T. E. BOWEN by T. E. BOWEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 30, 1909

T. E. BOWEN

By T. E. BOWEN

Events Between the Close of the Gospel and the Second Coming of Jesus — No. 1

T. E. BOWEN

In a recent article the point was made clear from the Scriptures that the expressions of the Lord to the disciples on the Mount of Olives, which speak of the suddenness of his coming, applied to that time when the work of the gospel should close, rather than to his second appearing on the cloud. We learned that the passing of this hour would come upon us as the approach of a thief in the night—unheralded.

But that all will know soon after the passing of this important event, is very evident from events that will begin to take place here upon the earth at that time.

We shall not attempt to go into the details of this subject, but there are a few events which stand out so clearly as meeting their fulfilment during this time, that we feel sure we can with profit give this subject some study.

No More Forgiveness of Sin

When Jesus ceases his work as high priest, there can be no more forgiveness of sin. We might therefore safely conclude that when the Lord announces in heaven that his mediatorial work is done, at the same time the Holy Spirit will cease to entreat sinners. This time will be known. While salvation lingers, “the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” But an hour cometh when the Spirit pleads no more. As it was in the days of Noah, so again at that time will it be true, “My Spirit shall not always strive with man.” Then very likely will be fulfilled that passage of Scripture which says, “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.” Isa. 26:20.

Here is portrayed that time foretold by many prophets, when God, during a little moment, is wroth, and arises to punish the inhabitants of the earth. During this time God’s people are hidden under the special protection of the Almighty, as were the Israelites in Egypt when terrible plagues were falling upon the disobedient Egyptians, but not without trial to the saints.

The Wrath of God

During the time that God draws his covering, or protection, over his people who have kept his commandments, after the close of Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, the seven last plagues come upon earth’s inhabitants. These are recorded in Revelation 16. In them is filled up the wrath of God. It is very evident that this wrath—unmixed with mercy—could not be poured out until the work of the gospel ceased.

A time is appointed the angels for pouring out these vials of wrath. A command comes from the throne to them “out of the temple,” saying, “Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” Rev. 16:1. Until that command comes, they wait. And to make clear that all ministration in the heavenly sanctuary had ceased during this time, we read: “And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.” Rev. 15:8. Thus just after the close of probation, when Jesus ceases his mediatorial work in the heavenly sanctuary, it will be known upon the earth that God is dealing in judgment, and that probation has closed. But then it will be too late to obtain eternal life. Hence, the knowledge brings no comfort to the lost, and only reveals to those whose sins have been covered, that just before them is an hour of great trial before actual deliverance will come to them, and they can be with their Lord.

This is a day of distress to all flesh, a day not to be desired by even God’s people. Amos bears testimony: “Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord! to what end is it for you? the day of the Lord is darkness, and not light. As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear

met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. Shall not the day of the Lord be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?” Chap. 5:18-20. Zephaniah, in speaking of those who had not hearkened unto God, wrote: “That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men, and they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.” Zeph. 1:15-18.

Of this time we read in “Early Writings,” old edition, page 141: “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.” “Some were denouncing God, and cursing him. Others rushed to the people of God, and begged to be taught how they might escape his judgments. But the saints had nothing for them. The last tear for sinners had been shed, the last agonizing prayer offered, the last burden borne, the last warning given.”

Michael Stands Up

Daniel, in vision, saw a time when Christ ceased his work of ministry. He wrote: “And 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. Of all the troublous times the prophet in vision had beheld, here is one that eclipses them all. Since nations had their birth, no such scenes had been experienced.

Upon this point the testimony of another writer is given: “When he [Jesus] leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor. The restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent. God’s long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected his mercy, despised his love, and trampled upon his law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation; the Spirit of God, persistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they have no protection from the wicked one. Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old.”—“Great Controversy,” page 614.

Takoma Park, D. C.