QUES. 6.-A brother here has joined a Masonic Lodge, and though there has been prayer to the Lord to show him the wrong, he has not been convinced as to it. Do you think that Rom. 14 gives permission to receive a brother who is weak, and does not see the wrong of such connection ?
ANS.-Read the pamphlet,"Secret Societies:can a Christian belong to them and still honor Christ? " It is true that some Christians who are members of secret societies do not know what it involves, as members of " Unions " do not see that it often associates them with criminals. Postpaid, 6 cents
They are not helped, however, by ignoring or condoning the offence against Christ, which a brotherly, but firm resistance would probably do.
As to Rom. 14 you can see how a Jew, brought up in Judaism, might not readily be delivered from his religious scruples as to eating certain meats, or the keeping of holy days, Sabbaths, New moons-according to the Mosaic law; his conscience therefore should be regarded while seeking to enlighten him. This is entirely different from one wilfully entering into fellowship with despisers or enemies of Christ.
QUES. 7.-Will you please give a few words on 2 Cor. 6:17? Some say that it applies to idol-worshipers. Has Heb. 13 :13 a similar meaning?
ANS.-"What concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an unbeliever?" (Revised Version, ver. 15), is the subject of the apostle's rebuke to the Corinthians here. Ver. 16, "What agreement hath the temple of God (which Christians are) with idols?" does speak of separation from idolatry ; but to make this the only separation that verse 17 demands is a grave error.
The apostle was deeply grieved with the Corinthians' assimilation to the world ; therefore he beseeches them that the grace of God shown them might not be without its legitimate fruits (ver. 1). Then he shows them in what manner of life his ministry was exercised, as an example to all the people of God (vers. 4-10). Then he breaks out in longing desire that they might give heart-answer to what they had seen in him among them (vers. 11-13). He concludes with this, that the character of Christ is incompatible with, cannot associate with, that of the natural man, and that- as God's temple amongst whom He dwells and walks-separation from the world to Him is the only way in which He may openly own us as His sons and daughters.
The view in Heb. 13:13 is different in this, that it calls the Hebrew Christians to depart from Judaism (which they had been following still after conversion-see Acts 21 :19-21), as God was now about to sweep it away, allowing the Romans to destroy Jerusalem and its temple, which was no more God's house since they had crucified His Son.