Growing Sentiment in Favor of the Soon Coming of Christ
We are seeing more and more in print emphasizing the fact that Christ will soon return to this earth. There are many of the best men everywhere who have been grappling with the moral situation in the world, and who find that it is becoming hopeless, and believe that the only solution of these difficulties and problems will be the personal return of Christ Himself. The prophecies very clearly show that we are rapidly nearing the end of this world in its present condition of sin, and that the return of the Master is the next thing on the divine program. These matters are made very clear in the great book of prophecy, yet it is true that there are many fanciful and unscriptural ideas concerning the second coming of the Master. And we should expect these, because the arch-deceiver is determined that men shall not have a correct idea of the teaching of the Word concerning the great event. Satan would have some minimize the importance of it, and so practically ignore it altogether. Those who can not be inspired with this spirit of indifference, he will drive into some foolish or absurd vagaries that are just as destructive of truth and sound doctrine. And those who will imbibe these errors are not prepared for the great day of the Lord and the second coming of Christ, because they do not have an intelligent understanding of the teaching of the Word itself. We need to know the Bible in these times, and to know it for ourselves. If we earnestly study God's word, and truly seek Him for light, He will teach us of His way. When the Master was asked by His disciples concerning the matter of His second coming, His first concern seemed to be directed to the thought of His people's not being deceived in regard to the great doctrine; for He said: “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” “If any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.” Matt. 24:4, 5, 23-25. The teaching of the Word itself is perfectly simple and plain; but our danger is in imbibing theories and doctrines, and insisting upon clinging to them regardless of what the Word says. Let us study the Word, and follow it closely. The only key to the Scriptures that we can safely trust is the exact wording of the Book itself, as impressed upon the mind by the divine Spirit that comes direct from God, without any human intermediary.