THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES by Prof. W. W. Prescott

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 24, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 51.

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

By Prof. W. W. Prescott

By Prof. W. W. Prescott.

What They Are, and What They Indicate.

IN his dealing with this world it has pleased the Lord to fix upon some events in its history, and certain special experiences of the church and society, as signs which would serve as waymarks toward the setting up of his own kingdom in the earth, which at the same time might mark the nearness of occurrences of unusual importance. Christ himself was set "for a sign which shall be spoken against" (Luke 2:34), and the circumstances of his birth were used as a sign by which his first advent to this world might be known (Isa. 7:14). In his sermon on the day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter quoted a prophecy from Joel, in which the Lord had said: "I will shew . . . signs in the earth beneath," as the true explanation of the wonderful things which the people had witnessed on that day.

To say that the signs which the Lord himself had established can not be understood and correctly applied is to say that the Lord has failed in his purpose to "do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." Amos 3:7. To refuse to accept and act upon that application of these signs which is consistent with itself and with the whole teaching of the Scripture upon the subject under consideration, because some professed interpreters of the word of God persist in urging an application which is not consistent with itself or with the whole teaching of the Scripture upon the subject under consideration, is to reject the light simply because some are putting darkness for light. Only things of real value are counterfeited, but wise men do not reject a good note simply because a counterfeit is known to be in circulation.

In our study of the real significance of the downfall of Turkey, as shown by the prophecies in the eleventh chapter of Daniel and in Revelation 8 and 9 and 11:14-19, we have found that the crisis of the ages is just upon us, "a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time" (Dan. 12:1), a time of which the prophet said, "And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth" (Rev. 16:1). Compare Rev. 11:18 and Rev. 15:1. These events bring us to the second coming of our Saviour, the resurrection of the dead, and the reward of the saints.

But the downfall of Turkey is not the only indication that these things are just at hand. Our Lord said: "There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth," etc. (Luke 21:25, 26); and when the disciples asked him, "What shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world?" he gave a brief outline of leading events from that time until his return to this earth. See Matt. 24:4 to Matt. 25:13.

His reply was given to them, and put on record for us, in order that we might know "the times and the seasons," and make the special preparation needed to meet him in peace. These signs have been seen, and repeatedly recorded.

Furthermore, the Scripture mentions some special characteristics of the days just preceding the second coming of Christ and the end of all things of this world. There will be heaping up of treasure through the oppression of the poor (James 5:1-4); but those who suffer these things are urged to "be patient . . . unto the coming of the Lord" (verse 7).

There will be "perilous [hard] times," and men will exhibit the most unchristlike characters while professing to be religious, "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

There will be the spirit of violence throughout the earth. Compare Matt. 24:37 with Gen. 6:11.

There will be a departing "from the faith." 1 Tim. 4:1. The very idea of the return of the Saviour to this earth, and especially that we should be able to know anything concerning the time of his return, will be held in derision, and the "scoffers" will be saying, "Where is the promise of his coming?" Read the third chapter of the second epistle of Peter, and note the great force of this sign. Upon those who thus scoff and reject the light, "the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night" (verse 10); "but ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief" (1 Thess. 5:4).

A careful observer of current events can not fail to see the fulfilment of all these signs at the present time. It is only in the light of the various Scriptures to which we have referred, that we can understand the meaning of the present situation of affairs throughout the world. We are even now in the beginning of the end, and "the mournful roll of war, revolution, plague, drought, famine, explosions, railway accidents, and shipwreck," which is appalling many hearts in the world, is but an indication of what is coming.

But we can fix no definite date for the close of this world's history, for the same Saviour who said, "When ye see all these things, know ye that he is nigh, even at the doors," said also, "But of that day and hour knoweth no one." Matt. 24:33, 36, R. V. So while we do not attempt to fix any date for this great event, yet we know that "he is nigh," and we can say, "Yet a little while, how short! how short! the Coming One will be here, and will not delay."

These are times of great solemnity. It becomes each one to inquire, Am I ready for the "time of trouble such as never was"? and, Shall I be "accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of man?" He who accepts the salvation which is so freely offered in Jesus Christ, has no cause for fear; for "at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."

Those who really love the Lord Jesus and have experienced the joy of his presence in their hearts, will be glad to know that his own words, "I will come again, and receive you unto myself" (John 14:3), are soon to be fulfilled. Those who know more of this world than of Christ as a living Saviour, will say, "My Lord delayeth his coming." "Today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." "Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God." "And 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." "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."