1. By what means is all Scripture given?
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” II Timothy 3:16.
2. For what purpose?
“That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works,” verse 17.
3. To whom do things revealed belong?
“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever,” Deuteronomy 29:29. That is, they belong to the human family.
4. What is the last book of the Bible called?
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him,” Revelation 1:1.
5. What is said of those who read or study this book?
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein,” verse 3. The book of Revelation, then, is not only designed to be understood, but a blessing is pronounced upon those who read or study it. No one would expect to obtain a blessing by reading a book he could not understand; hence the implication is that he who studies this book understands it.
6. How were the Old Testament prophecies given?
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,” II Peter 1:21.
7. What is said of the interpretation of these prophecies?
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation,” verse 20.
8. In giving their prophetic utterances, what did the prophets seek?
“Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls; of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you,” I Peter 1:9, 10.
9. By whose spirit were they actuated?
“Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow,” verse 11.
10. How did Peter confirm his former preaching on the coming of Christ?
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty,” II Peter 1:16.
11. When did the apostle see the majesty (kingship) of Christ, and hear the approbative words of God?
“And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount,” verse 18.
12. What other and more certain evidence did he have of the power and coming of Christ?
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts,” verse 19.
13. At the time when Jerusalem was to be destroyed to what prophecy did Christ point His disciples as a guide to their actions?
“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand),” Matthew 24:15.
14. When were all the prophecies in the book of Daniel to be understood?
“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased,” Daniel 12:4.
Peace on Earth
When Jesus was born in a manger
God’s angels came down to this earth,
And told to the lowly shepherds
The news of His wonderful birth.
Oh, quickly they hastened to find Him
Their Savior, Redeemer and King;
“Peace, peace upon earth” was the message
The angels did joyfully sing.
They found Him at last, in the manger,
Just as the angels had said,
The dear little Babe with His mother,
And only the hay for a bed.
_ E.E.W.