Ques. 21.-What was the law given for?

Ans.-"By the law is the knowledge of sin" (Rom. 3:20). "It was added "because of transgressions" (Gal. 3:19), that is, to bring out the sin in man's heart in the form of actual transgression, or violation of God's command. "The law entered that the offense might abound" (Rom. 5:20). These and other passages show why the law was given-to prove man guilty and helpless, and to shut him up to Christ alone.

Ques. 22.-Is there any baptism of the Spirit since Pentecost?

Ans.-Some have thought the descent of the Spirit at Pentecost was the only baptism of the Spirit. Unquestionably it was His only descent for that purpose, but 1 Cor. 12:13-"by one Spirit ye are all baptized into one body"-would show that all believers are so baptized. That is, while the descent at Pentecost was the great outward act of forming the Church, by the baptism of the Spirit, yet as each one believes, he is baptized by the Spirit-united to Christ in glory, and thus introduced into the Church, the body of Christ.

Ques. 23.-In what relation did the priests stand with the judges in Israel?

Ans.-The judges seem to have been raised up by God for the special deliverance of His people in times of failure and ruin. While doubtless the priesthood existed, and perhaps carried on its functions to some extent, yet the judges do not seem to have acted in connection with them. Thus, Gideon was his own priest, and after his victory fell into the snare of desiring to be permanently a priest, setting up a golden ephod, which was idolatry in another form. Later on, Eli the priest, and Samuel the prophet, were also judges. The judge was exceptional, the priest was permanent, though often lost sight of in times of darkness.

Ques. 24.-In Gen. 18:we read that three men came to Abraham, and they ate with him. In Gen. 19:only two came to Lot. Were these really men, or heavenly beings?

Ans.-Undoubtedly they were from heaven (see Heb. 2:2). One of the three who visited Abraham was evidently the Lord (vers. 1, 13). After their visit they go toward Sodom, but the Lord remains with Abraham, who interceded for the wicked city. The other two go on to rescue Lot, but they are not called men, but angels (chap. 19:1:). This change is significant, showing the moral distance between them arid Lot, while with Abraham they could take a place of nearness, and eat and drink with him. If we ask how could angels appear as men, we can only answer, So it is, and it only shows how intimately connected heaven and earth are, were it not for sin.