p. 102 | PERILOUS TIMES by I. D. VANHORN.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 21, 1869

PERILOUS TIMES.

By I. D. VANHORN.

The second coming of Christ, and the closing scenes of this mortal state, are quite often referred to in the New Testament, and in nearly every instance the language conveys the idea that it will be a time of peril to the people of God. The Saviour, referring to this time, says: “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.” Matt. xxiv, 24. Paul and Peter support this saying of Christ in a very definite manner. See 2 Thess. ii, 9–12; 1 Tim. iv, 1; 2 Tim. iii, 1; 2 Pet. iii, 3.

It may be thought by some that the last days will be perilous to the people of God, because of the open persecution they will receive. Now I have no doubt that the remnant church will receive open persecution; Rev. xii, 17; but I do not think this is the sense in which the last days are represented to us as being perilous. The reason I give is this: That persecution has always driven the sufferer (if he be a true child of God) nearer the Lord. I am inclined to believe that the greatest peril we will have to encounter will be the almost irresistible influence that Satan will throw about us, to darken our understanding, and cause us to lightly esteem the word of God. This is fully sustained by the passages of Scripture cited above.

Paul, in 2 Tim. iii, 1–5, gives us a picture of the last days, that is awful to contemplate. He speaks of eighteen sins being committed by those “having a form of godliness,”—professors of religion. What a fearful deception they must be under! It is a fact, apparent to all close observers who have a sincere regard for the obligation of the moral law of God, that the tendency of a large class of the people of our time, is to reject the claims of this law, wholly or in part. If they do not do this, they esteem it of so little consequence as to not be very particular in its observance. It is also apparent that ministers do not enforce its claims with as much zeal as in former years. The result of all this is telling with fearful effect upon the morals of the world. But the worst feature of all is, to see the church descend from her exalted position, mingle with the world, and unite in its vanities and sins.

That Paul refers to professors of religion in the above quotation, there can be no doubt. Let us therefore examine the picture and see how it will compare with a true Christian life. He says, “Men shall be lovers of their own selves;” but the child of God should obey the command, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Matt. xxii, 39. “Covetous;” but it is said, “Thou shalt not covet.” Ex. xx, 17. “Boasters;” but we are taught to “let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Phil. ii, 3. “Proud;” but it is said, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Jas. iv, 6. “Blasphemers;” but the law says, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” Ex. xx, 7. “Disobedient to parents;” but again the law says, “Honor thy father and thy mother.” Ex. xx, 12. There probably never was a time when this commandment was so lightly regarded as now. It is not uncommon for children to rule their parents, even at a very tender age. “Unthankful;” but it is said, we should “in every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thess. v, 18. “Unholy;” but the child of God is to “follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Heb. xii, 14. “Without natural affection;” but we are exhorted to “be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.” Rom. xii, 10. “Truce-breakers,” that is, covenant or bargain breakers; but we read, “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor.” Eph. iv, 25. “False accusers;” but it is written, “Speak not evil one of another, brethren.” Jas. iv, 11. “Incontinent,” or without self control. The Scripture says, “Them that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Gal. v, 24. “Fierce;” but “the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men.” 2 Tim. ii, 24. “Despisers of those that are good.” We are cautioned to “beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which was spoken of in the prophets; behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish,” &c. Acts xiii, 40. “Traitors.” These are rebels against the government of God,—violators of his law. But James says, “If ye fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well . . . so speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.” Chap. ii, 8, 12. “Heady;” that is, they are rash, not having a zeal according to knowledge. Rom. x, 2, 3. “High-minded.” This is the same as to be self-conceited. But Paul says, “Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” Rom. xii, 16. “Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.” This is contrary to the great commandment, which says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matt. xxii, 37.

If Paul, in this place, had been describing some demon, or very wicked man, it might seem more probable; but, to apply it, as he does, to those “having a form of godliness,” it shows a distressing state of things indeed. Here is a class of persons, in the last days, under a fearful deception. Satan controls them, even while they profess to be servants of God. His power to darken the mind, to make the understanding dull of perception, and to lead into sin, is more than man in his own strength can resist. Here is our great danger. God, through Christ, is our only refuge. Let us flee to him, he will shield us from the coming storm.

“Oh! watch and fight and pray, The battle ne’er give o’er; Renew it boldly every day, And help divine implore.”

I. D. VANHORN.