UNFULFILLED PROPHECY by Editor

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Apr 3, 1855

UNFULFILLED PROPHECY.

By Editor

WHILE we urge that views of unfulfilled prophecy should be carefully formed, and spoken out with modesty, we do maintain that the popular sentiment with many that prophecy cannot be understood till it be fulfilled, is a great error.

Peter was present on the mount of transfiguration. He there saw in miniature the kingdom of God, and testifies:—"For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn," &c. 2 Pet. i. 16-19.

We wish here to notice (1.) the certainty of the fulfillment of prophecy. The Apostle regarded it more certain than what he had seen and heard. He was an eyewitness of the transfiguration, and there heard the voice of God from heaven; but says, "we have a more sure word of prophecy." Sights may deceive the eye, and sounds the ear; but prophecy is certain. And (2) it is certain that the prophecies were written for our learning and benefit in the mortal state, before the day shall dawn. Till that time we do well to take heed to them. Now if the prophecies relating to the Second Advent, its manner and object, are not to be understood till they are fulfilled, then they were designed for the benefit of immortal saints in the kingdom of God. But as they were given for a light to shine in a dark place, [this mortal state, instead of the kingdom,] to which we are to take heed till the day dawns, they were given for our learning, and must be understood before they are fulfilled, or they benefit no one.

By this testimony of the Apostle we may also learn (3) that the prophecies are a light shining in a dark place. Notice the figure. One goes out into the street in a dark night with a light, which shines around him. It enables him to advance step by step with safety. All the while his present position is plain. Ahead the light is fainter, still he sees enough to know his course is right. He recognizes large objects in the distance, but all the smaller objects and particulars of the way, he does not see till he advances with the light.

Prophetic fulfillment is plain and sure. Of the past we have only to compare prophecy with history, and when the application is correct, prophecy will exactly fit history, like the glove to the hand, being made for it. Present fulfillment, in connection with the past, is also plain. Prophecy will answer in all particulars to existing facts. And prophetic fulfillment, past and present in connection, will constitute a brilliant and glorious light, by which the people of God may know their present position and duty.

Of future fulfillment we cannot speak as positively, especially to enter into all the particulars. Yet the light of prophecy shines ahead, and stretching along in the future may be distinctly seen the close of Christ's priesthood, the seven last plagues, the personal second advent of Christ, the first resurrection, the second resurrection, at the close of the seventh millennium, the destruction of all the enemies of God, and the kingdom and the dominion under the whole heavens given to the saints of the Most High. These great events may be seen in their order. But the particulars of future fulfillment of prophecy may not be so clearly seen.

The strange diversity of opinions existing among Bible students in regard to just how things will be in the seventh millennium is evidence of this.

Past truth is clear and important; future truth in the great outline is important, and may be distinctly seen, while present truth is clear, and contains the living message for the present time. To leave this to dwell principally either on the past or future, would be to leave the work of God.

When the first message of Rev. xiv, was being given, what did we know of the second and third? We had no just views of them. When they became present truth all was made plain. Now to engage in a full exposition of the fourth and fifth messages of Rev. xiv, we should probably commit as many errors as those who attempted an exposition of the third message twelve years since. Then let us concentrate our efforts on the present message, and do the work God requires of us as a people at this time.