Editorial by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Apr 21, 1904

Editorial

By Editor

Encouraging Signs

THOSE whose faith in the near coming of the Lord rests upon the sure word of prophecy will find reason for encouragement in circumstances and experiences which, when interpreted by human reason, would seem most unfavorable. The very fact that there are scoffers who say, “Where is the promise of his coming?” is a sign of the last days. The apparent triumph of Satan, when he works “with all power and signs and lying wonders,” marks the time for the revelation of the Son of man “with power and great glory.” The increase of formality in religion with a decrease of overcoming power is not in itself an encouraging omen, but it is a sign of the last days. The acceptance of the sophistries of Satan in place of the pure truth of the Word of God is not in itself a cause of rejoicing, but it indicates that the close of the great controversy is at hand. The fact that iniquity abounds and the love of many is waxing cold may cause much sorrow of heart, but the Saviour foretold this as a condition of things which would exist just before his return. When the definite signs have appeared “in sun and moon and stars,” when the nations are in distress, and men are fainting for fear, “and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world,” then is just the time that believers are to look up, and lift up their heads, because their redemption draweth nigh. When the decree has gone forth that “as many as should not worship the image of the beast should be killed,” and the faithful are “brought into close combat with the beast and his image,” then the Lord will be glorified in the complete deliverance of his trusting children. It is therefore plain that when we look at the present condition and tendency of events in the world in the light of God’s Word, we can see reason for hope and courage, not because there is any indication that the world is growing better, but because all the specifications of prophecy are being fully met by which we may know that “he is nigh, even at the doors.”

“The signs that show his coming near Are fast fulfilling year by year, And soon we'll hail the glorious dawn Of heav'n's eternal morn.”

“The Throne of Grace”

HEAVEN is a real place. The throne of God is there. Jesus the Son of man is there in his glorified flesh. Unnumbered angels are there, “mighty in strength, . . . hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Enoch and Elijah are there. Some of the trophies of the cross, who were raised from the dead at the resurrection of Christ, are there. There is “the temple of God that is in heaven,” and there our High Priest intercedes in our behalf. “Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest that can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help us in time of need.” We are invited to a definite throne of grace, in a definite place, with the assurance that we have “a great high priest” who has gone “to appear before the face of God for us.” And we are invited to this throne of grace for a definite purpose, “That we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.” We need mercy and forgiveness. We need renewed grace day by day. We can not ourselves supply these needs, but we are invited to “the throne of grace,” there to receive freely our souls’ desire. “He shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” “Let us therefore draw near.”