A Modern Doctrine Denied

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 10, 1907

A Modern Doctrine Denied

The original Protestants did not hold the modern doctrine of the millennium—the teaching that for a thousand years previous to the second advent peace and righteousness will prevail in this earth. On the contrary, the Augsburg confession condemns all idea “that, prior to the resurrection of the dead, the godly shall get the sovereignty in the world, and the wicked be brought under in every place.” In harmony with this position John Conrad Goebel, in his sermons on this confession of faith, says:—

The idea of a golden age in this world, before the resurrection of the dead, is a mere phantasm, not only contrary to the entire Holy Scripture, but especially contrary to the clear and lucid prophecies of the Lord Jesus Christ and his beloved apostles, where they speak of the times immediately preceding the day of judgment—Matt. 24:23; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3; and other places, where more may be seen upon the subject. Nothing is there said or predicted of a golden age, but only crosses and tribulations, which touch all the estates of the world. Concerning ecclesiastical affairs it was predicted that in the last times many false Christs and false prophets shall arise, and shall do great signs and wonders, and deceive, if it were possible, the very elect. Concerning hearers it was predicted that love should wax cold in the hearts of many, and faith wane to such a degree that Christ himself asks, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Will that be a golden age? Concerning matters of state it was predicted that unrighteousness shall sway them, and there shall be wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. Will that be a golden age? Concerning the family it was predicted that the son shall be against the father, the daughter against her mother, and that a man’s foes shall be those of his own house. Will that be a golden age? Concerning common life it was predicted that there shall be distress of people on the earth, and trembling, and fainting for fear, and for looking after the things that are to come upon the earth, and tribulation such as was not from the beginning and never shall be again. Will that be a golden age? And if we will only consider this matter a little in the fear of God, it will be seen that this fanatical notion contradicts all Scripture, as it is contrary to this article of our common Christianity.

If the author of this sermon were now living, he would see the fulfilment of the predictions to which he referred as applying to the last days. The developments of the last few years are far from suggesting a golden age.