Earth’s Great Jubilee, Part 6
The Time of our Lord’s Second Advent Revealed
“Having determined from our previous post that the great antitypical Jubilee, the “Times of Restitution of all things” was reached in October A.D. 1874, let us consider what must follow, from the standpoint of reason, and then see if any other scriptures will either support or contradict those conclusions.
First, we infer that when the “Times of Restitution” are due to begin, the presence of the GREAT RESTORER is also due. This would be a very reasonable inference, but it amounts to much more than inference when it is endorsed by the Apostle’s positive inspired statement, that
“When the [appointed] times of refreshing SHALL COME from the presence of the Lord [Jehovah]…he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you, whom the heaven must retain until THE TIMES OF RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.” Acts 3:19-21
On the strength of this inspired statement alone, we have clear evidence of the fact that our Lord’s second advent was due when the Times of Restitution were due to begin, viz., in October, A.D. 1874, as marked by the Jubilee arrangement.
It seems evident, indeed, that the Jubilee, like all other things of that dispensation (the Jewish age), was arranged “for our admonition [our instruction] upon whom the ends of the ages are come.” (1 Cor. 10:11) One thing seems clear–if they do not profit us, they have been thus far almost profitless; for the Scriptures inform us that the Jews never fully and properly observed the type, even during the first nineteen Jubilees. (Lev. 26:35) They no doubt found it almost impossible to restrain their love of wealth. It, like all prophecies and types, was no doubt arranged to cast light when and where needed on the path of the just (those living during the Gospel age) –to guide the “feet” of the body of Christ.
Now call to mind what we had learned previously concerning *the manner of our Lord’s return and appearing, lest you stumble here because of erroneous ideas on that point. Remember, that “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the presence [Greek, Parousia] of the Son of man be; for as in the days that were before the flood, they…knew not…so shall also the presence of the Son of man be.” (Matt. 24:37-39)
Remember, also, what we have already gathered from the inspired teaching–that only those faithfully watching unto the sure word of prophecy, and loving and looking for his appearing, will be able to discern his presence, until he makes it manifest to the world “in flaming fire, taking vengeance“–in the great time of trouble. The fact, then, that his presence is not known and generally recognized by the world, or even among professed Christians, is no argument against this truth.
The world has no faith in prophecy, and of course cannot see anything in its light. And lukewarm Christians (the nominally professing church, and such are the large majority) are paying no attention to the “sure word of prophecy“; and many who profess to be watching are reading the prophecies through the colored glasses of old and long cherished errors, and with their eyes miserably crossed by prejudice. All such should go to the Great Physician for some of the “eye salve” or meekness (Rev. 3:18), and forever discard the colored glasses of the traditions of men, and all theories of their own and of others which will not harmonize with every testimony of God’s Word.
But neither the world’s ignorance and unbelief nor the lukewarm indifference and prejudice of the great majority of professed Christians shall prove stumbling blocks to God’s elect–to those who in simple, child-like faith accept the testimony of his blessed Word. Such cannot stumble; nor is it possible that they should be deceived. By their faith and God’s leading such will overcome all. Fear not, precious Jewels of the Lord’s own choosing: lift up your heads and rejoice, knowing that your deliverance, your exaltation and glory, draws nigh. Luke 21:28; 12:32
Another reasonable expectation, if the Times of Restitution actually began with October, A.D. 1874, and if our Lord’s second presence was then due, would be, that those watching should see some distinguishable indications of what the Scriptures explain to be the first work of his presence, viz., the harvesting of the fruit of the Gospel age, the gathering together of his elect (in mental association and spiritual communion), and at least some preparatory steps toward the establishment of Christ’s Kingdom. Some of these evidences we have already briefly hinted at; but there is so much more to be observed on this point that we must leave its consideration for another time.
The harvest of the Church is indeed upon us; the wheat is being separated from the tares; and affairs in the world are rapidly shaping themselves, making ready for the permanent establishment of the Redeemer’s Kingdom. The foretold signs, in the exact manner and order of their prediction, are made clearly manifest to those watching; but this we leave for the present–because we wish first to bring other prophetic testimonies to view. Suffice it to say here that the sickle in the “harvest” of this age, as in the Jewish “harvest,” is the truth; and that the “messengers” who use the sickle now are disciples or followers of the Lord, though many of them now, as then, realize but slightly the magnitude of the work in which they are engaged.” (B187-190)
*The manner of our Lord’s return and appearing
Please see the following blog posts for review:
Our Lord’s Great Prophecy (Matthew 24) beginning at Part 37 and onward.
Stumbling in the Day of Visitation
We continue with our next post.