A Doctrine to Be Emphasized Now by W. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 11, 1913

A Doctrine to Be Emphasized Now

By W. A. S.

MORE and more it becomes apparent that when Christ so specifically dwelt upon the manner of his second coming in power and glory, he was teaching truth especially to be emphasized in the days just before his coming. The false doctrine of a quiet, secret coming seems to be spreading through the world. A post-card message just now comes from Elder S. W. Carr, of Papua (New Guinea), East Indies, showing how the erroneous views are reaching the uttermost parts of the earth. He writes:—

During our recent trip over the main range of New Guinea we met Vaore, one of our old mission boys, who reported that some one had told him that Jesus had lately returned to the earth; but he (Vaore) had told him that it could not be true, because Mr. Carr would certainly have sent and let him know. I was able to explain to him more fully the manner of Christ’s coming.

We find this idea making great headway in America. The Millennial Dawn people seem committed to it, and one of the leading preachers of that denomination, the most popular religious writer of them all, perhaps, has been running in the most popular religious weekly a serial story entitled “Jesus Is Here.” The great religious public have little idea, after all, of the Scripture teaching regarding the manner of Christ’s second coming and the events to precede and accompany it.

How plainly it appears that Christ’s words of warning in Matt. 24:24-27 were uttered to guard us in the last days from just such false views:—

“For 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. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

It is so plain and definite that one

might think no Bible reader could miss the point; but fanciful and mystical methods of interpretation can befog minds with the clearest signal-lights of truth shining out in God’s Holy Word. These simple truths of Christ’s second coming, so familiar to us, are indeed great and glorious truths needing to be specially emphasized before the world just now. Let us spread the books and papers containing the light everywhere.

The present activity of the enemy in spreading the false views through the world is a sign that Christ’s coming is even at the door, and the Lord has given the truth by which to meet the error and prepare souls to meet him.

W. A. S.