POWERS OF THE HEAVENS SHAKEN.
By James White
This event we must regard as being future. It holds the same place in the events of this chapter, that the departing of the heavens as a scroll does in the events of the sixth seal of Rev. vi. Both follow the falling stars. Please compare Matt. xxiv, 29, 30, with Rev. vi, 12-17. We think the Scriptures plainly teach that, prior to the resurrection of the just by the voice of the Son of God, the voice of God the Father will shake the heavens and the earth, and at the voice of God the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And we think this will take place at the pouring out of the seventh vial into the air, Rev. xvi, 17. Then it is said, "And there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven from the throne, saying, It is done." This is not the voice of the Son of God as he descends to raise the dead. It came from the throne of God in the temple of heaven. "Whose voice then shook the earth; but now he hath promised, saying, yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven." Heb. xii, 26. "The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and earth shall shake; [but what will become of the poor saints?] but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel." Joel iii, 16. We would speak modestly of future events, but venture the opinion that the voice of the Father will shake the heavens and the earth before the sign of the Son of man appears. But the people of God will be safe. Islands may disappear and mountains be thrown down, but the saints remain unharmed. Earthquakes may break up the earth's surface, so that kings and nobles, rich and poor, bond and free may hide "themselves in the dens, and in the rocks of the mountains," still God will be the hope of his people. This is not one of the signs which show that the Son of man is near; but "the sign of the Son of man in heaven." It is that which signifies his position. When Christ ascended from the mount of Olivet, "a cloud received him" from the sight of the disciples. They still gazed at the cloud as it rolled upward, bearing the Saviour toward the Father's throne, but they could not see his lovely person. When he comes "in like manner" as he was taken up, the cloud will appear in the distance, small at first, but as it draws near the earth it will increase in size. It will signify to those who are looking for his return that he is there, soon to burst forth from the cloud in matchless glory. This cloud will be the sign of the Son of man in heaven. THE TRIBES OF THE EARTH MOURN.
During the pouring out of the seven last plagues, and at the time of the shaking of the powers of the heaven, a large portion of the wicked will doubtless be destroyed. A portion still remain to view scenes still more terrific, and endure anguish more dreadful. The sign is seen in heaven. A once crucified, a slighted and insulted Saviour, now King of kings, and Lord of lords, is coming near the earth! His glory blazes everywhere! The saints hope and rejoice with trembling, but what an hour for the wicked! The tribes of the earth mourn. Amid the ruins of shivered creation they hold one general prayer-meeting. Kings and great men, rich men, chief captains and mighty men, free and bond, all, yes all unite in the general wail. As the Son of man in the glory of his Father, attended by all the holy angels, draws still nearer, consternation fills every breast. They hide in dens and in the rocks of the mountains. Their only hope is to be concealed from the glory of that scene. They know it is too late to pray to the Son of man for mercy, that probation for the human family has ended for ever. Here is a copy of that dreadful prayer: "Mountains and rocks fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand?" Rev. vi, 16, 17. But rocks cannot shelter them from the burning glory reflected by the King of kings, attended by the whole heavenly host. The presence of but one angel before Joseph's sepulchre caused the keepers to fall like dead men. Then when "the Son of man shall come in the glory of the Father," "and all the holy angels with him," no sinner can endure the scene and live. The exceeding brightness of that holy throng, brighter than a thousand suns at noon-day, will pierce the sinner's lowest hiding place, and will "make a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land." Zeph. i, 18. Or, as Paul says, "Whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness [bright shining, Macknight's Translation] of his coming." O, Christian brother, we warn you to watch and be ready to receive your Saviour with joy. Backslider, arouse, and return to the Lord while he may be found. And, poor sinner, though you have never tasted of the pardoning love of Christ, you, too, may come and find pardon, and a shelter from approaching wrath. The Son of man will be seen "coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." But before his coming, a great work will be done for his people. Should he suddenly burst upon them now, they could not endure "the power and great glory" of the scene. This subject is beautifully illustrated by the following words of the Prophet: "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord, his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain; as the latter and former rain unto the earth." Hosea vi, 3. The day-star first appears, then the dawn of day. And as the light of day increases, our eyes are enabled to endure it, and view the sun shining in his strength. But should the light of the sun burst upon the world suddenly at midnight, no human eye could endure it. So will the saints be prepared to meet their coming King. They must first break away from the fashions, love and cares of this world, and consecrate themselves and all they have to the Lord. Then will they share the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, "as the rain, as the latter and the former rain upon the earth." The day-star will arise in their hearts. 2 Pet. i, 19. Then will the day of release and rest dawn in glory upon the weary trusting ones. Those who have taken heed to the sure word of prophecy through the dark watching night, will then raise their heads in triumph. They are filled with faith, and with the Holy Spirit. Glory is poured upon them till they can gaze on Christ and angels. The trumpet sounds. The angels are dispatched to the grave's mouth. The voice of the Son of God awakes the sleeping saints of all past ages. They come forth in immortal perfection, and as they leave the earth, the living saints are changed. The "elect from one end of heaven to the other," each with an angel bright and strong to lead the way, are all caught up to meet their Lord who waits in mid heaven to receive the purchase of his blood. As language would fail to describe what follows, dear reader, we leave you here to contemplate it, praying that we may soon participate in the meeting scene.202 Verses 32, 33. "Now learn a parable of the fig-tree; when his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that Summer is nigh. So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it, [he, margin,] is near, even at the doors." The parable of the fig-tree is probably the most forcible that could be used by our Lord to inspire in the hearts of his people faith in his speedy coming. When the trees of the field begin to put forth their leaves, and the tender grass springs up, and the ground is being covered with its green velvet carpet, we know that Summer is nigh. If one should doubt, and talk of the season's changing back to cold Winter, he would be thought insane. It is a certainty with us that Summer is coming when we see these signs in nature. We know that Summer is nigh. "So likewise ye," or with the same certainty, KNOW that Christ's coming is at the doors when the signs in the sun, moon and stars are fulfilled. Here, dear reader, our Lord, has stated the object of these signs, which is, that we may know when his coming is at the doors. But we are told that the church is not to know anything of the period of Christ's second advent. Then we enquire, why did our Lord give signs of the event? Are they given to deceive us? to lead the honest Christian to look for Christ's coming, when, in fact, nothing is to be known of the time of the event? Certainly not. The fact that Christ foretells signs of his coming, and then states the object of these signs, that the church may know when the event should be near, even at the doors, is sufficient proof that it is the design of Heaven that the church should understand the period of the second advent. Our Lord says, [Luke xxi, 28.] "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh." The signs began to come to pass with the dark day of 1780. Then it could be said that redemption draweth nigh, and from that time the humble followers of Jesus might look up in expectation of witnessing his glorious appearing. But [verse 31] "when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand." The signs in the sun, moon and stars are all that were given to base faith upon. All the other events mentioned in connection with these, have their fulfillment after the faith of God's people is perfected, and the doom of all sinners is fixed. Therefore we conclude that the phrase, "all these things," embraces the darkening of the sun and the moon, and the falling of the stars; and these having come to pass, we may now learn the parable of the fig-tree, and know that Christ's coming is near, even at the doors. But it is urged that the phrase, "all these things," embraces all the things mentioned in connection by our Lord. We will test the matter. The things mentioned, are (1.) the sun shall be darkened, (2.) the moon shall not give her light, (3.) the stars shall fall from heaven, (4.) the powers of the heavens shaken, (5.) sign of the Son of man, (6.) the tribes of the earth mourn, (7.) they shall see the Son of man coming, and (8.) the angels gather the elect. Here are eight things mentioned in close connection. Must they all take place before it may be known that Christ's coming is near, even at the doors? Certainly not, for his coming is one of the things. Thus where shall the division be made? How many of these eight things are embraced in the phrase, "all these things?" We will commence at the last, and trace them back and see. The angels gathering the elect is not embraced in the phrase, neither the coming of the Son of man in power and great glory; for it would be most absurd to say that we must wait until Christ comes and raises the dead before we may know that his coming is near, even at the doors. The phrase, "all these things," does not embrace the mourning of the tribes of the earth, and the sign of the Son of man; for then the cloud that brings the Saviour is seen—'no time to learn the parable of the fig-tree then. Neither does the phrase embrace the shaking of the powers of the heavens; for that does not take place until the seventh vial is poured out. But the faith of God's people is perfected, and the doom of all sinners is for ever fixed before the pouring out of the first vial. The parable of the fig-tree was given to inspire faith in the minds of those who hear the reasons of Christ's soon coming. But to suppose that this parable is to be learned after it is said, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still, . . . and he that is holy, let him be holy still," after the thunder, lightning, great earthquake, and great hail, "each stone about the weight of a talent," is most absurd. No! The phrase, "all these things" in verse 33, embraces the three great signs in the sun, moon and stars, given to strengthen the faith of God's people while merciful warnings are being given to the world. Here, then, since the falling stars of 1833, the parable of the fig-tree has force, and we may know that Christ's coming is near, even at the doors, with all the certainty that we know that Summer is nigh when the trees put forth their tender buds and leaves. THIS GENERATION SHALL NOT PASS.
Verses 34, 35. "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Many suppose that our Lord here speaks of the generation then living, who listened to his teachings. That such are in error on this point, the following facts clearly prove:— 1. It is certainly true that what is embraced in the phrase, "all these things," was not fulfilled in that generation. 2. It could not be the generation living in the days of his flesh, for he said to them, [Luke xi, 29.] "There shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet." It is evident that our Lord refers to the generation who were to see the signs fulfilled, and who were to be instructed by the parable of the fig-tree. In this prophetic discourse he leads the minds of his disciples down over the events of the Christian age, mentions the signs in the sun, moon and stars, which were to appear in the last generation, and declares that this generation shall not pass away till all these things be fulfilled. In like manner St. Paul carries his brethren forward to the resurrection, when he says, "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump." 1 Cor. xv, 51, 52. Or, "Then we which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air." 1 Thess. iv, 17. Also, in like manner is the mind carried backward in Ps. xcv, 10. "Forty years long was I grieved with this generation." The generation here spoken of provoked the Lord in the wilderness, long before David lived. He goes back and speaks of it as though it were present. In this manner our Lord goes forward, and speaks of the last generation as though it were then present. We do not believe that the phrase, "this generation," marks any definite number of years. Some suppose that our Lord designed to teach that some who were witnesses of the dark day in 1780, would live to witness the second coming of the Saviour. That some who saw this first sign will live to witness the coming of Jesus, we have no doubt. But it is our opinion that our Lord designed to teach that the people who should live at the time of the fulfillment of the last sign, (the falling stars of 1833,) and should hear the proclamation of the coming of Christ, based partly upon the fulfilled signs, should witness the scenes connected with his coming. The proclamation of the coming and kingdom of Christ is given to the last generation. God did not send Noah to preach to next to the last generation before the flood, but to the last. The very generation which drank the waters of the flood, saw Noah build the ark, and heard his warning voice. So God has raised up men to give the solemn warning to the world at the right time. The signs were fulfilled at the right time to give force to the warning. And the very generation of men that live after the three great signs are fulfilled, and who hear and reject the warning message from heaven, will drink the unmingled cup of the wrath of God. For such the seven last plagues are reserved. And those of this very generation who receive the message, suffer disappointments, and endure the trials of the waiting position, will witness the coming of the Son of man, and with the faithful host of God will then exclaim, "Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us; this is the Lord, we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." Isa. xxv, 9. With what emphasis our Lord gave utterance to this sentiment. It is a rebuke upon our unbelief. As we read it, God help us to believe. "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Verse 36. "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Many suppose that this text proves that nothing can be known in regard to the time of the second coming of Christ. Here, we think they greatly err, and give the following reasons why we think so:— 1. Because our Lord gives signs of his coming, and says, "When ye shall see all these things, KNOW that it is near, even at the doors." Who dare dispute the Master, and say we cannot know anything about the nearness of the event? 2. Because he says, "As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." God said to Noah, "My Spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh, yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years." Gen. vi, 3. At the appointed time said the Lord to Noah, "Come thou, and all thy house into the ark, . . . For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth." Gen. vii, 1-4. A warning connected with time, was given to Noah for the men of his age. Likewise a most solemn warning, based upon the termination of the prophetic periods, and the fulfillment of the signs, is given to the men of this generation. "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he reveleth his secret unto his servants the prophets." Amos iii, 7. The period of the flood was revealed, and the warning was given. The fulfilling prophecies, and signs of the times declare Christ's coming at the door, and the solemn message has gone forth. 3. Because they make the text prove too much for their own unbelief. As recorded by Mark, it reads, "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father." If the text proves that men are never to know anything in regard to the time of the second advent, it proves that angels are not to know, and also that the Son is to be kept in the same ignorance; that is, know nothing about it till the event takes place, and our Lord finds himself in this world!!! The idea that the Son of God will not know the day and hour of his second advent to this world is most preposterous. Christ will know. So will angels, and so will the waiting, watching people of God. An old English version of the passage reads, "But that day and hour no man maketh known, neither the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father." This is the correct reading according to several of the ablest critics of the age. The word known, is used in the same sense here that it is by Paul in 1 Cor. ii, 2. "For I determined not to know [make known] anything among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified." Men will not make known the day and hour, angels will not make it known, neither will the Son; but the Father will make it known. Says Campbell, "Macknight argues that the term known is here used as a causative, in the Hebrew sense of the conjugation hiphel, that is, to make known." His [Christ's] answer is just equivalent to saying: The Father will make it known when it [pleases him], but he has not authorized man, angel, or the Son, to make it known. Just in this sense Paul uses the term known. 1 Cor. ii, 2. "I came to you making known the testimony of God; for I determined to make known nothing among you but a crucified Christ." Albert Barnes in his notes on the Gospels says, "Others have said that the verb rendered knoweth means sometimes to make known, or to reveal, and that the passage means, 'that day and hour none maketh known, neither the angels, nor the Son, but the Father.' It is true the word has sometimes that meaning, as in 1Cor. ii, 2."203 Verses 37-39. "But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark. And knew not, until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." A picture of the present condition of the mass of mankind is here drawn. How dark the features! The people of the last generation will be like that before the flood, while the ark was preparing.. Noah preached, and warned them of the coming flood, and they mocked. He built the ark, and they scoffed at, and jeered the man of God. He was a preacher of righteousness. His works were calculated to give edge to, and set home to the heart, what he preached. Every righteous sermon, and every blow struck in building the ark, condemned a careless, scoffing world. As the time drew nearer, they grew more careless, more hardened, more bold and impudent, and their condemnation surer. Noah and his family were alone. And could one family know more than all the world? The ark is a matter of ridicule, and Noah is regarded as a wilful bigot. But the Lord calls Noah into the ark, and says to him, "Yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth." And by the hand of Providence the beasts are led into the ark, and the Lord shuts Noah in. This is regarded at first by the scoffing multitude as something wonderful; but it is soon explained away by the wiser ones, so as to calm their fears, and they breathe easier. But the day arrives. The sun rises as usual, and the heavens are clear. "Now where is old Noah's flood?" is heard from a thousand impious lips. On this very day some are being joined in marriage. It is a day of unusual feasting and sports. The farmer is planting and sowing, and the mechanic is heard pursuing his work of building. And while all are looking over long years of future prosperity and happiness, suddenly the heavens gather blackness. Fear fills every heart. They think of Noah, and as they turn to look towards the ark, the windows of heaven open, and the rain in torrents descends. "The fountains of the great deep are broken up," and here and there come gushing up rivers of water. The valleys are fast filling up, and thousands are swept away in death. Some flee to the highest points of land, but the water fast follows them up. Men bear their wives and children to the mountains, but are obliged to part with them there to drown, while they climb the highest trees. But soon they too are covered with water, so that there is not a resting place for Noah's dove. All are still in death. Horrid death, made still more horrible by being in consequence of slighted mercy.—But where is Noah? Ah! safe in the ark, borne upon the billow. Safe from the flood, safe in the ark, for God "shut him in." By most people the evidences of the soon coming of Christ are considered insufficient to base faith upon. But mark: the testimony and acts of one man condemned the people destroyed by the flood. The evidences then were sufficient, otherwise the world would not have been condemned. But behold the evidences which come pouring in upon us on all sides that the day of the Lord is near, and hasteth greatly. We follow down the numerous prophetic chains of Daniel, and of the Revelation, and we find ourselves in every instance standing just before the day of wrath. We see the signs spoken of by Prophets, by Christ, and in the epistles fulfilling, or fulfilled. And at the right time, and in the right manner, to fulfill certain prophecies, a solemn message arises in different parts of the world. "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand." Joel ii, 1. Wherever we look, we see prophecy fulfilling. And while the knowledge of God and the spirit of holiness are departing, spiritual wickedness like a flood covers the land. But these evidences are considered insufficient to rest faith upon. But what kind of evidence would they have? "When the signs of the end," says the sceptic, "are fulfilled, they will be so plain that no one can doubt." But if the signs are of such a nature, and are fulfilled in such a manner, as to compel all to believe in the coming of Christ, how can it be as it was in the days of Noah? Men were not then compelled to believe. But eight believing souls were saved, while all the world beside sunk in their unbelief beneath the waters of the flood. God has never revealed his truth to man in a manner to compel him to believe. Those who have wished to doubt his word, have found a wide field in which to doubt, and a broad road to perdition. While those who have wished to believe, have ever found everlasting rock on which to rest their faith. "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke xviii, 8. He will find but little. It will be as in the days of Noah. A few will believe, and stand complete in God amid all the perils of the last days. "Fear not, little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke xii, 32. Just before the end, the world will be hardened in sin, indifferent to the claims of God, careless about hearing warnings of danger, blinded by cares, pleasures and riches, an unbelieving and infidel race, eating, drinking, marrying, building, planting, sowing. It is right to eat and drink, but the sin is in excess and gluttony. The marriage covenant is holy, but God's glory is seldom thought of. Building, planting and sowing, necessary for convenient shelter, food and clothing, are right, but the world has gone wholly after these things, so that they have no time, or disposition to think of God, heaven, Christ's coming and the Judgment. J. W.