DO YOU KNOW? by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 3, 1901

DO YOU KNOW?

By Editor

A CORRESPONDENT has sent us a little seven-page leaflet containing fifty-four questions, in brief paragraphs, each one of which begins with the question, in bold type, “Do you know?” Some of these questions are put in such a way that “No” could be the only answer to them according to the Scriptures.

For instance, question number four reads:—

“Do you know that, according to the Scriptures, ‘the time of the end’ above mentioned, began in A. D. 1799, and will continue till A. D. 1915?”

We answer, No, we do not; but we do know that, according to the Scriptures, “the time of the end” began at the end of the 1260 years of papal supremacy, in 1798 (Dan. 12:40), and will continue till “all these things shall be finished.” Dan. 12:6, 7. We do not find any prophecy of the one hundred and sixteen years that are thrown in here to extend the period from 1799 to 1915. This we suppose to extend to the coming of Christ; but this would be setting a time for that event. This, according to Rev. 10:6, cannot be; for when verse 6 is fulfilled (and we are past that time now), there is to be no further movement based on prophetic time, which has entered so largely into our work in the past.

Our views on the subject of the sanctuary also cut off all future setting of time for the end, or the coming of Christ; for though a prophetic period was given to mark the beginning of the cleansing of the sanctuary (Dan. 8:14), the time covered by that work is left altogether indefinite, as “the patience of the saints.” Moreover it is expressly affirmed, over and over again, that the cleansing of the sanctuary will be brought to an end when no man is aware of it, or is expecting it; and so with the utmost intensity it is enjoined upon us to be on our watch continually, lest that day come upon us and find us “sleeping.” Mark 13:35, 36.

In question 19 reference is made to the “times of restitution” spoken of in Acts 3:19, 21; and then follows question 20:—

“Do you know that St. Peter there declares that these times of blessing will not precede, but will follow, the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ?”

We answer, No; we do not know any such thing; but we know that the text represents the blessings there promised, as introduced by the coming of Christ, not following that event. Of course that part of the restitution that is dependent on the coming of Christ for its accomplishment will follow that event; but there is an important event specified which must precede that coming, which is beginning to be too largely and dangerously overlooked in the religious world to-day.

We refer to what is stated in verse 19: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ,” etc. This reads, “When the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” In the Greek this passage reads, “so that,” or “in order that,” “the refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and He shall send Jesus Christ.” This latter statement refers beyond question to the second coming of Christ, and what is stated before must precede that event. And what are these things? “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” This puts the coming of the refreshing before the coming of the Lord; and this must be preceded by the blotting out of sins. But this blotting out of sins is the closing up of the cleansing of the sanctuary and the finishing of the work of Christ as mediator for mankind; but this is the close of probation; and this is the point we wish to make and emphasize; that is, that there can be no probation extended and no offers of forgiveness of sin held out to the world after Christ comes. This is a very seductive but appalling error largely held out to men at the present time. We feel bound to do all in our power to disabuse men’s minds of that idea.

But what about the refreshing? Do we get none of that before Christ comes and probation ends?—Undoubtedly we do; for the outpouring of the Spirit, the latter rain, which must be included in the “refreshing,” is necessary to prepare us for the crisis and test we are then to meet. But the full extent and glorious reality of the promised refreshing we shall not probably experience before Christ appears. There will be much to be fulfilled to us, and enjoyed by us, after that event, but all that we receive before will be necessary to prepare us for His coming. But let no one get the idea that there will be probation and hope of forgiveness of sin and salvation after the coming of Christ. Secure forgiveness by repentance and confession before that time comes.

“Now, as never before, is to be sounded the invitation, ‘If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.’”