QUES. 20.-It is taught here by some that both the wise and the foolish virgins in the parable of Matt. 25 are true believers, but that the "foolish" are not sanctified or "filled with the Spirit." Is not the Holy Spirit dwelling abidingly in all true believers? If so, then why did David pray, "Take not thy Holy Spirit from me? (Ps. 51:11). Was David a saved person still? And was Saul a saved man before the Spirit departed from him? (1 Sam. 16:14). Please answer in Help and Food.

ANS.-(1) The first verse of this chapter tells us the "Kingdom of Heaven" is pictured in this parable; and in chap. 13:18-33 of this same Gospel, four parables are given us to show that both good and bad are found in the Kingdom's present form-while the King is absent. We are justified therefore to look upon "the foolish virgins" as mere professors, self-deceived it may be, disciples outwardly-not indwelt by the Holy Spirit, which the "oil" represents, but which they have not in their vessels. So in verse 12 the Lord says to them, "Verily, I say unto you, I know you not," while of His sheep He says:"I know my sheep, and am known of mine" (see John 10:14,27,28).

(2) The Holy Spirit does indeed dwell and abide in all true believers in this present dispensation (see John 14:16; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16). But it was not always so (see John 7:39), for the Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus glorified as the witness of our perfect acceptance in Him before God; and to dwell in us as the earnest or pledge of our future glorification with Christ (Rom. 8:23). Now this could not be till Jesus, our representative, was Himself as our Head glorified in heaven.

The Holy Spirit has always been the Power by whom God works in men, and in all creation. As God's power in grace He might be bestowed upon men, or withdrawn through man's disobedience. This is what is meant in the passages you refer to, concerning Saul and David. The Spirit came upon them for a purpose, and might leave when that was accomplished.

QUES. 21.-I would like to understand why when Lazarus was raised he was still wrapped in grave-clothes, whilst when our Lord was risen He left them where He had lain.

ANS.-Our Lord was raised in a spiritual body to which neither clothes nor stone at the sepulchre's door were a hindrance, nor the shut doors where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, and standing there in their midst said to them, "Peace be unto you…and He showed them his hands and his side" (John 20:19). It has been well said that "the stone rolled away by an angel from the sepulchre was not to let the Lord out of it, but to let the women and the disciples in."

Lazarus was raised in his natural body, brought back to natural life by divine power, as is proved by the scene described in John 12:1, 2, and the Jews afterward seeking to kill him (ver. 10).