Bible Readings for the Home Circle Part 17

12. In what condition are all before they are quickened with Christ?

"G.o.d, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were _dead in sins_, hath quickened us together with Christ." Eph.

2:4, 5.

13. What is this change from death to life called?

"Being _born again_, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of G.o.d, which liveth and abideth forever." 1 Peter 1:23.

14. When man first transgressed, what was done to prevent him from living forever in sin?

"And now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.... So _He drove out the man_; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." Gen. 3:22-24.

15. What is declared to be one purpose of Christ's death?

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; _that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil_." Heb. 2:14.

16. Through whom will Abraham receive the promise of the future inheritance?

"The Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto _thy seed_ will I give this land." Gen. 12:7.

17. How many were embraced in G.o.d's promises to Abraham?

"And in thy seed shall _all the kindreds of the earth_ be blessed." Acts 3:25.

18. To whom does the "seed" in these promises refer?

"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is _Christ_."

Gal. 3:16.

19. What would make the death of Christ in vain?

"_If righteousness come by the law_, then Christ is dead in vain." Gal.

2:21.

20. Why have all been reckoned under sin?

"But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, _that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe_." Gal. 3:22.

21. How then do all become children of G.o.d?

"For ye are all the children of G.o.d _by faith in Christ Jesus_." Verse 26.

22. With whom are the children of G.o.d joint heirs?

"If children, then heirs; heirs of G.o.d, and _joint heirs with Christ_."

Rom. 8:17.

Thou art the Way; to Thee alone, From sin and death we flee; And he who would the Father seek, Must seek Him, Lord, by Thee.

Thou art the Truth; Thy word alone.

True wisdom can impart; Thou only canst inform the mind And purify the heart.

Thou art the Life; the rending tomb Proclaims Thy conquering arm; And those who put their trust in Thee, Nor death nor h.e.l.l shall harm.

Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life; Grant us that way to know, That truth to keep, that life to win, Whose joys eternal flow.

[Ill.u.s.tration.]

The Serpent In The Wilderness. "When he beheld the serpent of bra.s.s, he lived." Num. 21:9.

Salvation Only Through Christ

[Ill.u.s.tration.]

On The Cross. "He is able to save to the uttermost." Heb. 7:25.

1. For what purpose did Christ come into the world?

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world _to save sinners_." 1 Tim. 1:15.

2. Why was He to be named "Jesus"?

"Thou shalt call His name Jesus: _for He shall save His people from their sins_." Matt. 1:21.

3. Is there salvation through any other?

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, _whereby we must be saved_." Acts 4:12.

4. Through whom are we reconciled to G.o.d?

"All things are of G.o.d, who hath reconciled us to Himself _by Jesus Christ_, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that _G.o.d was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself_, not imputing their trespa.s.ses unto them." 2 Cor. 5:18, 19.

5. What has Christ been made for us, and for what purpose?

"For He hath made Him to be _sin_ for us, who knew no sin; _that we might be made the righteousness of G.o.d in Him_." Verse 21.

6. How dependent are we upon Christ for salvation?

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: ... _without Me ye can do nothing_."

John 15:5.