the Lord Himself.
Question: What is the teaching of God's word on the subject of abortion? An answer from the Bible would be valued. Could this be written in Words in Season as there are various opinions even among professing Christians?
Answer: There is no difference of opinion among Bible believing Christians who desire to walk and to please the Lord in this matter. Abortion is the ending of a life in the womb. We believe this as David, writing by divine inspiration stated clearly, "I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me" (Psa. 51:5). It is also written by David in Psalm 139:15-16 of the mysterious development of the body in the womb and he describes himself as a real person there. "My substance was not hid from Thee when I was made in secret ... Thine eyes did see my unperfect substance." Every person is real from conception and not a collection of mysterious cells. The days and times of the unborn are ordained of God. "My members day by day were fashioned." The visit of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth provides further evidence of life in the womb, for as she arrived, Elizabeth's babe leaped in her womb for joy (Luke 1:39-45). The writer was a physician and wrote by divine inspiration. It is therefore the firm conviction of those who accept the Bible teaching on this subject that abortion is a serious breach of the laws of God and is murder in the womb.
Question: We often hear the expression in the assembly announcements "should the Lord tarry." Is this a Scriptural statement?
Answer: The word "tarry" is used twice in relation to the Lord's coming: 1. Matthew 26:5 'The Bridegroom tarried" and 2. Hebrews 10:37 "He will not tarry." This word means to delay. The second Scripture reads "ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry." This means that our Blessed Lord will come and it is only a little while. He will come without delay. Apart from the dispensational aspect of Matthew 25, it is true to say that while the Bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. It appears therefore, that the expression "should the Lord tarry" is not a Scriptural term as Heb. 10:37 plainly states "He that shall come, will come and will not tarry." It should be our constant prospect and outlook, His coming for us. What a bright and blessed hope! May we be able to say "even so come Lord Jesus." Then to worship, witness and watch until He come!