The Age to Come by John O. Corliss

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · May 4, 1915

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 18.

The Age to Come

By John O. Corliss

This term is used to identify the doctrines of one “Pastor” Russell, who is sending broadcast reiterated statements that the Lord’s second advent to earth is simply to introduce a sinless age among mortals, wherein the unsaved may, unassailed by wicked influences, come to Christ and receive eternal life. More than this, the theory is advanced that all heathen of past ages, because of not having heard the gospel invitation, will, at the coming of Christ, be raised from the dead, to enter this sinless age, when they too will be enabled to make their election to eternal bliss a certainty.

The Vile and the Good on a Par

Were all this true, no one need have anxiety about his eternal future, or that of any dear friends; for this theory presents such pleasing prospects to the sinner, that even the vilest wretch of the present world may cherish as strong a hope for future blessedness as the meekest saint, considering the added probation of a sinless period to be given all such recalcitrants. This even outstrips the old doctrine of universal salvation so ardently proclaimed at one time; for that theory did and yet does provide an adequate punishment for sins committed, after which self-atonement the scourged one is pronounced clean from sin, and is elevated to heavenly heights as a saint of the Most High.

This “age to come” doctrine, however, does not even accord such justice, but raises all to a second probation, where no stumbling blocks prevent their enjoyment of Christ’s glory smiles forevermore. The “catching” part of this assumption is that the Scriptural truth of Christ’s near advent, so dear to many sincere hearts, is made the basis of speculations far removed from all Scripture teaching. Harmonizing the theory of the Lord’s speedy return to earth with the views of so many souls who earnestly long for that coming, they are entrapped as a bird in the “snare of the fowler.”

Christ Warned Us

Before leaving His disciples, to enter upon a heavenly ministration in behalf of those for whom He died, the Lord Jesus gave them a warning regarding the speculations that would be announced about the manner of His second coming. He said that false teachers would arise, showing great things, so apparently wonderful that if possible they would “deceive the very elect.” Among these deceptive things to guard against, was the proclamation that Christ’s coming would be in the “secret chambers.” Matt. 24: 24-27.

His Presence a Secret

How fittingly this specification applies to the teachings of “Pastor” Russell and his abettors, may be appreciated when one reads, in his published writings, that “His presence will be a secret for a time, known only to those watching.”—“Studies in the Scriptures,” volume 2, page 153.

Again on page 154, Acts 1: 11 is cited as having been misinterpreted by all Christians. It is there contended that no one is to see the Lord descend, but that as He went away quietly, in the presence of only His few followers, He will come in like manner. The full expression is this: “In like manner as He went away (quietly, secretly, so far as the world was concerned, and unknown except to His followers), so, in this manner, He comes again.”

But this is not all. On page 170 the author gives promise of what he will prove further along in his dissertation, using these words: “The next chapter will present Bible evidence that 1874 A. D. was the exact date of the beginning of the ‘times of restitution,’ and hence of our Lord’s return. Since that time, He has been verifying His promise to those in the proper attitude of watchfulness.”

Must Not Expect Bible Evidence

But lest some deep searcher for truth might be disappointed in not finding the “Bible evidence” said to be in the chapter mentioned, the following proviso is appended on page 171: “But while the reader is thus informed of what will be proved in succeeding chapters, he must not expect to have passages of Scripture pointed out in which these matters and these dates are plainly written. On the contrary, he must bear in mind that all these things have been hidden by the Lord, in such manner that they could not be understood or appreciated until the due time had come, and then only by His earnest, faithful children, who esteem truth as more precious than rubies, and who are willing to seek it as men search for silver.”

It is just after this fashion that the theories of the “age to come” are put forth. Here is a promise of “Bible evidence” for a positive theory; and yet no Bible evidence is given, because the advocate of the speculation confesses that no Scripture passages affirm it, but declares that God has purposely hidden the matter of the time for the Lord’s coming, and that hence it will be known only to a few, and that few confined to “faithful children” who are willing to sacrifice earthly riches rather than cast off an affirmative statement.

Charged with Ignorance if We Doubt

How accommodating is such a proviso to the vender of this theory! Should one not fall in with the declaration that the Lord’s second advent was secretly accomplished in 1874, and that He is now an earthly dweller in fulfilment of the promise to “come again,” how easy to meet the doubt by charging the ignorance of the doubter to a lack of earnestness and devotion!

How such a view of Christ’s coming can be entertained in the face of many positive statements of Scripture setting forth the power and majesty of that event, is a marvel to the faithful Bible student, when in clear lines he reads: “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.” Rev. 1: 7. “Pastor” Russell says in substance: Yes, in “due time” He will make Himself known to all, after having, through His “spiritual control,” given all men an opportunity to submit to Him, as they eventually must, “whether willing or unwilling.” (Page 153.) But he does not explain how, in a “sinless age,” men will wail because of the Master’s presence among them, as asserted by the text cited above.

Must Surely Hear the Trumpet

But further: When Christ returns to earth, the apostle declares that “the trump of God” will be heard. 1 Thess. 4: 16. Then all those asleep in Christ are to be raised from the dead, and the living saints “caught up” together with them to “meet the Lord in the air.” Did anything of this sort take place in 1874, or at any later period in the history of the gospel work of Christ? One would be safe in demanding the proof for any such assertion.

The Bible plainly teaches that Christ ascended to His Father, to sit on the heavenly throne until all His foes are made His footstool. Acts 2: 34, 35. This will be the end of the controversy, when the dead in Christ are made alive, and the kingdom is delivered up to God, the Father (1 Cor. 15: 22-24), whose it has ever been (Matt. 6: 13), and ever will be throughout endless ages.

Passes with a Great Noise

At Christ’s coming, the conflict is over, and His coming marks the end of the world. Acts 3: 19, 20. This thought is fully confirmed

by the apostle when he says: “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3: 10.

However much “Pastor” Russell may seek to destroy the force of this text by making it simply the symbol of changing society manners, something called the heavens and the earth is to explode with a great noise. To the candid, thinking person, this must preclude any subsequent earthly gospel dispensation. Otherwise, why the earnest command to preach the gospel to every nation before Christ’s coming? Matt. 24: 14.

Let us be reasonable, and take the Scriptures as they were given to the human family for their recall to a better life, and so be ready for the Master’s coming.

“I am waiting for the morning Of the blessed day to dawn, When the sorrow and the sadness Of this changeful life are gone.”

J. O. C.