p. 4 | The Time Prophecy Pointing to Both the First and the Second Advent of Christ

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 11, 1915

The Time Prophecy Pointing to Both the First and the Second Advent of Christ

In addition to the significance which attaches to the period of 2300 days of Dan. 8:14, considered as an undivided whole, it is important to note the application of the two portions of this long period as it is divided in the book of Daniel.

When Christ, after his baptism, entered upon his public ministry, we find him making this announcement:—

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.” Mark 1:15.

The time to which reference is here made is the period of 69 weeks, or 483 years, mentioned in Dan. 9:25, which was to cover the time from the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem until the anointing of the Messiah, or the baptism of Christ; but this is the first great division of the 2300 days, or years. To this prophecy Christ himself appealed for proof that the time had come for the manifestation of the kingdom of God in his own person; and, indeed, all the Jews interpreted this prophecy as indicating the time of the first advent, and they were, therefore, in a state of expectancy when John the Baptist made his announcement of the Coming One. Thus Daniel’s statement concerning this first portion of the 2300-year period became the fundamental prophecy which justified the message of the first advent of Christ.

But the 2300-year period expired in A. D. 1844, which marked the beginning of the judgment hour and the near approach of the second advent. Thus we have this longest prophetic period in the Bible divided into two parts in Daniel’s prophecy. Upon the first portion—the 69 weeks, or 483 years—special emphasis was placed in determining the time of the first advent, and the genuineness of the message which announced it. Upon the second portion of this period (mentioned by Daniel in three different parts), special emphasis should be placed in connection with the fulfillment of the whole period in determining the time of the second advent and the genuineness of the message announcing it.

In these significant facts we have another evidence of the great importance of time prophecy, and of the practical benefits which accrue from a careful study of the revealed times and seasons.