THE AGE TO COME by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 10, 1856

THE AGE TO COME.

By James White

WE wish to call attention to the article in this No. on 1 Cor. xv, 23-28. We are now satisfied that the positions taken by the writer are correct. This article should be read with care in connection with the one on the Melchisedee priesthood in the No. for March 20th.

As we have recently been led to examine this subject more carefully than ever before, the following inquiries have arisen, with their answers:—

1. What is meant by "the end," mentioned in verse 24? Is it the end of Christ's reign on David's throne? No; for the Prophet has said, "Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no END; upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth forever." Isa. ix, 7. Said the angel, "The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David, and he shall rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end." Luke i, 33. But does it not apply to the end of the 1000 years? The fact that neither the 1000 years, nor the second resurrection, are mentioned in the connection forbids such an application. The end mentioned in this verse must refer to "the end" so often spoken of by Prophets, Apostles and Jesus, which is in connection with the Second Advent and the resurrection of those who are Christ's at his coming.

2. When will the last enemy, death, be destroyed? Does this have reference to the unjust at the end of the 1000 years? It does not. Instead of death there being destroyed, the unjust are destroyed, and are left eternally under the dominion of death. The wicked are under the dominion of death during the 1000 years; and at its close they are raised, but placed back again by the second death. Then what is destroyed? Is it death in their case? By no means. Death which held them for 1000 years, will hold them eternally.

We say, then, that the destruction of death refers to the just, at the second coming of Christ. The saints of all ages have fallen by death. But says the True Witness, "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell [the grave] and of death." He is coming in glory; and at his coming he will unlock the grave, and break death's fetters off from every saint; and clothed with immortality they will come forth to enjoy Eternal Life. Death will never hold dominion over them again. In their case death is destroyed, and that, too, at the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

These are clear points, and have a special bearing on the subject, which should be carefully considered by every reader of the REVIEW. J. W.