T. E. BOWEN by T. E. Bowen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 31, 1916

T. E. BOWEN

By T. E. Bowen

Nearing the End — No. 3

T. E. BOWEN

The prophet Daniel was given a view of world scenes taking place on the earth at the time when Jesus’ work as high priest closes in the sanctuary in heaven, and he clothes himself with kingly robes. Daniel wrote:—

“At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Dan. 12: 1.

The Last Recorded Event Among Nations Before Jesus Receives His Kingdom

The last event among nations preceding the standing up of Jesus and the beginning of this time of trouble, is the planting in the holy land of “the tabernacles” of the Turkish government, not the final overthrow of that government. The coming “to his end” is thrown in here to carry to its completion the history of the king of the north, but this does not take place until some time later, when, during the sixth plague, this territory is cleared, preparing the way for the kings of the east to join forces at Armageddon for the last titanic conflict of earth.

“It was impossible for the plagues to be poured out while Jesus officiated in the sanctuary; but as his work there is finished, and his intercession closes, there is nothing to stay the wrath of God, and it breaks with fury upon the shelterless head of the guilty sinner, who has slighted salvation and hated reproof.”—“Early Writings,” p. 280.

It is not until the next to the last plague that the territory of the Euphrates is cleared of the nation ruling it. Hence it is very plain that it would be a false reckoning to look for the end of the king of the north to take place before the standing up of Michael. Neither is one to conclude that the moving of his palaces into the Holy Land gives us the exact time of Jesus’ standing up to receive his kingdom. The next great event, it is true, is the standing up of Christ, but it may be some time after, no one knows; for it must be remembered that no one knows the exact time for this particular event. It is not to be revealed. This one event the Father keeps within his own power. (See Acts 1: 6, 7.) Hence no one can say that when Turkey’s seat of government is removed to the Holy Land, probation closes. The Scriptures give us no authority for saying this, but that this great event is at hand, and is the next to take place, the Scriptures do teach, and upon this we may firmly take our stand.

The Time of Trouble Comes upon the World Suddenly

That this time finally comes suddenly, the following quotations point out:—

“In the visions of the night a very impressive scene passed before me. I saw an immense ball of fire fall among some beautiful mansions, causing their instant destruction. I heard some one say, ‘We knew that the judgments of God were coming upon the earth, but we did not know that they would come so soon.’ Others, with agonized voices, said, ‘You knew! Why then did you not tell us? We did not know.’ On every side I heard similar words of reproach spoken.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, p. 28.

This surprise at the suddenness of the falling judgments of God is not confined to the people of the world. Notwithstanding the fact that Christ has exhorted his people to be ready, to watch, this word is given us concerning some advent believers themselves:—

“When Jesus ceases to plead for man, the cases of all are forever decided. This is the time of reckoning with his servants. To those who have neglected the preparation of purity and holiness, which fits them to be waiting ones to welcome their Lord, the sun sets in gloom and darkness, and rises not again. Probation closes; Christ’s intercessions cease in heaven. This time finally comes suddenly upon all, and those who have neglected to purify their souls by obeying the truth, are found sleeping. They became weary of waiting and watching; they became indifferent in regard to the coming of their Master. They longed not for his appearing, and thought there was no need of such continued, persevering watching. They had been disappointed in their expectations, and might be again. They concluded that there was time enough yet to arouse. They would be sure not to lose the opportunity of securing an earthly treasure. It would be safe to get all of this world they could. And in securing this object, they lost all anxiety and interest in the appearing of the Master. They became indifferent and careless, as though his coming were yet in the distance. But while their interest was buried up in their worldly gains, the work closed in the heavenly sanctuary [and the third angel’s message closes at the same time on earth], and they were unprepared. “If such had only known that the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary would close so soon, how differently would they have conducted themselves? How earnestly would they have watched! The Master, anticipating all this, gives them timely warning in the command to watch. He distinctly states the suddenness of his coming [from his priestly ministry]. He does not measure the time, lest we shall neglect a momentary preparation, and in our indolence look ahead to the time when we think he will come, and defer the preparation. ‘Watch therefore: for ye know not.’ Yet this foretold uncertainty, and suddenness at last, fails to rouse us. . . . The Master comes, and instead of their being ready to open unto him immediately, they are locked in worldly slumber, and are lost at last.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. II, pp. 191, 192.

What It Will Mean to Those Who Cast Away Their Confidence

“I was shown a company who were howling in agony. On their garments was written in large characters, ‘Thou art weighed in the balance, and found wanting.’ I asked who this company were. The angel said, ‘These are they who have once kept the Sabbath and have given it up.’ I heard them cry with a loud voice, ‘We have believed in thy coming, and taught it with energy.’”—“Early Writings,” p. 37.

The Lord Wants Us to be Ready

The Lord tells us these things in advance so that we may be ready. Worldly treasure is depreciating in value very fast. We are near the great year of jubilee. Satan tries to make the world appear very attractive to Seventh-day Adventists. We must not forget this. Especially about our young people are thrown visions of earthly glory with enticing allurements to secure their interest until God’s work shall be finished. It matters little what it is,—dress, amusements, riches, pleasure, worldly gain,—anything to keep them from whole-hearted service in the cause of God until the day of salvation is past.

Shall we not defeat the enemy? We can. These things are pointed out to us now, so that we may. The grace of Christ is sufficient. None need fail. But we have no time to lose. Several years ago this word was given: “The world is stirred with the spirit of war. [It is now stirred with war itself.] The prophecy of the eleventh chapter of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfilment. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, p. 14.

God grant we may be ready.

Takoma Park, D. C.