1 Timothy 4:3 by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 29, 1897

By Editor

No. 544. 1 Tim. 4: 3.

WILL you please explain 1 Tim. 4: 3, the whole verse?

We can give no lengthy explanation. Read and consider the context. 1 Tim. 4: 1-3 refers to a class which would in the latter times depart from faith in Christ; they would give heed to seducing spirits and teachings of demons, teaching contrary to God's Word; they would be hypocritical, teaching falsehood, while pretending to teach the truth; by thus working against the truth their conscience would become hardened; they would forbid marriage, when perfectly lawful; they would command abstinence from legitimate foods, or appoint and command stated fasts, etc. These are the characteristics of a great apostasy in the last days. In many of these features we may see its fulfilment in the saint-worship and intercession of the Catholic Church, and the stated fasts and celibacy of clergy and nuns commanded by the same church. It may also be seen in Spiritualism, and will be more and more manifest as we near our Lord's coming.