Harold S. Paisley
Question: Is it correct to state that the Lord Jesus was the "great Creator who became our Saviour?" How can this be reconciled with the first chapter of Genesis where creation is ascribed to God?
Answer: Our Lord Jesus is the grand subject of all the Scriptures. His glorious person and work is presented in many ways.
Genesis chapter one states that God created. The name used is Elohim, which includes the Father, the Son and the Spirit. The first chapter of John however, plainly states that all things were made by Christ (John 1:3). Paul also attributes the mighty work of creation to the Son in majestic words (Col. 1: 16-17). These statements do not exclude the Father and the Spirit from the work of creation, but they clearly ascribe the central place to the Lord Jesus, the Son of God. It is therefore true that "the Great Creator became my Saviour." A cause for worship from our heart and the wonder of our soul.
Question: Is it correct to state from 1 Thes. 4:14 that those who sleep in or through Jesus have been put to sleep by Jesus?
Answer: We believe that it is incongruous to read such a meaning into the text. To state that God causes believers to sleep (causes them to die) through the agency of Jesus is certainly not the idea conveyed in the context. It seems to be better understood "Them that are asleep, God will through the agency of Jesus (who Himself died and rose again), bring with Him in resurrection and glory.
Question: It is often used in song and word that the Lord Jesus was the dying Lamb upon the cross. Is this scriptural?
Answer: We should reverently remember that the Lord Jesus was never a dying man. All others are! He died, but was never dying. Death to the blessed Lord was an act, not a gradual process. John, who witnessed His death, states that when all things were accomplished, He bowed His head in royal dignity and peace, not because of weakness, but in triumph, and dismissed His spirit.
Question: When Paul wrote to the Colossian assembly concerning fellowship with John Mark, were there some who were doubtful of his recovery? Is this the reason for the bracketed statement in Colossians 4:10?
Answer: It would seem evident that at the time of the writing of the epistle to the Colossians there were indeed some who were doubtful of Mark's restoration. Paul's added words concerning Mark "If he come unto you receive him," would imply a reluctance on their part, which would be removed by the apostle's commendation.
There is an assembly principle involved which is of value today. Any who desire to be received into their former confidence in assembly fellowship should have testimony borne to their recovery by responsible brethren who are conversant with all the facts of the case.