THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.
By John White
“Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.”—Christ. The prophecies “came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”—Paul. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”—Paul. Thus we see that the Scriptures were all written for our learning, for the rule of our faith, and the guide of our life, and that it is our duty to study all of them. In them God has revealed to us his divine attributes, holiness, wisdom, justice, and goodness, and his great plan of grace through faith in his dear Son. In the Scriptures we see a perfect chain of events from the creation to the end of time, given by the holy prophets, our Saviour, and his inspired apostles, which has been spoken by them since the world began. Most of these events have been fulfilled, and have become matters of history. The prophecies of the Old Testament in regard to the first coming of our Saviour, his birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension, have been fulfilled to the letter, as recorded by the four evangelists, and attested by those who were eye witnesses. And the prophecies in regard to his personal second coming, are full as plain and sure as those of his first coming. Most all in regard to his second coming are already fulfilled. And those who study the prophecies, and observe the signs of the times, can but be sure that it is near, even at the doors. And as all Israel were in expectation at the first coming of Jesus, so all Christians now should be looking for, waiting for, and hastening unto, his second coming, and the great events which are to attend the same, as revealed in the word of God. What if those who have advocated this doctrine have made mistakes, have made great mistakes, in the time, and in every part of it? Put it at the worst. “Let God be true and every man a liar.” Still it stands in the inspired word of God, irrevocably decreed, and not one jot or tittle can fail till all is fulfilled. It is so plain that he that runs may read, and none need err therein. This doctrine was for all time, but especially for us upon whom the ends of time have come. It was taught by all the holy prophets, by our Saviour, and all the inspired apostles. Even as early as the days of the seventh from Adam was the doctrine of Christ’s second advent distinctly taught. “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints to execute judgment upon all.”—Jude. Peter, speaking of that great day for which all days were made, in which the heavens shall be on fire, and all things earthly shall be dissolved, says, “Be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace.” Shall not we heed the exhortation? May God help. This day is said to come upon all the world as a thief in the night. But the apostle says, “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief.” They were to know these things, were to be watching for, looking for, hasting to be ready for, and loving, his appearing, for then they would ever be with the Lord. Many seem to think this doctrine is not in the Bible, or that it has become obsolete, or it is an invention of men. Christ says, “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh shall he find faith on the earth? Is this not the case now? Is not faith very small and weak, especially in Christ’s coming? Do we not resemble the foolish virgins? and is not this a sign of the times? Oh! that I could write, that I could talk, I would give book, chapter, and verse, and show that this is a prominent doctrine of the Bible, and all important for us upon whom the ends of the world are come. Battle Creek, Feb. 22, 1869.