The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-22
E%VERYBODY'S BIBLE BOX.

Q.-There is considerable agitation ii
the publications of the day as to the di-
vorce evils of our time and many differ
ent ideas and views have been expressed
by prominent individuals both in puIpits
and pews. Would you mind setting forth
your view on the subject, and also any
Scriptures bearing on it. if there are
any? (Reno.)
Answer.-This is a subject that could
not be treated in full in the space limita-
tons of the Question Box. The special III
structions given in the Scripture relating
to this matter are found in the words OF
the Lord Jesus and the Apostle Paul.
(Matthew V, 81. 80; 1 Corinthians vii, 1-16,
Matthew xix, 3-9.) To the Christian, a di-
vorce on any other ground than that stip-
ulated by the Lord Jesus, would be d
crime, a sin against the law of God. How
ever, there are some cases i'll which a
separation would be advisable on other
grounds than that specified for divorce,
but the parties are not at liberty to marry
again. The rule of action for all of the
Lords peopl should be the inspired Wore
of Truth, the Bible. and those who Will
endeavor to conform their lives to the
principles therein laid down, are sure TO
be richly blessed.
Q.-Is there such a thing as total de-
%pravity'? In my experience I have met
with many hardened criminals, but l have
always found some good traits even IN
the worst specimens. One of the most de-
PRAYED wretches 1 ever knew wept bit
terly when his mother died. Another was
affected to tears at the sight OF an IN
nOc6nI little CnllO. W. Z" GsI
Answer.-Many large and influential de-
nominations, adherents to the. Calvinistic
school of Theology, profess to believe
tina our race is totally d~epraved. we
cannot agree with these, and doubt If any
of those who so profess, really so belleve.
The most that could be true along TINS
line is that Adams entire race is so de-
PRAYED that God declines to have any
dealing with them except through a Re
deemer. Despite the deprav1ty: we beheVe
that in almost every human being there IS
some of the original Condolences still re-
naming: some little of the impress or the
Divine character. 1t is because we have
this little thai we are disposed to harken
to Gods message and to Seek the Lord.
if haply we might feel after Him and ind
Him." CActs xvii, 20 We do well to look
for something of the Divine impress in
every feIlow-creature and to seek to help
him to Christ, that he may ultimately be
restored to everything that was loSt.-
Acts iii, q.
Q.-Ts not Christianity a failure? Some
skeptical friends of mine have, after
pointing out to me the general decline IN IN
my own denomination which is one of the
largest in the country, fired this question
satisfactory reply. much to my chagrln.
What would be your Is O.. So
Acknowledging the trouble Is that
your friends have failed to differentiate
between Christianity and Churchianity.
The cause of Observation-Disclosures IS
certainly on the decline and its rate OF
speed on the downward way IL OcAIS SOt-
stantly accelerated. The average percent
age of church-going people in the large
cities is less than II per cent. Churcn
buildings are being vacated or else turned
over to moving picture shows, while min
listers are out of a job and more are beinS
out: and those who are left are
having a most lamentable time in striving
to make ends meet. Christianity, how
ever, is going grandly on to a glorious
triumph. The Scriptures assure US that
the Lord is taking out from the nations
the earth. during this Christian Era,
a specially selected class of sanity char
to be the Church or Bride OF
associated with the Lord In the work
of the coming Age in converting and
all nations. 1t is the Churcn
now: it will be the Church Til
umphant then.
Q.-From many of the sermons that I
rave heard lately, by different minister's,
general thought seems to be set forth
if one lives a moral, upright life,
is all that is really essential for ones
salvation, and it does not make any diff
ference as to ones belief is. If you
a Hottentot and live a good life, you'll
get to heaven, seems to be the idea what
I wish to know is, VIII morality alone
one be justified by faith in the Lord Jesus
CMacduf.)
Answer.-If any one were capable of hv-
ing the perfect life, of being absolutely
moral in word and deed and bought, then
the above teaching would be true, but
there is none righteous, no. not one
Romans iii. 1O). All are imperfect, and
all come short of the glory of God; a fact
mat is acknowledged by every right
linking person. There is not a perfect
nan or woman in existence, either men
ally, morally, or physically In every hui
nan heart there are the defilements OF
;elfishness, pride, malice. hatred, bitter
ness and strife in greater or less degree.
Dur own condition of morality righteous
1ess) in Gods sight is as filthy rags"
Isaiah Xiv, g.. 1t is for this reason we
iced to be justified. by faith in Christ as
)ur Redeemer and as our Advocate. |
There is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be
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