LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS by J. L. Shuler

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Sep 21, 1904

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 37.

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS.

By J. L. Shuler

BY J. L. SHULER.

THE Apostle Peter says we should give heed to prophecy as unto a light shining in a dark place. The effect of light is to banish darkness. If one were traveling in a dark place, it would be necessary in order to see the path more clearly to have a light shining at his feet. In the Scriptures, the present age of this world is represented as night or darkness. Says Paul, "The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light." Rom. 13:12. "For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people." Isa. 60:2.

The present age is night, because the darkness of sin covers the people. Just before the end the darkness will be intense, as the Scripture says, "Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." 2 Tim. 3:13. In the last days scoffers are to arise (2 Peter 3:3-5), perilous times to come (2 Tim. 3:1-5), iniquity to abound (Matt. 24:12), and false christs, false prophets etc., are to appear (Matt. 24:23-27).

The world never was in more gross darkness than at the present time. Now, as never before, the prophetic Word is as "a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." It is our only guide in the darkness, discovering to us the correct path. The study of prophecy should by no means be neglected; for whosoever takes heed to the sure word, his path will be "as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Prov. 4:18.

Thus it is seen that the Bible, especially its prophetic portions, will be made more and more manifest, as we pass along, showing to the student that he is in the path that leads to the eternal day. David says, "The entrance of Thy Word giveth light." To reject or neglect to study the prophecies will leave us in darkness. Christ says, "Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth." John 12:35. Then how true are the words of the Apostle Peter, that we "do well" to "take heed" unto the "sure word of prophecy," as "unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts."