A Blessed Gift to the World by C. M. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 21, 1912

A Blessed Gift to the World

By C. M. S.

THE prophetic utterances of the Book of God are among the most precious gifts of God to this world. Prophecy, foretelling the future, is a mighty external evidence of the truth of God's Word. It not only confirms the faith of his children, but it convinces the skeptical that the Inspirer of the prophecy is the true God. Peter says, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Again: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place.”

Clearer than the testimony of the eyes which saw the dazzling glory of Christ's transfiguration; louder than the evidence of the ears which heard the voice from glory; stronger, surer, than any evidence of human sense, is the “more sure word of prophecy,” which predicts in varied ways the glorious coming of Jesus Christ, and which had been confirmed to the apostle by all the predicted and fulfilled events of Christ's first advent.

That prophecy is designed as a light to the wayfaring pilgrim. He is passing through a world gloomed and befogged by sin. Man walking in the sparks of his own kindling, or following the ignis fatuus of sin-blinded philosophy, has ever walked into deeper darkness, into greater confusion. Over this fog-bank of sin, into the gloom of the world's darkness and confusion, the clear light of the prophetic word has penetrated, illuminating the pathway of the pilgrim, revealing the meaning of the times, and painting upon the darkest sky of this world's despair the covenant bow of promise.

Many lines of prophecy converge in this our day. In the “dark place” of this world they are shining with clearer light than ever in the past. To these the people of this generation do well that they give heed. They do ill to neglect this light of God. It is fatal to slumber on and on till the final doom of earth breaks upon a sleeping church and world. How much wiser and better and safer to study and pray and know what God's Word so clearly declares!

Has the apostle deceived us? He declares

that prophecy is a light in the darkness, to which we do well that we take heed. Has Christ deceived us? He has said that we should “know” when his coming is near. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” The prophets have revealed it unto us; and Jesus says, “Whoso readeth, let him understand.” And upon him who heeds and does, is God's benediction pronounced. C. M. S.