p. 7 | T. F. BOWEN by T. F. Bowen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 27, 1910

T. F. BOWEN

By T. F. Bowen

Events Between the Close of the Gospel and the Second Coming of Jesus—No. 3

T. F. BOWEN

The Times and Seasons

THE disciples said to Jesus upon the Mount of Olives, “Tell us, when shall these things be?” In answer Jesus did not give the exact time, but did reveal the generation that should witness the end. This was all that was to be revealed. The people of God were to know when it was near, but not the exact time for the passing of the day of salvation.

Just before he ascended, after his resurrection the disciples still wanted to know when he would come to restore unto them the kingdom, still supposing that it meant the establishment of the Jewish nation in power. The Lord’s reply was, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” Acts 1:7. When the Holy Ghost should come to them, then they would understand the nature of the kingdom. When the signs predicted should come to pass, then all might know that the end was near, even at the door. The word to all was, “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” “And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding.” Luke 12:40, 36. This is his coming from the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary, from his work of judgment and examination of the guests, having received from the Father his kingdom.

And so, after fully warning the world, a time comes when God arises and says, “It is enough.” Of this day and hour knoweth no man, nor shall men ever know, until it is passed. Then settles down that terrible night of which Jesus told us, “When no man can work.”

Noah warned his generation. They scoffed and scorned until the very day that Noah and his family entered the ark. When by an unseen hand that ponderous ark door began slowly to close, no doubt a hush fell upon the jeering crowd. That act of God sealed the doom of all living. Some were shut in; many were shut out. The sun continued to rise and set as usual. The days followed one another as they had been wont to do for centuries, and a lost world became hilarious once more, the foolish Noah and his ark proposition again becoming the subject of derision. But at the end of seven days a storm burst, such as they had never seen. And then they knew that they were lost, hopelessly lost; while Noah, because of his faith and obedience, was saved. Jesus said: “For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matt. 24:38, 39.

We have cited some of the events to take place after the passing of that hour when Jesus leaves his work of ministry in the heavenly sanctuary and his personal appearing on the cloud. Concerning them we should, as a people, be intelligent. God has revealed to us, both in his Word and in the Testimonies, the principal events taking place during this important and solemn time. The one important thing for us now to consider is, Are we ready for the passing of the day of salvation? Are our sins forgiven? and do we know that they are? If not, we are not ready. If in our hearts we harbor hatred against any one, or fail to manifest that loving forgiveness that should characterize the follower of Jesus toward any who may have wronged us, we are not ready. Christ’s exhortation to all is, “Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”

If on that day the recording angel can return to heaven with the record that the seal of God has been placed upon your brow, all will be well. But if that day and hour finds us buried in the cares and work of the world, with little thought of the day of God, we shall awake sometime to sense most keenly our loss of eternal life.

The Saviour still pleads for us on high. Opportunity is still offered us of life ourselves, and of laboring to win others to Christ. To-day is the day of salvation. Let us not harden our hearts.

And further, we have referred to a few of the most important events to take place after Christ finishes his work as High Priest, and before he comes to gather his people, in the hope that we shall not get our eyes fixed upon the latter event to such an extent that we shall overlook the importance of the former. This point is a vital one. We pray to be ready to meet Jesus “when he comes.” This is all right, but if we are ready to meet him when he comes, we must also have been ready, so far as being free from sin is concerned, at that time when he lays down the censer as man’s intercessor some time prior to his actual coming. Whether the time between these two important events is long or short, and just when some of the events will take place to which we have referred, are minor questions compared to that other one as to whether you and I are ready and are owned by Jesus that day when he proclaims to all heaven that the work of the gospel on earth is forever finished. This is the one thing of supreme importance. And of the passing of this hour knoweth no man; no, not even the Son himself, but the Father only.

It was Jesus’ interest and love for us that led him to say, “Be ye also ready.” And well will it be for us to heed his words.

Takoma Park, D. C.