1959 Bible Studies - page 3

STUDIES BIBLE

" Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they

received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were s o " (Acts 17. 11).

VOLUME 27.

JANUARY, 1959.

EDITORIAL

This issue of Bible Studies is so full that there is no room for an Editorial, but we trust that our fellow-students of the Scriptures will pardon us if we use a little space, first of all to welcome new and returning contributors, and also to make a suggestion intended to keep up the standard of the magazine.

We are delighted to see papers from so many sources, and venture to hope that all contributors will endeavour to send a paper every month, and also try to be early with their contributions.

The subject this year lends itself to very broad treatment and there is a danger of diffuse thinking, and hence of very long papers to little profit as study. One contributor mentions finding difficulty in keeping the paper to 500 words, and then rightly observes that the good work has been done before the paper is published. We might enlarge on this point, but we shall be content to commend it to your contemplation, and to suggest that a

few major points well thought out and carefully expressed make a much better paper than many points diffusely treated or lightly touched upon.

Please note that as from January 19th, owing to re-organisation in the postal services, Mr. Baird’s address will be: 61, Morton Street, Edin-burgh 15. Use of the old address may cause serious delay in delivery. J. B.

N O T E S ON THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION

CHAPTER 14

In chapter 14. 1-5 we have an entrancing scene in contrast to that which is presented in chapter 13. Here the Lamb is seen standing on the heavenly mount Zion, the same mount as we have in Hebrews 12. 22. With the Lamb are 144, 000 who have the Lamb’s name and that of His Father written

on their foreheads. The voice of this great multitude as they sing was as to its volume like thunder and as to its sweetness like harpers harping with their harps. They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders, and no one could learn this song but them-selves. There have been many choirs at many times, but here is one which should stir a longing in any honest heart to hear this holy, heavenly song.

The sweetness of it must be overwhelming. No mind can conceive it now.

Who are these ? They are not the saints who compose the Body of Christ, for that company of saints is much more numerous, comprising as it does the saints of this entire dispensation of grace, from Pentecost until the Lord’s coming again for the Church. These are not the 144, 000 of the twelve