May the Cup Be Full Soon.

 You see a sign of something to come and you expect it to come. You study the signs and believe them, and yet year after year what you expected has not come to pass. Why?

Biblically there are situations that have occurred that have prolonged things that were supposed to happen. The most commonly known occurrence is the Israelites and their journey through the desert for forty years. They weren't supposed to journey for forty years. 

Num 32:13  And the LORD'S anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the LORD, was consumed. 

Because the Israelites coming out of Egypt committed evil over and over again, breaking the covenant they'd made with God, He grew angry with them and didn't lead them straight to the promised land. FORTY years He had them wandering until the majority of the adults who left Egypt were dead, never seeing the promised land.

God wanted Jonah to go to Ninevah to warn them to repent of their ways. Jonah didn't want to go but God used very unique ways to persuade him to do so. Jonah warned them and they repented and God's wrath was stayed.  148 years later after their repentance they'd turned to evil ways again and this time Ninevah was destroyed. God's wrath against evil - all evil - is a very real thing and it hasn't lessened over time. God's wrath hasn't diminished against evil as some would believe because Jesus advocates for sinners. ALL evil is punished, for those whose hearts are given wholly to Jesus, for those who repent of their evil ways and seek forgiveness in all sincerity, Jesus died and took on their punishment, He took on the wrath of God for all those who are saved through Him. All evil is punished. For the many wicked who choose not to seek forgiveness, repenting of evil, God's wrath will fall upon them. 

Gen 15:16  But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. 

God talking to Abram (Abraham), telling him that when the iniquity of the Amorites was full … then the children of Israel would be freed from their bondage, but it wasn't full just yet.

Clearly God has established various standards for His will to be done with mankind. We look at the history of evil and think surely Ninevah, Sodom and Gomorrah, the Amorites and so on and so forth can't be as evil as the world has been in so many instances since then, and we wonder why God hasn't destroyed more and more cities and people. Truthfully we can't know the mind of God, but we can surmise from what we read that perhaps, God's forbearance with mankind is long suffering. We are told it is actually…

2Pe 3:8  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 

2Pe 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 

When God next destroys a people, a city, it will be in connection with the end of this evil world entirely. No longer will destructions serve as warnings to people as He used them for in the past, the final destruction is what is coming next. And as we just read above, a thousand of our years is as one day to the Lord- meaning our time isn't the same for God. Eternity is the at the end of this world, and when that eternity comes ALL the human beings that will belong to God will be- all there will be. God would save as many as possible. 

I cry out often for God's cup to be full because of the horrors of this world we live in, and I know He hears my cries. Only He knows when the long suffering has been enough, I don't. Only He knows when the cup of iniquity is full and can take no more. I must trust in Him. I believe, Lord, help Thou my unbelief!

All through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! May we be ready at all times for Him- whether it's for the day of Salvation, or the day we enter death's temporary sleep, let us be His, now and forever!

Amen!!!!!!!

(Excerpt)

EXPOSITION OF MATTHEW XXIV  24  (((Written in 1890 - remember when reading the excerpt 131 years have passed since it was written. History does matter.))))

PARABLE OF THE FIG-TREE 

Verses 32, 33: "Now learn a parable of the fig-tree: When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh. So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it ["He," margin] is near, even at the doors." The parable of the fig-tree is probably the most forcible figure that could be used by our Lord to illustrate this subject. When the trees of the field begin to put forth their leaves, and the tender grass springs up, and the 

ground is being covered with its green velvet carpet, we know that summer is nigh. It is a certainty with us that summer is coming when we see these signs in nature.

We know that summer is nigh. "So, likewise," or with the same certainty, we may know that Christ's coming is at the doors when the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, are fulfilled. Our Lord has stated the object of these signs, which is that we may know when his coming is at the doors. But we are told by some that the church is not to know anything of the period of Christ's second advent. Then we inquire, Why did our Lord give signs of the event? Are they given to deceive us, to lead the honest Christian to look for Christ's coming when, in fact, nothing is to be known of the time of the event?–Certainly not. 

The fact that Christ foretells signs of his coming, and then states the object of those sighs, that the church may know when the event is near, even at the doors, is sufficient proof that it is the will of Heaven that the church should understand the period of the second advent. Our Lord says (Luke 21:28), "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." The signs began to come to pass with the dark day of 1780. Then it could be said that redemption draweth nigh, and from that time the humble follower of Jesus might look up in expectation of witnessing his glorious appearing. But (verse 31) when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand."

The signs in the sun, moon, and stars are all that were given to base faith upon. All the other events mentioned in connection with these, have their fulfillment after the faith of God's people is perfected, and  the doom of all sinners is fixed; therefore their cannot be embraced in the phrase, "all these things," of Matt. 24:33. The three signs having come to pass, we may now learn the parable of the fig-tree, and know that Christ's coming is near, even at the doors. The phrase, "all these things," does not embrace the mourning of the tribes of the earth, and the sign of the Son of man. Neither does it embrace the shaking of the powers of the heavens; for that does not take place until the seven last plagues are poured out. But the faith of God's people is perfected, and the doom of all sinners is forever fixed, before the pouring out of the first plague. The parable of the fig tree was given to inspire faith in the minds of those who hear the reasons of Christ's soon coming. But it is most absurd to suppose that this parable is to be learned after it is said, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; . . . and he that is holy, let him be holy still." No! The phrase, "all these things," in verse 33, embraces the three great signs in the sun, moon, and stars, given to strengthen the faith of God's people while merciful warnings are being given to the world. Here, then, since the falling stars of 1833, the parable of the fig-tree has force, and we may know that Christ's coming is near, even at the doors, with all the certainty that we know that summer is, nigh when the trees put forth their tender buds and leaves. 

Ready or... Not.

 Almost the End.

(Excerpt)

EXPOSITION OF MATTHEW XXIV  24  (((Written in 1890 - remember when reading the excerpt 131 years have passed since it was written. History does matter.))))

"ALL THESE THINGS"

It is suggested that there are other things besides the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, which took place, according to this prophecy, and we are to look for "all these things" before we are to expect the coming of the Lord. If the reader will look carefully at the connection, he will see that following these signs five things are mentioned before the parable of the fig-tree is given: 

(1) The shaking of the powers in the heavens; (2) the appearing of the sign of the Son; of man; (3) the mourning of all the tribes of the earth (4) the coming of the Son of man in power and great glory; (5) sending his angels to gather his elect. 

Surely no one will contend that "all these things" shall take place before we have a right to expect the coming of the Lord as an event near at hand. We cannot say his coming is yet near in the future when he has come and gathered his saints to himself in glory. 

Thus it is seen that we have to draw a line between those things which are signs of his coming; and those things which take place at his coming. Where shall this line be drawn? We say between the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and the things which follow. All that follow the three signs are connected with the immediate coming of the Lord. We need notice only the first–the shaking of the powers of the heavens.

1. Paul teaches, in Hebrews 12, that as the voice of God once shook the earth, in the days of Moses, so once more will the voice of God shake both earth and heaven. Once more the voice of God from heaven will be heard, and heaven and earth will be shaken thereby.

2. In Revelation 6, following the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, it is said, "And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together;" and this is accompanied with an earthquake so great that every mountain and island are moved out of their places. Thus the heavens and the earth are shaken, and the people upon the earth call to the rocks and mountains to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb. They will understand at that time that the Lamb of God he who has been their intercessor–has taken vengeance into his hands, and no probation remains for the impenitent. Compare 2 Thess. 2:7-10.

2Th 2:7  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 

2Th 2:8  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 

2Th 2:9  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 

2Th 2:10  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 

2Th 2:11  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie

3. In Rev. 16:17-21 we learn that the voice of God is heard from heaven, and the consequent commotion of the elements takes place, under the seventh and last plague, "in which [the plagues] is filled up the wrath of God." Under this plague the battle of the great day is fought. Heaven's artillery is the great hail-storm.  Compare Ezekiel 13. Under the sixth plague the Saviour announces his coming as future, but very near.

4. Isaiah, in chapter 2 and also 13, prophesies of the same shaking, and the dismay of the inhabitants of the earth, who seek a hiding-place in the rocks for fear of the majesty of the Lord, locating it in "the day of the Lord."

5. Jeremiah, in chapter 25, locates the speaking of God from heaven at the time of the great battle, when all the kingdoms of the earth shall drink of the cup of God's fury, and fall and rise no more; when "evil shall go forth from nation to nation," because the Lord has a controversy with them, and he "will give all the wicked to the sword." The destruction of the wicked shall be so complete and universal that "they shall not be lamented, neither gathered,

nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground."

6. Joel also speaks of the time when the voice of God is heard from heaven, and says it is when the battle of the nations is come, when the sickle is put in because the harvest is ripe. Joel 3:9-16.

7. Jesus said, "The harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels;" and also that at the harvest the Son of man shall send forth his angels to separate the wheat from the tares. Matt. 13:37-43.

8. John also says that the harvest is reaped when the Son of man appears upon the great white cloud. Rev. 14:14-18. 

9. A message–a most solemn message–of warning is given before the Son of man appears upon the white cloud to reap the harvest of the earth, and the seven last plagues are poured out after this message and before the advent,–after the message, for the first plague is poured out upon the very ones denounced in the message (compare Rev. 14:9-12 and 16:1, 2): and before the advent, for under the sixth plague the Lord warns of his coming near, and the great battle is fought under the seventh, which is just at the period of his coming. Inasmuch as he comes in the glory of his Father, and all his holy angels with him, it is certain that there will be such glory and splendor as this world has never yet beheld. We believe the distant appearance Of this cloud, of this most resplendent glory, far, far, beyond the brightness of the sun, will be that "sign of the Son of man" which will cause all the tribes of the earth to mourn. They will have heard and rejected the evidence of his near coming. Then, when too late, they will realize their terrible mistake and hopeless condition. This will cause them to seek a hiding-place from the dazzling, and to them fearful, sight.

We do not here take time to fully develop the argument concerning the shaking of the powers of the heavens; but from this brief view we think it must appear conclusive to all that the shaking of the powers of the heavens is not a sign to prove to the waiting church that the Lord's coming draws near, but is an event which takes place in immediate connection with the Lord's appearing. It therefore follows that the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, are the only signs here given whereby we may feel the strongest assurance that his coming is near. And these are already fulfilled. Therefore now is the time to watch, for his coming is near indeed. We do not say there are no more prophecies to be fulfilled before the Lord comes. The warning of the angel of Rev.14:9-12 must do its work,–must lead the people of God to that

perfect obedience to "the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,"–to that preparation and consecration which will insure their being sealed with the seal of God in their foreheads, that they may be preserved from the evil to come, in the day of the Lord's anger,– in the pouring out of the plagues of his wrath. See Zeph. 2:1-3. The Son of man will be seen "coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." But before his coming a great work must be done for his people. Should he suddenly burst upon them now, they could not endure the "power and great glory" of the scene. This subject is well illustrated by the following words of the prophet: "Then shall, we know, if we follow on to know the Lord; his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." Hosea 6:3. The morning is a beautiful figure of the opening glory of the  day of God. The day-star first appears, then the dawn of day. And as the light of day increases, our eyes are enabled to endure it, and view the sun, shining in his strength. But should the light of the sun burst upon the world suddenly at midnight, no human eye could endure it. 

So will the people of God be prepared to meet their coming King. They must first break away from the love and cares of this world, and consecrate all to the Lord. Then will they, in due time, share the outpouring of the Holy Spirit "as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." The day-star will arise in their hearts. 2 Peter 1:19. Those who have taken heed to the sure word of prophecy through the dark, watching night, then raise their heads in triumph. They are filled with faith and with the Holy Spirit. Glory is poured upon them till they can gaze on Christ and angels. The trumpet sounds, the angels hasten to the graves of the righteous dead, and the voice of the Son of God awakes the sleeping saints of all ages. They come forth in immortal perfection; and, as they leave the earth, the living saints are changed. The "elect from one end of heaven to the other," with angels bright and strong to lead the way, are caught up to meet the Lord, who waits in mid heaven to receive the purchase of his blood. Language would fail to describe what follows; dear reader, we pray you to contemplate it, and may we be prepared to participate in this happy meeting.

(End Excerpt) 

Guidelines

 Signs-

History - 

May 19, 1780 Dark Day (Sun darkened, moon not give light)

From  10 A. M. of the 19th till the midnight following (Day dark and moon hid)

Nov. 13 1833 Stars Fall as never before and never since.

Prophecy-

Mat 24:29  Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken

History- 

The tribulations of those days- The great tribulation of Christians. From time the Christians fled Jerusalem they were persecuted. They received a bit of reprieve when Constantine ruled and accepted Christ- however, he furthered the corruption of Christianity mingling it further with pagan rites. The term Christianity was no longer that of true Christ followers. The true followers of Christ divorced themselves from the pagan Christ followers and the persecution continued. Any who dared question the powers that be of pagan founded Christianity were persecuted terribly. Finally after years and years of tribulation, the pagan founded Christianity finally was slowed down in its reign of terror. A reformation occurred and slowly many were freed from its tyranny. The tyranny stopped escalating and years passed - the process being very long, for the intense tribulation lasted many, many years. Then… the head of the tyrannical rule was losing power rapidly and just before the head received a deadly wound… prophecy was fulfilled…

Mat 24:29  Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken

This was fulfilled.  It took many, many, years for these prophecies to unfold. We aren't  always given set timelines, but guidelines. 

******* 

(Excerpt)

EXPOSITION OF MATTHEW XXIV  24  (((Written in 1890 - remember when reading the excerpt 131 years have passed since it was written. History does matter.))))

FULFILLMENT 

1. The sun shall be darkened." 

We have but little to say on this point–not that there is not much to say, but that so much has already been said. The dark day is a common phrase to denote the 19th of May, 1780. Not long since a few were living who saw it.  The writer well remembers that, in his boyhood, aged people made frequent mention of it in relating notable points in their experience. Four testimonies only we here give, from authorities of indisputable reliability. A publication of the American Tract Society, entitled, "Life of Edward Lee," says:–

"In the month of May, 1780, there was a very terrific dark day in New England, when 'all faces seemed to gather blackness,' and the people were filled with fear. There was great distress in the village where Edward Lee lived, 'men's hearts failed them for fear' that the judgment-day was at hand; and the neighbors all flocked around the holy man, for his lamp was trimmed, and shining brighter than ever, amidst the unnatural darkness. Happy and joyful in God, he pointed them to their only refuge from the wrath to come, and spent the gloomy hours in earnest prayer for the distressed multitude."–Tract No. 379 of American Tract Society–Life of Edward Lee. 

Had the author and publishers of this work intended to give a forcible illustration of the fulfillment of this prophecy, they could not better have chosen their language for that purpose. But they had no such intention–they had not this prophecy in view at all, which makes their testimony all the more emphatic as evidence on the question. Dr. Tenney, in 1785, in writing to the Historical Society concerning that day, says:–

"Although the uncommon darkness which attracted the attention of all ranks of people in this part of the country on the 19th of May, 1780, was a phenomenon which several gentlemen of considerable literary abilities have endeavored to solve, yet, I believe, you will agree with me that no satisfactory solution has yet appeared."

Herschel, the great astronomer, says:–

"The dark day in Northern America was one of those wonderful phenomena of nature which will always be read with interest, but which philosophy is at a loss to explain."

2. "And the moon shall not give her light." 

In New England, where the sun's darkening was most noted, the moon, though full, was totally obscured till midnight, when it came out with brilliancy. Here is the evidence that the darkness lasted fourteen hours–from  10 A. M. of the 19th till the midnight following. Many descriptions have been given of the intense darkness of the night. One said that if every luminous body had been struck out of existence, he could not imagine that the darkness could have been more intense. "Almost, if not altogether alone, as the most mysterious and, as yet unexplained phenomenon of its kind in nature's diversified range of events during the last century, stands the dark day of May 19, 1780, a most unaccountable darkening of the whole visible heavens and atmosphere in New England, which brought intense alarm and distress to multitudes of minds, as well as dismay to the brute creation, the fowls fleeing, bewildered, to their roosts, and the birds to their nests, and the cattle returning to their stalls. Indeed, thousands of the good people of that day became fully convinced that the end of all things terrestrial had come; many gave up, for the time, their secular pursuits, and betook themselves to religious devotions."–

Our First Century. It was startling, and overpowering, and even painful to the senses, because of its intensity. And learned men say it cannot be explained or accounted for. We think it admits of just one explanation,– the God of heaven–the Ruler of nature–hung out these signs in the heavens to teach the student of his word that the Son of God would soon make his second advent to this world. And we are thankful that the warning has not been in vain. The marked fulfillment of the prophecies has led thousands to look, to hope for,  and to rejoice in, the "blessed hope" of the coming of the dear Redeemer.

3. "And the stars shall fall from heaven." 

We may be permitted to notice this more particularly, as efforts have been made to show that no past fulfillment can meet the requirements of this part of the prophecy. We believe that it was fulfilled in the fall of 1833. Professor Olmstead, of Yale College, said that they who were so fortunate as to witness the falling stars on November 13, 1833, probably beheld the greatest display of celestial fire-works that has ever been since the creation of the world–certainly the greatest that has ever occurred within the time covered by the annals of history. It was more than a "shower," as it has been called. They began to fall as early as 11 o'clock, and increased until they truly resembled a showery but of many hours' continuance. We witnessed them in all their glory for nearly three hours, till they were obscured by the dawning day. And when the day dispelled the appearance, they were still falling as numerous as ever, as was proved by their being visible in the west when the advancing light of the sun rendered them invisible in the east. During their fall, the largest and brightest would leave a mark of light down the heavens like a mark of phosphorus on a wall in a dark room. When it became so light that the mass of them could no longer be seen, one would occasionally make its presence known by such a penciling of the sky. We here give an extract from an article written by Henry Dana Ward, in regard to the falling stars of November 13, 1833, published in the Journal of Commerce, November 15, 1833:– "At the cry, 'Look out of the window,' I sprang from a deep sleep, and with wonder saw the east lighted up with the dawn and meteors. The zenith, the north, and the west also, showed the falling stars, in the very image of one thing, and only one, I ever heard of. I called to my wife to behold; and while robing, she exclaimed, 'See how the stars fall!' I replied, 'That is the wonder!' and we felt in our hearts that it was a sign of the last days. For, truly, 'the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is  shaken of a mighty wind.' Rev. 6:13. This language of the prophet has always been received as metaphorical. Yesterday, it was literally fulfilled. The ancients understood by aster, in Greek, and stella, in Latin, the smaller lights of heaven. The refinement of modern astronomy has made the distinction between, stars of heaven and meteors of heaven. Therefore, the idea of the prophet, as it is expressed in the original Greek, was literally fulfilled in the phenomenon of yesterday. "And how did they fall?–Neither myself, nor one of the family, heard any report; and were I to hunt through nature for a simile, I could not find one so apt to illustrate the appearance of the heavens, as that which St. John uses in the prophecy before quoted. "The stars fell 'even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.' Here is the exactness of the prophet. "The falling stars did not come as if from several trees shaken, but from one; those which appeared in the east, fell toward the east; those which appeared in the north, fell toward the north; those which appeared in the west, fell toward the west; and those which appeared in the south (for I went out of my residence into the park), fell toward the south. And they fell not as the ripe fruit falls. Far from it; but they flew, they were cast, like the unripe fruit which at first refuses to leave the branch, and when, under a violent pressure it does break its hold, it flies swiftly, straight off, descending; and in the multitude falling, some cross the track of other, as they are thrown with more or less force; but each one falls on its own side of the tree. Such was the appearance of the above phenomenon to the inmates of my house." No description can give any conception of the grandeur and glory of the scene. As our memory recalls it, we feel that the power of God was manifest to make known to the student of prophecy that the coming of the Son of man is near. 

By comparing the testimony of the evangelists we find these signs still more definitely located. We have noticed that the greatest tribulation, or affliction, whichever befell the church of Christ was under the papal; Roman power. This power was symbolized by the "little horn" of Daniel 7, into whose hands the saints of the Most High were given for a thousand two hundred and threescore prophetic days–1260 years. This period commenced A. D. 538, and ended when the civil power fell from the hands of the Papacy by The imprisonment and exile of Pius VI., in 1798. For more evidence on this point see "Thoughts on the Revelation." The persecution began to wane under the German Reformation, and ended in the first half of the eighteenth century. To this the Saviour doubtless referred when he spoke of shortening the days of affliction for the elect's sake. The affliction ceased before the expiration of the days spoken of bar the prophet. 

And Mark says, "In those days, after that tribulation, the sun, shall be darkened." Mark 13:24. This was actually fulfilled, in that order. The days of the prophecy closed at the very close of the eighteenth century. The power was still in the hands of the Papacy, but unused; the affliction was passed; the long, dark night of persecution upon the church of Christ had come to an end; there was a respite "for the elect's sake," lest no flesh should be saved–lest the faithful witnesses for Jesus should be exterminated by the power and malice of the Inquisition. And in this time of respite, while yet the power lingered in the hands of the man of sin, the sun was "darkened–God's "signs in the heavens above" commenced their fulfillment. The darkening of the sun in 1780 was the greatest that ever was known, and it took place at the very time specified in the "sure word of prophecy."  (End excerpt)

Signs

 Who doesn't like a scavenger type hunt? Probably a lot of people. For the sake of this little tale, were going to assume everyone likes scavenger hunts, some more than others, but nonetheless- everyone. 

Your first clue tells you that when you hear the bell toll twelve you will see your first sign in the sun.  So what do you do, you try to figure out how the sun could be a sign and you realize the sun tells the time. So when the bell tolls you have to figure out what time it is and mark it down.  Your second clue tells you to take the answer to the first clue and quarter it, and find a corresponding locker with that answer, at the train station. You get the hint, and you know how these sorts of hunts work. Why all the talk of scavenger hunts?  You are given clues… and Christ has given us (clues) signs of His second coming. Signs, all leading to our REDEMPTION, our IMMORTALITY, our SAVATION in CHRIST!  How important is it for us to be aware that there are SIGNS, and to know which of the signs have come to pass already and which ones remain.  No, we don't have to run around town finding clues, we have to study the word of God which has all the answers when coupled with prayer and guidance by the Holy Spirit. 

Lord, please help us to learn of your signs, and be ready for Your return!

All through Your grace, your mercy, your love, your righteousness! In Your most holy name!  Amen!!!!!!!

(Excerpt)

EXPOSITION OF MATTHEW XXIV  24  (((Written in 1890 - remember when reading the excerpt 131 years have passed since it was written. History does matter.))))

SIGNS OF THE LORD'S COMING  

We have now come to the more direct answer to the question, 'What shall be the sign of thy coming?' This answer is given in verses 29-31: 'Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken; and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

This contains the most specific answer, though another class of signs has already been noticed, which are fulfilled in modern Spiritualism. The close connection of the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, to the coming of Christ and events related to it, show that here we have the answer to the question of the disciples. As we hold the advent of Christ to be a literal coming, so we hold that these signs are literal, according to the first and obvious meaning of the terms used.

1. There is no consistency in the view that they are figures or symbols. A teacher in a theological college in one of the Western States told us, when asked, of what they were symbols, that the sun meant the civil power of the Jews; the moon, the ecclesiastical power; and the stars, the great men of that nations This would make the Saviour say, in the year A. D. 29, under the reign of  Tiberius and, Pilate, that sometime in the future, or when Jerusalem was destroyed, in A. D. 70, the civil power of the Jews should be obscured or lost!. The absurdity of this declaration it is difficult to equal, for everyone must know that they had not even a vestige of civil power at that time to lose. They had not power to punish one whom their highest tribunal had judged worthy of death, and they acknowledged Cesar as their only king. 

2. It has been urged by those holding the Universalist view," that great signs were shown just before the capture and destruction of Jerusalem, and that these fulfilled this prophecy. Dr. Clarke mentions some in his notes on verses 6, 7. But so far from these being signs of his coming, or of the end, the Saviour distinctly says of them–"the end is not yet"–"these are the beginning of sorrows." 

The signs of verse 29 are closely related to his coming, and therefore here is found the answer to the question under consideration.

3. We are told by authors that certain signs and omens did take place before the destruction of Jerusalem. See Clarke's Commentary. And then they also claim that "the tribulation" of this chapter was the siege and destruction of Jerusalem. But that cannot be true, for the text says, "Immediately after the tribulation" these signs shall appear. It is supposed that the signs denoted the coming  destruction, or tribulation. But that is not the case. The signs are

after the tribulation, and denote the approach of another event. The theory which we are calling in question would make it appear that the signs of Christ's coming are given after his coming! But neither his coming nor that tribulation relate to the destruction of Jerusalem. The Scriptures are not so inconsistent as that view would make it appear. 

4. If it be indeed true that the signs of verse 29 are literal, that must decide the controversy; and that they are literal there is one point of proof which seems quite conclusive. In Luke 21:25 the same things are spoken of in the following manner: "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity." The signs in the sun, moon, and stars, are distinct from the things upon the earth,–they are not fulfilled among the nations of the earth. Here is a fact the conclusion of which is unavoidable. Compare Acts 2:19, 20.

Act 2:19  And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 

Act 2:20  The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come

 We will now notice the harmony of the literal view. 1. Paul said there should come a great apostasy before the coming of the Lord. Christ said the same in Matthew 24. 2. Paul said that at the coming of Christ the saints will be gathered together unto him. The Saviour said the same in Matthew 24. 3. Paul said that when the Lord comes, the holy angels will come with him. 2 Thessalonians 1. The Saviour said the same thing in Matthew 24, and in 16:27, and in 25:31.

Again, in speaking of the apostasy and its fruits, Paul said that a great antichristian power should arise, which should continue till the time of the Lord's coming. Daniel speaks of the same power, gives it the same characteristics of self-exaltation and blasphemy, says it shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and practice and prosper till the time comes that the saints possess the kingdom. The Saviour speaks of the same persecution,–the great tribulation upon "the elect,"–and says that the saints will possess the kingdom when he comes. Compare further Matt. 25:31, 34 and 1 Cor. 15:49-53.

Mat 25:31  When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory

Mat 25:34  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world

1Co 15:49  And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 

1Co 15:50  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 

1Co 15:51  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 

1Co 15:52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 

1Co 15:53  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 

 The saints were not called to "inherit the kingdom" at the destruction of Jerusalem; "all nations" were not gathered at that time to have judgment passed upon them. 

The signs in the heavens came after the tribulation. The greatest tribulation the saints of Christ ever suffered, was under the Roman power. It was severe under Pagan Rome, but far more terrible and destructive, as it was of longer continuance, under Papal Rome. Under the influence of the German Reformation in the sixteenth century, this tribulation began to wane. It ceased early in the eighteenth century. In the latter part of the eighteenth and early

part of the nineteenth century, the signs in the heavens were fulfilled. They are not signs of the tribulation, nor is the tribulation connected with the coming of Christ. They are signs of his coming, and they stand between the tribulation and his coming. His coming is now near, for these signs are fulfilled.

(End Excerpt)

Meet Him In the Air!

 A brilliant flash of light all but blinding everyone in the world, all at the same time, how is this possible! We have time zones, we have a circular world making it impossible for us all to see the same thing at the same time unless it's electronically broadcast and everyone around the world stays awake to witness the event. The laws of physics tells us a lot of things are impossible. 

When our Lord returns every eye shall see Him.

Rev 1:7  Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen

Did it say all at the same time? The truth of the matter is, we don't how Christ's coming will be in all actuality. We have a lot of information on it though, a lot! Here, read some of that information.

2Th 2:8  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of HIS COMING: 

2Th 2:9  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 

2Th 2:10  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 

2Th 2:11  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 

2Th 2:12  That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness

Rev 14:14  And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 

Rev 14:15  And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 

Rev 14:16  And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

Dan 7:13  I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 

Dan 7:14  And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Mat 24:30  And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 

Mat 24:31  And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 

Mat 26:64  Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 

Luk 21:27  And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 

Act 1:9  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 

Act 1:10  And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 

Act 1:11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

1Th 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 

1Th 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 

And there are more! 

What a blessed time that will be! Words truly cannot express the awesome wonder of our Savior's return!

History, YES HISTORICAL FACTS have proven beyond a doubt that Jesus will return! You can laugh and call me delusional, but I hope you won't. I hope you'll study the book of Daniel and Revelation - along with history.  I hope you'll realize that hundreds of years before prophecy was fulfilled it was predicted and came to pass- if some of it came to pass, the rest of it WILL come to pass beyond any shadow of a doubt! It will! May the scales be removed from all our eyes so we are ready for our Lord when He returns. May the truth be visible to us all, and may we live in the truth of our Savior's righteousness, His forgiveness, His grace and mercy!

(Excerpt)

EXPOSITION OF MATTHEW XXIV  24  (((Written in 1890 - remember when reading the excerpt 131 years have passed since it was written. History does matter.))))

THE ADVENT WILL BE LITERAL

The advent of the Lord will be literal and personal. It is literal in distinction from a supposed figurative or representative coming, either at Jerusalem's overthrow or at any other time. It is personal in distinction from any supposed spiritual, secret, or intangible coming, for which many now contend.

1. Analogy calls for a literal, personal coming. His first coming was literal. It is claimed, and with much show of reason, too, that his first coming had mostly to do with the spiritual condition of men. Yet his coming was literal and physical. His second coming will have mostly to do with the physical condition of men. Why, then, shall not his second coming

be also literal–in the flesh? No repentance or pardon is offered at his second coming. It will be for "the redemption of our body;" the resurrection and translation of the saints, and the overthrow of his enemies. We say further:–

2. The resurrection of the dead will take place at his coming. That is not spiritual it is literal. Many now attempt to spiritualize the resurrection, but we can see neither reason nor propriety in the effort. (1) Jesus said that he was the resurrection, and proved the truth of his assertion, and showed the nature of the resurrection, by immediately calling Lazarus from the grave. (2) When Jesus himself was resurrected, he left the tomb vacant where he had lain, and the angel who said he was risen invited the disciples to examine the place where he lay, to be thus assured that he was not there but had risen. (3) They who deny the bodily resurrection assert that the resurrection means the rising of the spirit out of the body at death, which cannot be true, for Jesus was raised the third day after death. It did not take his spirit three days to leave his body after he died! (4) When Jesus referred to own resurrection under the figure of raising the temple, "he spake of the temple of his body." John 2:19-21. (5) After his resurrection he showed them is hands and his feet to identify himself to them, and invited them to handle him,–to examine the wounds in his hands and his side. What more could be done to prove his

bodily identity, and the physical nature of the resurrection? But his resurrection is the surety–he is the first-fruit–of the resurrection of them that are his. As was his resurrection, so will be theirs. At that day "this mortal shall put on immortality." We leave it with the spiritualizers whether that is spoken of the spirit or the body.

3. The Scripture expressions demand a personal coming. (1) Jesus said he came down from heaven, was going back to his Father, and would come again. If his coming and returning were literal, so will be his coming again. (2) The angel said when he ascended on high, and a cloud received him out of their sight, "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:11. We cannot imagine how anything but a bold perversion of language, or a peremptory denial of it, can make of this other than an actual, real, and bodily coming. (3) Paul said, speaking of his

coming, "The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God." 1 Thess. 4:16. This was not fulfilled by Titus, nor yet even by the Lord himself; but it will be.

4. Paul said, "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." Col. 3:4. The saints were not glorified at the destruction of Jerusalem. Peter said, "And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." 1 Peter 5:4. No saint received a crown of glory at the destruction of Jerusalem, for the Chief Shepherd did not then appear. Jesus said, speaking by his servant John, nearly thirty years after the destruction of Jerusalem, Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Rev. 22:12. This agrees with his words in Luke 14:14, that recompense shall be given at the resurrection of the just, which, as has been

shown, takes place when the Lord comes.

5. Taking the negative, we inquire if the coming of the Lord, with all its attendant glory, the resurrection and translation of the saints, the gathering of the saints unto the Lord himself, the

bestowing of fadeless crowns of glory to the faithful,–if all this took place at the destruction of Jerusalem, what have we to hope for in the future? All the promises of redemption, glory, and immortality, cluster around the coming of the Lord. If that is already past, what is our hope? It is not difficult to show that they who have no part in the second coming of Christ have no part in his glory, no crown of life, no recompense of reward. Giving that away, they rob themselves of all

(End Excerpt)

Our Lord's Return.

 Imagine the day of our Lord's return has arrived. Do you imagine that you are prepared and ready for that day, or is it a day that will take you by surprise? Even though we don't know the day or hour of Christ's return, we are told to watch and pray so we aren't taken unaware. 

Luk_21:34  And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

Please note very closely… we aren't just talking about blatant sinning in the excess of just about anything- alcohol, drugs, food, sex, exercise, and so on and so forth. Yes, I said exercise because anything sport, hobby, work, whatever it is- if you do it without God being first in your life, if you so anything to the exclusion of God, it is sin.  I digress, I wanted to say that the verse we just read mentions surfeiting- overeating, drunkenness, and CARES OF THIS LIFE. Stop patting yourself on the back for being good by not abusing life (most things NOT ALL, but most things like eating, drinking, etc are good in MODERATION). Stop priding yourself in being upstanding, upright, wholesome and well versed in Scripture if the CARES OF THIS LIFE are giving you a wallop on a daily basis.  The CARES OF THIS LIFE will keep our minds OFF watching and praying for our Savior is we let them. They are sneaky, and time consuming, they fill our thoughts with confusion, they lead us to despairing, they bring depression upon us- they TAKE our minds off CHRIST where it belongs. 

So imagine the day of our Lord's return is here. In that day is your heart swelling with joy or are you taken off guard?

Come, Lord Jesus, come!  

Bless us with peace and grace, YOUR peace and grace, Lord. Let the Holy Spirit be our Comforter that You send to us so that we can be prepared for Your return. Please, find us waiting and watching, not caught up in our temporary earthly life.  

All through the love and mercy, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and His righteousness, now and forever! Amen!!!!!!!

(Excerpt)

EXPOSITION OF MATTHEW XXIV  24  (((Written in 1890 - remember when reading the excerpt 131 years have passed since it was written. History does matter.))))

THE DAYS OF TRIBULATION SHORTENED ))(Note- this is a continuation from an excerpt posted the day before, for more context refer back to that please))))

VERSE 22: "And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved; but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened."

The Papacy was clothed with civil power to punish heretics for 1260 years; and had not the period of tribulation of the elect in the providence of God been shortened, the martyrdom of the church would have continued to 1798, in which event, according to the Scriptures, no flesh of the elect would have been saved. But the reformation under Martin Luther and those associated with this great reformer, modified this tribulation, and continued to restrain the rage and consume the power of the Papacy until 1773, when the suppression of the Jesuits put an end to the tribulation. In this prophetic discourse of our Lord, we are brought down into the eighteenth century, very near the present time. We should naturally expect, then, that the instructions and warnings of the next verses would be applicable to this generation.

LO, HERE AND LO, THERE

After speaking of the great tribulation, the Saviour said: "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth; behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Verses 23-27. This is a very important and much-abused part of this great  prophecy. Its connection and obvious intention are generally quite disregarded; when it is used, it mostly so applied as to teach the opposite of the idea presented by the Saviour. Because of the importance of its testimony on the question under consideration, we feel warranted in noticing it at some length.

1. When offering proof from the Bible that "the coming of the Lord draweth nigh," we are often met with the remark that "we are commanded not to folIow the lo here's and lo there's." That this is a perversion of the Scriptures is easily shown. The only text in the Bible from which it is professedly drawn is that above quoted; and the only caution given in the text is against those who say, Here is Christ." But Seventh-day Adventists never say so. To argue in favor of his future coming is to argue that he is not here–that he has not yet come. Therefore the caution is not against us or against our doctrine.

2. They who deny our position, and contend for a figurative or spiritual coming of the Son of man, are the very ones against whom the warning is spoken. Some say the Lord came in A. D. 70, at the overthrow of Jerusalem. Then in that day they could in truth say, "Lo, here is Christ." But our Saviour said, Believe it not;" and we obey his word,–we do not believe it. And some say his coming is at the death of a saint,–that the coming of Christ to each one is at his death. Even learned ministers say so. If that be so, his coming is not a public event, but is literally "in the secret chambers." To this also the Saviour says, "Believe it not." And again we heed his word,–we do not believe it. We hope that they who contend for such forced and unnatural constructions of the Saviour's language do not intentionally make nonsense of his words, but that such a construction is nonsensical it is easy to show. When the Lord said of John, "If I will that he tarry [literally, abide or remain] till I come, what is that to thee?" the disciples thought that John should remain till he came, and therefore thought he would not die. That is to say, that so far from the coming of Christ meaning the death of his servants, they who remain till his coming will not die at all: For further proof of this, see John 24-26; 1 Cor. 15:51, 52; 1 Thess. 4:15-17. 

(((Joh 5:24  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 

Joh 5:25  Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 

Joh 5:26  For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself

1Co 15:51  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 

1Co 15:52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 

1Th 4:15  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 

1Th 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 

1Th 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord))))

But if it were so that John should live till Christ's coming, and if it were also true that Christ's coming would be when John died, then the language of the Lord, correctly interpreted, would read, "If I will that he live till he die, what is that to thee?" Sure enough, what is that to anybody, even to John himself ? We wish that a view of its absurdity would lead those who teach thus to correct their theology and confess their error.

3. Adventists, or literalists, are the only ones who cannot be deceived by false christs. They who take the Scriptures literally, who believe the coming of Christ is a literal, personal, visible coming; that it is yet future; that it will be with wondrous power and glory, such as to strike his enemies with awful dread; that "all kindreds of the earth will wail because of him," when every eye shall see him; "that at his coming the graves will be opened and the dead will be raised; that the living saints will be changed to immortality, and all be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air,–they, we say, who believe these things cannot be deceived by false christs and by counterfeit comings, because they cannot counterfeit these events, while they who spiritualize his coming, or make it mean anything whatever but a person visible coming, are open to the deceptions against which the Saviour warns us. 

4. The fact or event against which the Saviour wants us is fulfilled by those who spiritualize the coming of Christ, who say he is here, coming at death or in any other event past or present. But most notably is it fulfilled in these last days by Spiritualists, who assign the name or title of Christ to a class, and deny that it specially belongs to an individual, or to Jesus of Nazareth. We have conversed with those who professed to be christs, and they actually "show great signs and wonders." Multitudes are deceived by them. Christ said that if possible they would deceive the very elect. Many who consider themselves of the elect–who profess to love the Lord and to believe the Scriptures–are deceived by them, because they have imbibed the erroneous views of the nature of the second coming of Christ, and of the nature of man, and of the true source of immortality. 

5. As has been noticed, they who say the coming of Christ was at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem, assert that his coming was figurative–he came in judgment to the Jews. The judgment was inflicted by Titus and the Roman army; therefore Titus and that army represented Christ in his coming. To suit such a supposed fact we will read the caution given by our Saviour: "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Roman army, believe it not,–go not forth. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth unto the west, so shall the coming of the Roman army be." But we insist that the Roman army never came to Jerusalem in any such manner. Yet in such manner will the coming of the Son of man be.

For he shall come in power and great glory (Matt. 24:30); he shall come in the glory of his Father (chapter 16:27), and in the glory of the holy angels (Luke 9:26); all the holy angels shall come with him (Matt. 25:31). His coming will be as glorious and resplendent as the lightning. When Jesus revealed himself to Saul of Tarsus, there was a light above the brightness of the sun (Acts 26:13); of the angel who appeared at the tomb after the resurrection of Jesus it is said, "His countenance was like lightning" (Matt. 28:3); and Ezekiel says of the messengers of the Most High, they "ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning" (Eze. 1:14).

When Jesus comes in the glory of his Father, with such a glorious train attendant, his coming will indeed be as the lightning coming out of the east and shining to the west, and no one will have more occasion or opportunity to say to his fellow, "See here," than one would to call another to behold a flash of lightning coursing through the heavens. What a pity that men will so mystify the truth of God as to denude this precious doctrine of all the glory with which the Scriptures have invested it.   (End excerpt)

A Bit of History.

 Today, a short history lesson. 

Are you a Christian- one who follows the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God?

Are you a Protestant Christian?  As I was growing up I knew that Protestants were not Catholics, and that was that.  When I was growing up we hadn't really heard of Islam, or Buddhism, or the many other religions out there. In my little world there were three religions really- Protestants, Catholics, and Jews. 

What makes a Protestant, a Protestant? This is where the short history lesson comes in. 

Encarta Dictionary states-

1. Member of church rejecting papal authority-

A member or adherent of any denomination of the Western Christian church that rejects papal authority and some fundamental Roman Catholic doctrines, and believes in justification by faith. The formulation of Protestants' beliefs began with the Reformation in the 16th century.

Rejecting papal authority.  Protestants were against Catholics. I didn't say they hated them, I'm saying they were against them- against their beliefs, against papal authority.

I am a Protestant, I am against papal authority, and a lot of the fundamental Roman Catholic beliefs. As such, I'm not alone. Every single Protestant that takes that stance in being Protestant, is against papal authority. 

Now, we say that it's not the same any longer, it's not like it used to be in the days of the Reformation when Papal Rome was horrific- killing those they deemed heretics (those who were against the Catholic church beliefs). Times change, the Catholics have changed and so on and so forth. It's true, times changed, at one point a pope of the Catholic church was dethroned and imprisoned. It wasn't until 1929 that the Catholic church regained a bit more power- but nothing like the tremendous power it had before. 

'Upon ratification of the Lateran Treaty, the papacy recognized the state of Italy, with Rome as its capital. Italy in return recognized papal sovereignty over the Vatican City, a minute territory of 44 hectares (109 acres), and secured full independence for the pope.'

From <https://www.google.com/search?q=lateran+treaty+significance&rlz=1C1AVFC_enUS845US845&oq=latean+treaty&aqs=chrome.5.69i57j0i13l8j0i22i30.14986j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8> 

This does not negate the history of the Catholic church, it just doesn't. Nothing erases history, it is factual. You say time can alter views of history and that's true, but it still can't change it. We live in a world filled with information of the past- in books, letters and so on, all transferred to the digital age. The history that led many to revolt against the Catholic church- Protesting, seeking reform is a very real thing and the reasons were real, valid reasons. Many men and women and even children died for those reasons. There are a lot of historians and Bible scholars- intellectually great men- that separate from each other, came to the conclusion that Papal Rome was evil.

How dare I say that? IT'S HISTORY! I didn't make it up! I'm no Biblical scholar. I'm not well versed in Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic etc. I'm not an historian! But many, and I mean MANY, who have been all arrived at this conclusion, and in my studies of their works and my personal study of the Bible, I can see most decidedly how they came to their conclusions.

I DO NOT HATE ANYONE, by the grace of God!

But I will not bow down to a society that tells me I must ACCEPT beliefs that are contrary to God's word! I can love ALL, without accepting their beliefs!  Jesus loved all, but He did not love the beliefs of all! He called His own people vipers. I do NOT have to ACCEPT any belief that I personally believe is contrary to the word of our Lord and Savior. I DO NOT ACCEPT the beliefs of the society I live in, but my Lord tells me to love all, and by Him, through Him, I will. My being loving towards someone, does not mean I accept their beliefs. If asked to take a stand for the beliefs I don't believe in, by the people I love- in order for them to love me- I can't, I won't by the grace of God. Their asking me to accept their beliefs by denying my own beliefs is an act not of love- if it's a forced acceptance they're making in order for them to love me. They can decide not to love me because of my non-acceptance, that is their choice and we all have to make choices. 

Because of the excerpts we are studying right now, I just felt compelled to have this little history bit. I did not create Protestantism, I am a Christ follower who is of the Protestant persuasion. I have no particular name for the way I believe- it leans towards Seventh-day Adventism, but the corporate church of Seventh-day Adventists has apostatized from their original beliefs so I no longer am a member of that religious organization. 

I am a Christ follower, a truth follower, a follower of The Way of Christ and the truth He has allowed me see.

All through His amazing love! All by His mercy and grace! Now and forever, Amen!

*******

THE GREAT TRIBULATION

VERSE 21: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not, since the beginning of the world to this tune, no, nor ever shall be." 

It is contended that the greatest tribulation that ever befell the Jews was in the siege and destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. Against this we interpose two objections:–

I. It is by no means clear that the overthrow of Jerusalem by the Romans was the greatest tribulation the Jews ever suffered. All the scenes of horror described by historians, as occurring at that time, are by the inspired records ascribed also to the conquest of the Babylonians. See the Lamentations of Jeremiah, especially chap. 4:10: "The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children; they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people." Also, Daniel 9:11-13: "The curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us; by bringing upon us a great evil; for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us."

2. At the coming of Christ, as noted in Matthew 24, the elect of God, the saints of Christ, will be gathered "from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." Verse 31. This cannot be referred to the destruction of Jerusalem. Nothing occurred at that time to which it will possibly apply. Paul, speaking of the coming of Christ, mentions the same fact, as follows: "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him." 2 Thess. 2:1. How did the Lord come to Jerusalem at the time of its  overthrow? We are answered, "It was a figurative coming." If it was not literal and actual, what was the nature of the figure used? It is said that he visited the Jews in judgment; that Titus, or the Roman army, really executed the judgment upon the doomed city. Then the coming of Titus, or of the Roman army, is represented as the coming of Christ? Was it a fact, then, that the saints of God, the followers of Christ, from the four winds, were gathered together unto Titus, in that day? This must have been so if the coming of Titus represented the coming of Christ, or if Christ came figuratively in the person of Titus. It is as sure as the Scriptures are true that the saints will be gathered unto Christ in the day of his coming; which

did not occur, even in a figure, at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem; for the saints, instead of being gathered unto Christ, or to any person or thing which came to Jerusalem as his representative; were scattered from the city, fleeing from the presence of that which represented Christ! So absurd is that theory.  The fact of Christ's coming, and the gathering of the saints at that time, being stated alike in Matthew 24 and 2 Thessalonians 2, proves that these chapters refer to the same time and event. We therefore in this connection notice a circumstance mentioned by Paul, as one to take place before the Lord comes. And to this point we call the special attention of all who deny the literal advent of our Lord. Paul cautions his brethren not to look for the coming of Christ until the man of sin is revealed. Who, or what, is that man of sin? Paul wrote this about eighteen years before Jerusalem was overthrown. What arose within these eighteen years which filled the outline of this prophecy?–Nothing at all. The, old and well-accepted view of the reformers Protestants–that this man of sin is the "supreme pontiff" of Rome, is every way reasonable, and to produce a harmony of the prophetic scriptures, is unavoidable. Notice these point:–

(I.) Paul wrote only eighteen years before the overthrow of Jerusalem, but he looked forward to the future for the revealing of the man of sin. The elements were then already operating, but hindering causes had to be removed. Consequently, as he said, the coming of the Lord was not "impending" in his day. 

(2) It was not merely a sinful man to be revealed, there were many such then; "that man of sin"–who legalizes and enforces sin, not merely one who breaks law, but one who overrides and breaks down law–such has been the character of the Roman pontiff. Many readers will remember his indictment on this point by Alexander Campbell, in his debate with Bishop Purcell.

(3) Exalting himself above God. This he has done, not, merely by assuming the prerogatives of but by legislating on the law of God, which can be done only by a superior, in fact or assumed. 

(4) Claiming to be God. See the titles which have been given to, and assumed by, the pope; and most recently, the assumption of infallibility. 

These, and other specifications of prophecy, have been fulfilled by the popes of Rome, and by no other. And we shall find that the proofs grow even stronger and clearer as we proceed. The "great tribulation" mentioned in verse 21 is that of the church of Christ, and not the tribulation of the Jews at the destruction of Jerusalem. We offer the following reasons:–

I. It is a fact that the tribulation of the Christian Church, especially under the reign of the Papacy, was greater than God's people had suffered before "since the beginning of the world." The tribulation of the Christian church has been greater than it will ever be again. True, a time of trouble "such as never was," spoken of in Dan. 12:1, is coming upon the wicked; but we find in the same verse this blessed promise, "And at that time thy people shall be delivered." The tribulation of the Jews at the destruction of Jerusalem was not greater than the world will ever witness. The vials of Jehovah's unmingled wrath are yet to be poured out, not upon the people of one nation only, but upon the guilty inhabitants of all nations. "The slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; they shall

not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried." Jer. 25:33.

2. If this tribulation be applied to the Jews, or to any other class of unbelieving men, it cannot be harmonized with Dan. 12:1, which speaks of the time of trouble such as never was, when Michael shall stand up. Certainly there cannot be two times of trouble at different periods, greater than ever was or ever would be. Therefore the "tribulation" spoken of in Matt. 24:21, 29, applies to the church of Christ, extending down through the 1260 years of papal persecution; and the "trouble" mentioned in Dan. 12:1, to the unbelieving world, to be experienced by them in the future. 

3. The period of tribulation was shortened for the elect's sake. This cannot refer to the Jews, for their house had been pronounced desolate. They were left of God in their hardness of heart and blindness of mind: Says Paul, "Lo, we turn to the Gentiles." The elect were the followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. And where were they when tribulation was upon the Jews?–They had fled to the mountains. It is absurd, then, to say that the days of tribulation of the Jews in the city of Jerusalem, were shortened for the sake of the elect, who had fled from the place of tribulation.

4. The connection between verses 20 and 21 shows that the tribulation was to commence with those Christians who were to flee out of the city. "But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath-day; for then shall be great tribulation." Our Lord here speaks of the tribulation which his people would suffer from the time of their flight onward. We follow them in their flight to the mountains, and then pass along down through the noted persecutions of the church of God under Pagan Rome, and we see, indeed, tribulation. And when we come to the period of papal persecution, we see them suffering the most cruel tortures and dying the most dreadful deaths that men could inflict. This last period is especially noted in prophecy.

5. The prophet Daniel saw the Papacy, its blasphemy, its arrogance, its work of death on the saints, and its duration as a persecuting power, under the symbol of the little horn. "And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time." Chap. 7:25. It is generally admitted that "a time and times and the dividing of time'" is 1260 years. Commencing A. D. 538, the 1260 years reached to A. D. 1798, when Berthier, a French general, entered Rome in triumph. The pope was taken prisoner, and died in exile. 

Note that time the Papacy has had no power to wear out the saints of the Most High. Here ended the days of the tribulation spoken of by our Lord. (End Excerpt)

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