p. 163 | The Second Coming by R. F. Cottrell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 18, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 11.

The Second Coming.

By R. F. Cottrell

CONVERSING with a lady friend, esteemed a teacher in Israel, or, as it is frequently expressed, in "one branch of our Zion," I said something about the fulfillment of the prophecies, and the signs of the second advent at hand. As is quite usual, she thought it of no importance to know anything of the time of Christ's coming, if we were only ready. Said she, "He will come to each of us as individuals, ere long; he will come to us at death." "But," said I, "I was speaking of his second coming. Paul says, 'He shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation,' and your view would make too many second comings." She replied that he came to each individual at conversion, and he came to them the second time at death.

It is surprising indeed that pious people can thus trifle with the word of God. The text referred to says that "Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin [or a sin offering] unto salvation." Did he offer himself personally, a sacrifice for sins? How, then, is his second coming to be anything but a personal coming? But they have no thought that they trifle with the word. It is owing to their early teaching and prejudices; they know not what they do.

There is radical error in the religious teaching of the present day. The reason why professed Christians have no love for Christ's appearing, do not wish him to come in our day, at least, and are indifferent as to whether he ever comes, is because they think they are going to Heaven at death, and, consequently, they see no need of the coming of Christ and of the resurrection. They have, by unscriptural teaching, made death, "the last enemy," their friend, and engaged him to ferry them directly over to the promised land, or, as they call it, "the spirit world;" hence the second coming of Christ and the resurrection are things not desired, and they do not care to hear of them.

Whether it is applicable or not, I am forcibly reminded of a people described by the evangelical prophet, who are represented as saying, "We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement." Isa. 28:15. Death is the great enemy of our race. The Lord would have us make no treaty with him. Sheol is the dark and silent prison-house of the saints. We should not be at agreement with it, but should ardently desire the coming of Christ, who has the keys, and will unlock the prison-house, release the prisoners, and lead a greater multitude of captives than he did when he ascended before. "Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave [hades or sheol], where is thy victory?" 1 Cor. 15:54, 55; Isa. 25:8.

Our Saviour made no compromise with these our enemies, but boldly met them on their own chosen ground. And though seemingly overcome for a little moment, yet he triumphed gloriously. He conquered death and the "under-world" for us; why should we make peace with them and call them friends? He triumphed; for God raised him from the dead. In his name we may triumph too. Death is not the voice that Jesus sends to call us to his arms. That voice is the voice of the archangel and the trump of God, which will be heard when the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven. The under-world is not the blissful paradise of the saints of God. Their glorious home is in those mansions in his Father's house which he has gone to prepare, and to which he will receive them on his return. John 14:1-3. The hope of the Christian points to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The crown of life is to be received in that day. Who would not love his appearing?

R. F. COTTRELL.