|
|
| |
|
The Kingdom of God
AND THE ONE THOUSAND YEARS' REIGN |
|
By: H. M. Riggle |
|
|
|
|
(To read a specific chapter, click on the
corresponding title heading.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preface |
|
|
|
It is not
our object in this little volume to review the hundreds of opposing
theories of a future literal kingdom and reign of righteousness upon
the earth; for as one writer states it, no two Millennial teachers
"fix it up the same way." Suffice it to say that during the last few
years thousands upon thousands of volumes have been printed and
circulated over the world, teaching the people to hope for a better
age yet future, when Christ will establish his kingdom, and offer
superior means of grace to mankind. Thousands are today adhering to
such teaching, and are thus being deceived with a vain hope. Our
love for the many precious souls thus deceived, and for the many
more who may come under the influence of such nefarious doctrines,
prompts us to lift up our voice like a trumpet and pen the following
lines in the name of Jesus. No matter how fascinating a thing is,
how beautiful and pleasing to the taste, there can be no real
benefit derived from holding the same if it only be a creation of
fancy, or the result of wrong interpretation of scripture; nor is
God in any way glorified in us holding an erroneous hope. Scattered
throughout the book will be found a few choice selections from the
pens of some of our beloved brethren whom we pray that this little
volume may be blessed of God in turning many minds from vain
speculation to Jesus Christ the crucified Son of God, who "NOW
commandeth all men everywhere to repent."
-H. M. Riggle, 1899 |
|
|
|
(Top of Page) |
|
|
|
|
|
Introduction |
|
|
In the present dispensation we are the subjects of
TIME. With gigantic footsteps he bears us to our future. There is no
escape from his course. Few are the human hearts so hardened but at
some time or other they are melted into pity; but were the whole
universe in tears over the rapid sweep of Time, his silent course
would not be stayed, nor his iron heart be moved. On, still on, he
presses; but not forever. The period comes on apace when his own
death knell shall ring.
Swallowed up in eternity his iron heart shall yet be melted to pity;
yea, shall feel the sting of death. "And the angel which I saw stand
upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and
sware by him that liveth forever and ever, . . . that there should
be time no longer."-Rev. 10:5, 6. The iron barriers of the tombs
which he has built shall be broken asunder, and the numberless dead
shall gather the scattered fragments to build an eternal sepulcher
to him who has laid so many in their last repose, but who shall then
be wrapped in the unending sleep of eternity.
The uniform voice of the Bible is that the current dispensation is
the last age of time. All through the Old Testament the present age
is prophesied of as the "last days" (Gen. 49:1, 8-10; Mic. 4:1, 2;
Isa. 2:1-3), the "latter days" (Num. 24 :14-19, Jer. 23 :19, 20, Jer.
30 :24; Deut. 4:29-34; Dan. 2:28), the "time of the end" (Dan. 12),
etc. What can these expressions mean, if not that the prophets
understood the present dispensation to be the last? In Jer. 23 we
have a clear prediction of Christ's first advent, the establishing
of his kingdom, and his great salvation work in this age. Verses 5,
6. Also of the great apostasy and reign of false prophets during the
Christian era. Verses 9-18. In verses 19 and 20 we have a
description of the present holiness reformation when God is pouring
out the awful judgments of his truth upon all false religion. The
prophet further says that all these things would be considered by
the people of God in "latter days."-Ver. 20. This last expression is
rendered as follows in the Septuagint Version: "At the end of the
days they shall understand it." That is, during the time these
predictions would be fulfilled God's people would understand. But
mark the fact that all this was to be in the "end of days." This
gospel age is frequently in the scriptures called a day. The
prophets speaking of things that would transpire in this age, said,
"It shall come to pass in that day." Paul applies the term "day" to
this age in Rom. 13:12 and 2 Cor. 6:2. If, therefore, Jeremiah was
inspired of God, we are now living in the "end of the days"-the last
day of time.
The beloved apostle John knew this. He says "Little children, it is
the last time.... We know that it [the present age] is the last
time."-1 John 2:18. Jude teIls us that the great multitude of
mockers and scoffers who have opposed Christianity during this
gospel age were to come "in the last time."-Jude 16-19. Peter
plainly states that Jesus was manifested in "these last times for
you." -1 Peter 1:20.
"Last of the times"-is the direct from the Greek. Paul says that God
hath "in these last days spoken unto us by his Son."-Heb. 1:1, 2.
Again, in Eph. 1:10 Paul denominates the present age "the
dispensation of the fullness of times." In 1 Cor. 10:11 we read that
the lusting after evil things, idolatries, murmurings, etc. of the
children of Israel "are written for our admonition, upon whom the
ends of the world are come." "Are written for our learning, who live
in the end of the ages."- Conybeare and Howson. In Heb. 9:26 it is
clearly stated that Jesus appeared "in the end of the world to put
away sin by the sacrifice of himself." "At the full end of the
ages."-Young. "Completion of the ages."-Emphatic Diaglott. Again
says Peter, "The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore
sober, and watch unto prayer."- 1 Peter 4:7. Jesus taught that when
this gospel of the kingdom shall have been preached in all the world
for a witness unto all nations, "then shall the end come."-Matt.
24:14. Paul, speaking of the resurrection of the dead "at Christ's
coming," says, "Then cometh the end."-1 Cor. 15 :20-24. "Cometh" is
not in the text. "Then the end" is the correct rendering. When the
seventh trumpet (elsewhere called the "trump of God," "last
trumpet," etc., which shall call forth the dead.-1 Cor. 15:51, 52; 1
Thess. 4:16.) shall sound, then there shall be "time no
longer."-Rev. 10 :4-7.
How solemn these declarations! God has meted out this planet's end.
One long age has followed another until we "now" have entered the
"last days" of this world's career. Just a small step before us is
the "end of all things;" namely, the end of time, the end of
probation, the end of the world, the end of the redemption reign of
Christ. If God's word be true, we are living in the "full end of the
ages," in "the last time." This age will end with the coming of
Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the general judgment; at
which time the righteous will be rewarded and the wicked punished.
This being true, it follows conclusively that the gospel of Christ
in this age offers the last hope of mercy to Adam's fallen race. In
Isa. 49:8 we read of an "acceptable time," a special "day of
salvation," the most propitious age of God's grace to mankind. Paul,
after quoting this text, clearly applies it, saying, "Behold, now is
the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."-2 Cor. 6:1,
2. Hear this, ye who now presume upon God's mercy, with the vain
hope of being saved in an age to come. Now is the accepted time; now
is the day of salvation. "Today if ye will hear his voice, harden
not your hearts."-Heb. 3:7, 8; Heb. 4:7. "Seek the Lord while he may
be found."-Isa. 55:6. Through Christ's death on the cross a present,
perfect salvation was purchased for the whole world. He 'tasted
death for every man." He was "raised again for our
justification."-Rom. 4:25. After his ascension he sent the Holy
Spirit to convict men of sin, to quicken them to life, and to
sanctify; and thus execute the perfect salvation he had purchased
upon the cross. He commissioned perpetual ministry to publish the
gospel to "every creature," in all nations to the end of the world:
and the gospel is the "power of God unto salvation to every one that
believeth" it. The invitations of the gospel are to all the ends of
the earth" to come "without money and without rice." "Whosoever
will, let him take of the water of life freely." The promises are:
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."
"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come
unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for
them."-Heb. 7:25. "From all your filthiness, and from all Your
idols, will I cleanse you."-Ezek. 36 :25. "Having therefore,
brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of
Jesus."-Heb. 10:19. "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly;
and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved
blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he
that calleth you, who also will do it."-1 Thess. 5:23, 24. "Now the
God of peace, . . . through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
make you perfect."-Heb. 13:20, 21. "And God is able to make all
grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in
all things, may abound to every good work."-2 Cor. 9:8. "My grace is
sufficient for thee." "Now being made free from sin, and become
servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end
everlasting life."-Rom. 6:22. "The Lord is faithful, who shall
stablish you, and keep you from evil." -2 Thess. 3:3. "Now unto him
that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless
before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only
wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both
now and ever. Amen."-Jude 24, 25.
In the name of Jesus we ask: What more could God do in a future age
for the salvation of the world, than he has done, and now promises
to do for all who will meet the conditions of his word? How can men
expect to escape the wrath of God, who presume upon such mercies,
and reject such offers? Yea, "how shall we escape, if we neglect so
great salvation?"-Heb. 2:3. Answer: "For yourselves know perfectly
that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when
they shall say Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon
them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not
escape."-1 Thess. 5 :2, 3. "When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed
from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance
on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction
from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power." -2
Thess. 1:7-9. "If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the
ungodly and the sinner appear?"-1 Pet. 4:18. "He that believeth and
is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be
damned."-Matt. 16:16. God now commandeth "all men everywhere to
repent."- Acts 17:30. And "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
perish."-Luke 13:1-5. But why multiply texts of scripture? Such are
the solemn warnings of the gospel to men who would dare to neglect
the salvation of their souls. "Now," today, "today" is held out by
the divine hand of love and mercy the only hope of this lost world,
the last offer of salvation.
No opportunity of salvation will ever be offered to Adam's race
beyond the present gospel of Christ. Salvation can only be obtained
this side the coming of the Lord. The door of the kingdom is now
open. All may enter. Hear it, poor, Christless sinner. God says to
you, "Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can
shut it."-Rev. 3:8. Christ now reigns upon a mediatorial throne: but
the instant he leaves that throne, the world will be without an
advocate, without a Savior, or further opportunity of salvation.
"When once the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the
door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door,
saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he. shall answer and say unto
you, I know ye not whence ye are . . . Depart from me, all ye
workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth,
when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the
prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you thrust out."-Luke 13
:25-28. |
|
|
|
(Top of Page) |
|
|
|
|
|
The Nature of God's Kingdom |
|
|
|
The notion that the Messiah would establish a literal
kingdom upon the earth originated with the Jews. Many of them placed
literal interpretations upon those prophecies which relate to the
coming of Christ, and as a result they expected him to establish a
temporal throne, subdue the nations, and restore again the kingdom
of Israel. This gross error led them to reject Christ, oppose his
spiritual kingdom, and consent unto his death. Because he did not
meet their expectations, he became a stumbling-block to them. At one
time they tried to "take him by force, and make him a king," but he
departed from them. John 6:15. He said, "Ye do err, not knowing the
scriptures." "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of
this world, then would my servants fight."-John 18:36.
Jesus acknowledged himself a King, and said, "To this end was I
born, and for this cause came I into the world"-namely, his mission
was to set up a kingdom, and reign as a king; but this kingdom was
"not of this world;" i. e., not temporal or literal. Through all his
teaching he endeavored to show the people that his mission was to
establish the kingdom of heaven in the hearts of men, and there
reign-the "King of peace." "And when he was demanded of the
Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and
said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation [outward
show-margin] neither shall they say, Lo, here! or, Lo, there! for,
behold, the kingdom of God is within you."-Luke 17:20, 21. This is
positive and clear, and should stop the mouth of every latter-day
advocate of a literal reign upon earth yet future.
The Pharisees believed that Messiah would establish a temporal
kingdom, set up his throne at Jerusalem, etc. (Many modern Pharisees
are looking for the same thing today.) So as Christ claimed to be
the true Messiah, they naturally asked him when the kingdom of God
should come. How clear his answer-"The kingdom of God cometh not
with observation." This would not be true were it literal; for such
would come with observation. The fact that it cometh not with
observation or outward show positively proves it to be a spiritual
kingdom-Christ ruling and reigning in the hearts of his people. Yes,
dear reader, "it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the
kingdom;" even the "kingdom of heaven," a kingdom greater than
Alexander or Napoleon ever swayed scepter over. And 811 this you
will find in the full salvation of Jesus Christ. 'If any man serve
me," saith the Lord, "him will my Father honor."
Possessing the kingdom, and enjoying this glorious reign is not
located in some future age; but John writing to the seven churches
in Asia, in the first century of Christian grace, declared that
Jesus Christ, who is the faithful Witness, "the Prince of the kings
of the earth," him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his
own blood, also "hath made us kings and priests unto God and his
Father."-Rev. 1:5, 6. John testifies that he was "in the kingdom,
and patience of Jesus Christ."-Ver. 9. At the very opening of the
plan of redemption the blood-washed celebrated the praises of God
with a "new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to
open the seals thereof: for thou west slain, and hast redeemed us to
God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and
nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests, and we
shall reign on the earth." -Rev. 5:9, 10. "And they reign on the
earth."-Rotheram's Translation. Peter also denominates God's church
in this dispensation "a royal priesthood ;" that is, a priesthood of
kings. Paul declares that they which receive abundance of grace and
the gift of righteousness, "reign in life by one Jesus Christ."-Rom.
5:17. Hallelujah!
All who live in sin are slaves to their own lusts, and are not able
to govern themselves: but salvation makes us "kings" in rule over
our own selves; over our passions, appetites, and desires. He that
ruleth his spirit is greater than he that taketh a city. Prov.
16:32. Salvation places us in kingly triumph over all the elements
of this world; over sin, fashions, and popular sentiments.
"Whatsoever born of God overcometh the world" (1 John 5:4); and hath
the victory over the beast (Rev. 15:2); and Satan himself,, who
claims to be the ruler of the earth. "Behold, give unto you power .
. . over all the power of the enemy."-Luke 10:19. You see, dear
reader, that the truly saved now possess that for which blind
formalists are looking in the future. "Now being made free from sin,
and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness."-Rom.
6:22. A master of the situation of life, with a peace that nothing
disturbs-this is now realized in the kingdom of God. Well hath the
poet said:
"One we hail as King immortal,
He did earth and hell subdue;
And bequeathing us his glory,
We are kings anointed too.
"Shall we then by sin be humbled?
Must we yield to any foe?
No, by heaven's gift we're reigning
Over all this world below.
"Oh, what grace and high promotion,
That in Jesus I should be
Raised from sin to royal honor,
Even reigning, Lord, with thee!
"All this life is blissful sunshine,
Earth is subject at our feet;
Heaven pours its richest blessings
Round our throne of love complete.
"I am reigning, sweetly reigning,
Far above this world of strife;
In my blessed loving Savior,
I am reigning in this life."
But let us hear the Savior's answer to those
Pharisees further. "Neither shall they say, Lo here! [in Utah, as
the Mormons believe] or, Lo, there! [in Jerusalem, as the Pharisees
believed, and modern Millennium-teachers advocate] for, behold, the
kingdom of God is within you-" "Being questioned by the Pharisees
when the reign of God should commence, he answered, The reign of God
is not ushered in with parade; . . . . for, behold, the reign of God
is within you."-Campbell's and Young's Translation. This is too
clear to need comment. Let God be true though every man a liar.
Some latter-day teachers try to evade the truth contained in this
text, by affirming that Jesus did not mean what he said; for in the
language of the text he would imply that the kingdom of God was in
those wicked Pharisees. Such reasoning we maintain is not sound. By
using the words "within you" Jesus did not mean to teach that the
kingdom was in those wicked Pharisees, but simply wished to convey
the truth to them that his kingdom, throne, and reign were not
temporal, but spiritual in the hearts of his people. Wilson, who
translated the Emphatic Diaglott, was a Second-Adventists, and
believed in a future literal kingdom. He renders it "among you." But
nothing specially is gained in this; for it would prove that instead
of its establishment in a future age, it was then present among the
people. But we believe "within you" to be the correct rendering, and
the truth Jesus wished to convey. Besides the standard, it is
rendered "within you" by the following translations: Revised, Bible
Union, Young, Sawyer, Campbell. Paul makes a clear ringing statement
on this point in Rom. 14:17-"For the kingdom of God is not meat and
drink; but righteousness, and peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost." By
being born "of water and of the Spirit" we "enter into the kingdom
of God."-John 3 :5. The same is taught in Matt. 18:1-6; namely, that
through conversion we enter the kingdom are delivered from the power
of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son.-Col
1:13.
Men are commanded to "seek first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness." When this is done, and every Bible condition fully
met, through the work of conversion-the new birth-the soul enters
through Christ the door into the church or kingdom of God. Yet there
remains in the heart a sinful nature-"the carnal mind." This causes
an inward warfare between the flesh and spirit. Before Christ reigns
supreme this inward foe must be destroyed. The thrones of iniquity
must be obliterated. This is accomplished in the glorious work of
sanctification. So the fullness of God in the baptism of the Holy
Ghost, or the complete establishing of his throne of fire (Dan. 7:9,
10), which is holiness (Ps. 47:8) in our hearts, is some. thing for
which the believer must seek. In this sense he prays, "Thy kingdom
come."-Matt. 6:10. The promise is: "Fear not, little flock, it is
your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." "This is the
will of God, even your sanctification." "The very God of peace
sanctify you wholly." When the believer presents himself "a living
sacrifice" upon Christ the altar, when the last condition is fully
met in a complete death to sin and self, then the Holy Ghost with
the blood of Christ destroys the body of sin, and moves in us in all
his fullness, as a personal abiding Comforter, to abide with us
forever- Christ fully enthroned within. "God sitteth upon the throne
of his holiness."-Ps. 47:8. "The reign of God is within you." This
is the sense in which the saints of the Most High "take the kingdom,
and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever" (Dan. 7
:18), which is "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy
Ghost." It will be well also to observe that the kingdom of God is
represented in scripture as one of constant conquests and victories.
|
|
|
|
(Top of Page) |
|
|
|
|
|
History of the Millennium |
|
|
The Millennium doctrine started in an ungodly heretic
by the name of Cerinthus, who lived in the first century. It is true
that the Jews generally believed that the Messiah would establish a
literal or earthly kingdom. And even some of them believed that
Messiah's reign would last a thousand years. We here give an extract
from Neander's History of Christian Dogmas, Vol. 1, Page 248.
"The idea of a Millennial reign proceeded from Judaism; for among
the Jews the representation was current that the Messiah would reign
a thousand years upon earth. . . . Such products of Jewish
imagination passed over into Christianity."
As before stated, Cerinthus was the first to attempt to introduce
this doctrine under Christianity. Let history speak. In EusebiusŐs
Ecclesiastical History, Book III, Chapter 28, is preserved a
fragment from the writings of Caius, who lived about the close of
the second century, which gives us the following account of
Cerinthus's heresy: "But Cerinthus, too, through revelations
written, as he would have us believe, by a great apostle, brings
before us marvelous things, which he pretends were shown him by
angels; alleging that after the resurrection the kingdom of Christ
is to be on earth, and that the flesh dwelling in Jerusalem is again
to be subject to desires and pleasures. And being an enemy to the
scriptures of God, wishing to deceive men, he says that there is to
be space of a thousand years for marriage festivities." "One of the
doctrines he taught was, that Christ would have an earthly kingdom."
This is the true origin of the Millennium theory. The reader will
observe how lightly our author speaks of Cerinthus's idea of the
kingdom of Christ being set up on earth after the resurrection. He
says this doctrine was "something which he [Cerinthus] pretends was
shown to him by angels." Caius must therefore have believed the
orthodox teachings of the scriptures, that Christ's kingdom was set
up at his first coming. Observe also that Caius calls Cerinthus "an
enemy to the scriptures of God," and one who was "wishing to deceive
men." This language he uses with special reference to the one
thousand years Cerinthus claimed would be spent in sensuality.
Notice also that Cerinthus believed in an earthly kingdom.
Cerinthus lived in the days of the apostle John. We will now call
your attention to the attitude of the beloved apostle toward this
Millennial teacher. Irenaeus, who was born about 120 A. D. and was
acquainted with Polycarp, the disciple of John, [Eusebius's Eccl.
Hist., V. 24], states that while John was at Ephesus, he entered a
bath to wash and found that Cerinthus was within, and refused to
bathe in the same bath-house, but left the building, and exhorted
those with him to do the same, saying, "Let us flee, lest the bath
fall in, as long as Cerinthus, that enemy of the truth, is
within."-Eusebius's Eccl. Hist., III. 28. Let this be a rebuke to
modern Millennial advocates. They claim their doctrine is well
founded in the Apocalypse of John. But John called the founder of
their theory "that enemy of the truth."
"Cerinthus required his followers to worship the supreme God.... He
promised them a resurrection of their bodies, which would be
succeeded by exquisite delights in the Millenary reign of Christ....
For Cerinthus supposed that Christ would hereafter return . . . and
would reign with his followers a thousand years in Palestine."-."-
Mosheim's Eccl. Hist., Page 50.
"Cerinthus required his followers to retain part of the Mosaical
law, but to regulate their lives by the example of Christ: and
taught that after the resurrection Christ would reign upon earth,
with his faithful disciples, a thousand years, which would be spent
in the highest sensual indulgences. This mixture of Judaism and
Oriental philosophy was calculated to make many converts, and this
sect soon became very numerous. They admitted a part of St.
Matthew's Gospel but rejected the rest, and held the epistles of St.
Paul in great abhorrence."-Gregory and Ruter's Church History., Page
30.
"Even though the floods of the nations and the vain superstitions of
heretics should revolt against their true faith, they are overcome,
and shall be dissolved as the foam, because Christ is the rock by
which, and on which, the church is founded. And thus it is overcome
by no traces of maddened men. Therefore they are not to be heard who
assure themselves that there is to be an earthly reign of a thousand
years; who think, that is to say, with the heretic Cerinthus. For
the kingdom of Christ is now eternal in his saints."-From a
commentary on the Apocalypse, by Victorinus, Ante-Nicene Fathers.
Thank God for the united testimony of history. Observe, dear reader,
how closely the modern Millennium teachers cling to the doctrines of
their founder. Cerinthus taught that "Christ will have an earthly
kingdom." "After the resurrection the kingdom of Christ is to be on
earth." "The resurrection would be followed by exquisite delights in
the Millenary reign of Christ." " That Christ would hereafter
return, and would reign with his followers a thousand years in
Palestine." The only difference is that his modern followers have
dropped the idea of sensuality. But how did the early church regard
the doctrine of Cerinthus ? They declare that he was "an enemy to
the scriptures of God, wishing to deceive men." They called him a
"heretic." They termed his doctrines the "vain superstitions of
heretics," and called all who believed and advocated the same
"maddened men." The apostle John called Cerinthus "that enemy of the
truth." They taught that "they are not to be heard who assure
themselves that there is to be an earthly reign of a thousand
years."
What was the doctrine of the early church according to history?
"Christ is the rock on which, and by which the church is founded."
"The kingdom of Christ is now eternal in his saints." "It was the
universal feeling among primitive Christians that they were living
in the last period of the world's history."-Encyclopedia Britannica,
Vol. VIII.. Page 534. The reason they believed this was because the
New Testament was their faith, and this is the doctrine of the New
Testament throughout. No wonder Cerinthus and his followers
"rejected part of St.
Matthew's Gospel, and held the epistles of Paul in great
abhorrence." Just so do modern Millennium-teachers dwell very little
in the plain Gospels and , ;Epistles to prove their doctrines, but
speculate in prophecy and revelation.
Having seen that Cerinthus and his false doctrine were rejected by
God's church we will now come to its next chief advocate, Papias,
who lived in the first half of the second century. Eusebius, under
the heading "The Writings of Papias," says of him: "The same
historian also gives other accounts, which he says he adds as
received by him from unwritten tradition, likewise some strange
parables of our Lord, and of his doctrine, and some other matters
rather too fabulous. In these he says there would be a certain
Millennium after the resurrection, and that there would be a
corporeal reign of Christ on this very earth; which things he
appears to have imagined, as if they were authorized by the
apostolic narrations, not understanding correctly those matters
which they propounded mystically in their representations. For he
was very limited in his comprehension, as is evident from his
discourses."- Eusebius's Eccl. Hist., Book m, Chap. 39, Page 115.
Historians generally tell us that Papias was a very zealous advocate
of this imaginary reign of Christ on earth. "The first distinguished
opponent of this doctrine was Origen, who attacked it with great
earnestness and ingenuity, and seems, in spite of some opposition to
have thrown it into general discredit." -Wadington's History, Page
56. "This obscure doctrine was probably known to but very few except
the Fathers of the church, and is very sparingly mentioned by them
during the first two centuries; and there is reason to believe that
it scarcely attained much notoriety even among the learned
Christians, until it was made a matter of controversy by Origen, and
then rejected by the great majority. In fact we find Origen himself
asserting that it was confined to those of the simpler sort."-Wadington's
History, Page 56.
Next among the advocates of this doctrine was Nepos, a bishop in
Egypt. He advocated the doctrine about A. D. 255. We here insert the
following from Eusebius's History, Book VII, Chapter 23, under the
heading "Nepos, and His Schism." "He taught that the promises given
to holy men in the scriptures should be understood more as the Jews
understood them, and supposed that there would be a certain
Millennium of sensual luxury on this earth: thinking, therefore,
that he could establish his own opinion by the Revelation of John .
. . He (Nepos) asserts that there will be an earthly reign of
Christ." "Though Millennialism had been suppressed by the early
church, it was nevertheless from time to time revived by heretical
sects."-Dr. Schaff's Hlstory, Page 299. "Nowhere in the discourses
of Jesus is there a hint of a limited duration of the Messianic
kingdom. The apostolic epistles are equally free from any traceof
Chiliasm." -Encyclopedia Brittanica-Articles on Millennium.
To sum up the uniform voice of history, the theory of a literal
kingdom and reign on the earth was gathered from Jewish fabulous
"apocalypse," "unwritten tradition," "carnal misapprehensions,"
"pretended visions," "suppositions," and "superstitious
imaginations." Its advocates were said to be "very limited in their
understanding," and "of the simple sort." Millennialism had the
worst heretic in the first century for its founder, and its chief
advocates thereafter were rejected by the early church. From time to
time it was revived by "heretical sects." The vain worldly
expectation that the Messiah would establish a literal kingdom
caused the Jews to reject him, and his spiritual kingdom. They only
wanted an earthly kingdom; hence rejected and crucified the Son of
God. As soon as the church began to apostatize, and lost the glory
of his spiritual kingdom, vain ambitions awakened the old Jewish
desire for a literal kingdom. And so it has come to pass that we
have at this time of dead formality a multitude of men teaching the
same abominable lie and false hope which crucified Christ nearly
nineteen hundred years ago; namely, a literal kingdom of Christ.
|
|
|
|
(Top of Page) |
|
|
|
|
|
The Time of its Establishment |
|
|
|
The
prophets with one accord pointed to the first ad vent of Christ, as
the time when the kingdom of God would be established. All the
prophecies which related to its establishment reached their
fulfillment at that time. We will begin with Daniel's prophecy. In
the second chapter we read that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,
dreamed a dream. This dream was afterwards made known to him by
Daniel the prophet. In the dream he saw a great image. "This image's
head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly
and his thighs of brass, his legs of iron, his feet part of iron and
part of clay."-Verses 31-33. He also saw a stone cut out without
hands, which smote this image upon his feet, and broke them to
pieces, and the stone became a great mountain which filled the whole
earth. Verses 34, 35.
This great image represented four great universal monarchies that
reigned one after another in ancient times In Daniel's
interpretation of the dream, he told King Nebuchadnezzar, "Thou art
this head of gold."-Verses 37, 38 By this we are to understand that
the Babylonian empire is what the head of gold represented. Gold
being the most precious metal of the four, proves that the
Babylonian empire was the richest and greatest of earthly kingdoms
History proves this to be true. This kingdom arose 2300 years before
Christ. In the time of Nebuchadnezzar it was in the height of its
power and glory. But Daniel said to Nebuchadnezzar: "After thee
shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee."-Ver. 39. This second
kingdom was the Medo-Persian, which during the reign of Belshazzar
took the Babylonian kingdom. This occurred 538 B. C This kingdom was
what the "breast and arms of silver" represented. The "belly and
thighs of brass" was interpreted by Daniel to be a "third
kingdom.... which shall bear rule over all the earth."-Ver. 39. This
was the Grecian empire, which conquered the Medes and Persians 286
B. C., and fell 146 B. C. The "legs of iron," and "feet part of
iron, and part of clay," Daniel interprets to be the "fourth
kingdom," in its strong and divided condition. This was the Roman
empire, which fell A. D. 476.
Here then we have four universal kingdoms-Babylonian, Medo-Persian,
Grecian, and Roman. (Verses 37-43.) "And in the days of these kings
[kingdoms] shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall
never be destroyed and the kingdom shall not be left to other
people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms,
and it shall stand forever."-Ver. 44. This is clear. Daniel said
that some time during the reign of these four kings, or kingdoms,
the God of heaven would set up his kingdom. When Rome, the fourth of
these kingdoms, had reached the summit of its glory and power; when
its domain was so large that it was denominated "all the world,"
(Luke 2:1); and Augustus Caesar was an absolute sovereign ruling
over | three hundred millions of people, Jesus Christ appeared ,
here among men and established the kingdom of God. Little did the
Roman emperor think as he sat proudly on his throne, that a little
babe, Iying in a manger in the town of Bethlehem of Judea, would
establish a kingdom, before which the powers of the Caesars would
dwindle into insignificance. But it was so. "Jesus came into
Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The
time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand."-Mark 1:14, 15.
Dear reader, if you will accept the testimony of divine truth, you
must admit that Daniel locates the establishing of God's kingdom
during the reign of those four universal kingdoms; and that it had
its fulfillment in the coming of Christ, during the reign of Rome.
When Jesus came the time was "fulfilled," the kingdom of God was "at
hand." "Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands,
which smote the image upon his feet.... Then was the iron, the clay,
the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and
became like the chaff of the summer thrashing-floors; . . . and the
stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the
whole earth."-Dan. 2 :34, 35. This stone is the kingdom of God. It
never came with human hands. It is a divine institution; was
established by Christ himself. Matt. 16:18. It began with the
preaching of John the Baptist (Matt. 3:2; Luke 16:16), and was fully
set up on the day of Pentecost. Mark 9:1; Acts 2:1-4 Rom. 14:17. The
heathen kingdoms of darkness were broken to pieces" and "consumed"
before its march. Earthly kingdoms have arisen and fallen, but this
one stands unshaken upon the rock of eternal truth. It has come down
through martyrdom, waded through blood, and has stood the storms of
ages. When time will have run its course; when all earthly kingdoms
will have crumbled into dust; when the earth will be wrapped in a
mighty sheet of flame; yea, when the sun and moon will no longer
shine, this kingdom will continue to shine in the glory of the
Father. Although it has been largely hid away under the human
rubbish of men for centuries past, it is I again mounting up, and
shining forth in power and unity. I Yea, that stone has become a
"great mountain," which today is filling the whole earth. Glory to
God! Jesus Christ is "Prince of the kings of the earth." In the
kingdoms of the earth today, kings and rulers bow before him and
give him homage.
In Dan. 7:2-7 we read that Daniel saw in a night vision four great
beasts. The first was like a lion; the second like a bear; the third
like a leopard; and the fourth was dreadful and terrible, diverse
from all the rest, having great iron teeth. Verses 2-7. This vision
troubled Daniel; so he asked an angel its meaning. The answer was:
"These great beasts, which are four, are four kings [kingdoms],
which shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High
shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even
forever and ever."-Verses 17, 18. Here are the same four universal
kingdoms that are brought to view in the second chapter; namely,
Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Roman. Now mark you;
immediately after speaking of these four kingdoms, he says, "But the
saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the
kingdom." By this we are to understand that some time during the
reign of these four kingdoms, the kingdom would be given to the
saints of the Most High. As we before observed, this was fulfilled
during the reign of Rome, by the coming of Christ, and the
establishing of his kingdom in the hearts of men.
We will now turn to the prophet Micah. In Micah 4:1-7 we read: "But
in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the
house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains,
and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto
it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to
the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and
he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the
law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar
off; | and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their I
spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against
nation, neither shall they learn war any more.... For all people
will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the
name of the Lord our God forever and ever. In that day, saith the
Lord, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that
is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; . . . and the Lord
shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even forever."
Here is another clear prophecy of the establishment of God's
kingdom, and one often referred to by the Millennium- advocates.
Reader, observe that all contained in this prophecy was to come to
pass "in the last days." Ver. 1. Now if we can locate the last days,
then we will have the exact time of its fulfillment. Turn to Heb.
1:1, 2-"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time
past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days
spoken unto us by his Son." "These" then are the days of the
fulfillments of that prophecy. Here, again, the word of truth cuts
off the Millennial theory.
We will now briefly review the prophecy, and prove its fulfillment
in this gospel age. The "mountain of the Lord" clearly applies to
Mount Zion. See Ver. 7. The Hebrew brethren had "come unto Mount
Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem"
(Heb. 12:22, 23), which Paul denominates "the general assembly, and
church of the first-born." Jesus called his church in this
dispensation "a city that is set on a hill."-Matt. 5 :14. The "house
of the God of Jacob" is "the church of the living God. the pillar
and ground of the truth."-1 Tim. 3:15. The flowing of many nations
into it has been fulfilled from the day of Pentecost on. Under the
law the true God was known only to Israel. The Jews were his chosen
people, But now salvation is for "all people." Luke 2:8-10. The
gospel privileges are extended to "every creature" among "all
nations" in "all the world." Matt. 28 :19, 20; Mark 16:15, 16. And
"in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people"
they are now "called the children of the living God."-Rom. 9 :24-26.
People out of all nations of the earth are today saved in the family
or kingdom of God. The "law" that is to govern in these last days is
not that which came forth from Sinai, but that which came "out of
Zion," "The word of the Lord from Jerusalem." This is a clear
prophecy of the fact that "repent-ance and remission of sins should
be preached in his name | among all nations, beginning at
Jerusalem."-Luke 24:47. This began on the day of Pentecost. It is
further stated that "he shall judge among many people." "Jesus said,
For judgment I am come into this world."-John 9 :39. "For the time
is come that judgment must begin at the house of God."-1 Peter 4:17.
The beating of "swords into plowshares," and "spears into
pruning-hooks," a time when they should "learn war no more," is a
clear prophecy of the glorious unity, peace, and love which exist in
God's church. The angel announced to the shepherds in the plain that
a Savior was born into the world, who would bring "peace on earth
and good will toward man." Through the sanctifying grace of God and
obedience to the truth, the saved of all nations are brought into
"one fold" (John 10:16); belong to but "one" organized "body," or
church, the "church of God" (Rom. 12:4, 5; Eph. 4:4; Col. 1:24; Acts
20:28); are all "of one heart and of one soul" (Acts 4:31-33); "one
mind" (2 Cor. 13:11); "all speak the same thing" (1 Cor. 1:10); all
have "one faith" (Eph: 4:5); "one spirit" (1 Cor. 6:17); all strive
together (Phil. 1:27); rejoice together (1 Cor. 12:26); "assemble
together" (Heb. 10:25); and "see eye to eye" (Isa. 52:8). God over
all, in all, and through them all knits their hearts together in
love. Eph. 4:6; Col. 2:2. Surely the prophet did not overdraw his
picture of this. And the Lord shall reign over them in Mount Zion
from henceforth, even forever and ever.
Dear reader, this is a present truth, and one that it is your
privilege to enjoy. "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be
little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come
forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel." "And he shall stand
and feed in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of
the Lord his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great
unto the ends of the earth."-Micah 5:2, 4. Here, the birth of
Christ, and the glory of his kingdom is foretold. Surely none but
such as are blinded by the "god of this world" can fail to see that
this prophecy has had its fulfillment in this gospel age. Please
turn and read Matt. 2:4- 6 and John 7:42.
A sublime description of the peaceful kingdom of Christ is found in
the eleventh chapter of Isaiah. "And there shall come forth a rod
out of the stem of Jesse, and 8 branch shall grow out of his
roots."-Ver. 1. This clearly refers to the first advent of Christ.
"And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of
wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the
spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord." "With
righteousness shall he judge the poor."-Verses 2-4. Was this not
true in the personal ministry of Christ? Did not the people say,
"Never man spake like this man"?-John 7:46. "In whom are hid all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge."-Col. 2:3. "And righteousness
shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his
reins."- Ver. 5. Now, continuing the same description of Christ's
peaceful kingdom, the prophet says: "The wolf also shall dwell with
the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid and the calf
and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child
shall lead them." "The sucking child shall play on the hole of the
asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice'
den."-Verses 6, 8. Here, the Millennial teacher thinks he has a
strong point in his favor. He says: "When Christ comes in his second
advent, this earth will be burned over and purified. Then Christ
will set up his throne in Jerusalem, and reign a thousand years,
etc., during which time all the wild animals will be tame. Also,
this fire that shall sweep over the earth will burn up the wicked,
root and branch, and the righteous will tramp on their ashes," etc.
Oh, what blindness! How Satan has perverted the minds of men!
Mark you, dear reader, nothing is said in the eleventh chapter of
Isaiah about Christ's second coming. Each time personal mention is
made of Christ, clear reference is made to his first advent. See
verses 1 and 10. If you are a believer in that theory, let me ask
you a question. While the fire is sweeping over the earth, purifying
the same, burning up the wicked (as you say), what will become of
the animals? Will they be translated and held in mid heaven until
the fires have swept over the earth, and then let down again? or
will they be consumed in the fire, and afterward resurrected? Such
doctrines are too ridiculous to receive attention. Yet some men are
so thoughtless as to believe in them. Here is the secret.
"The natural man understandeth not the things of the Spirit." The
redeemed understand these things. The various animals are used in
the word of God to show different characters of men. For
example-Jesus said to his disciples, "Be ye harmless as doves ;" and
to Peter he said, "Feed my lambs." Concerning Herod he said, "Go ye,
and tell that fox."-Luke 13:22. False teachers are compared to
"ravenous wolves," "grievous wolves."-Matt. 7 :15; Acts 20:29. Paul
said, "Beware of dogs."-Phil. 3:2. Speaking of the characters of the
damned, it is said, "With out are dogs," etc.-Rev. 22:15.
Hypocritical professors are called "serpents," and "generation of
vipers." In Matt. 25 God's people are called "sheep," and the
unsaved, "goats." So in Ezek. 34 God's people are compared to
"sheep," "fat cattle," etc. This is the sense in which we are to
understand Isa. 11:6-8. It teaches how the grace of God in this
glorious dispensation would destroy the serpent-like, devouring,
natures of men, and make the most lion-hearted sinners, the most
ferocious characters, docile and harmless, even so meek that a
"little child" can teach and "lead them." Hallelujah! It also
teaches the glorious love and unity which exists among the redeemed
in God's kingdom. No wrangling, backbiting, deceit, or devouring one
another: but peace which nothing offends; "helpers of each other's
joy;" "workers together." And the prophet adds: "They shall not hurt
nor destroy in all my holy mountain"-church of God. Ver. 9. All in
this fold are "harmless as doves." In the thirty-fifth chapter of
Isaiah, the prophet speaking of the "highway of holiness" upon which
the "redeemed" in this gospel dispensation were to walk, says, "No
lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it
shall not be found there."- Verses 8 9. You see that domestic
animals were used to represent the beastly natures of men, which are
destroyed in holiness; and also, that no ferocious character is on
the way to heaven. The devil himself would be ashamed to affirm that
literal wild animals could walk on a spiritual way, the road to
heaven, which is the highway of holiness
But we are not yet through with the eleventh chapter of Isaiah. "And
in that day [the age when all this would be fulfilled] there shall
be a root of Jesse [Christ], which shall stand for an ensign of the
people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be
glorious."-Ver. 10. This is so plain that it needs no comment. It
clearly applies to the coming of Christ and the present blessings of
his kingdom. In full salvation we experience a more glorious reign
of peace and blessedness in this life, than all the vain dreams of
Millennial glory. The prophet continues: "For the earth shall be
full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."-Ver.
9. This began with the gospel dispensation. It was fulfilled in the
general diffusion of light and truth among all nations in the
apostolic days, and still more fully in this glorious evening time.
Daniel speaks of it thus: "Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge
shall be increased."-Dan. 12:4. These texts do not teach, as many
suppose, that there will be a time when all the world will be
righteous, but the "knowledge of God shall be increased," until the
earth shall be full of it. By the aid of modern inventions, such as
the power of steam, the printing-press, etc., thousands upon
thousands of tons of pure gospel literature are being sent to all
nations of the earth; while a holy ministry is "running to and fro,"
"having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the
earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."
Thus the earth is rapidly being filled with the knowledge of God.
The result was foretold in Dan. 12:10-"Many shall be purified, and
made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of
the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." "Many
must be tested, and thoroughly whitened, and tried with fire, and
sanctified."-Septuagint. Let the reader observe that at the very
time the knowledge of God was to fill the earth, and many be
thoroughly whitened, and sanctified, as a result of the same, the
wicked were to "do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall under.
stand." The same is taught in Habakkuk 2:12-15, 18-20. This fact is
utterly fatal to the Millennial theory.
The following text is often quoted by Millennium teachers: "Behold,
the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a
righteous branch, and a king shall reign and prosper, and shall
execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall
be saved."-Jer. 23 :5, 6. Nothing is here said about Christ's second
advent. Clear reference is made to the birth of Christ, who was "the
root and offspring of David ;" also, to his present reign in this
dispensation of grace, and the execution of his righteous judgments
against the works of darkness. "In his days Judah shall be saved."
And, "Behold, now is the day of salvation." Isaiah clearly locates
the establishing of the kingdom at Christ's first advent, in chapter
9, verses 6, 7-"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be
called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace. 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 even forever."
We will now take up some of the principal texts used by those who
believe in a future kingdom where superior means of grace will be
offered to mankind, and prove their fulfillment in this gospel age.
Thus, one by one, the props of the Millennial heresy fall, under the
hammer of eternal truth.
PROPHECY
"The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it,
Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne."-Ps. 132:11.
FULFILLMENT.
"Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch
David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us
unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had
sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according
to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; . . .
This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, . . . he hath shed
forth this, which ye now see and hear."-Acts 2 :29-33.
"Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,
concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the
seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of
God with power, according to the spirit of holiness."-Rom. 1:2-4.
The angel said unto Mary, "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy
womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall
be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord
God shall give unto him the throne of his father David; and he shall
reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there
shall be no end."-Luke 1:31-33.
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for
the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor."-Heb. 2 :9.
"Unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever; a
scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom."-Heb. 1:8.
Read also 2 Tim. 2:8 and Acts 13:22, 23.
PROPHECY
"The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make
shine enemies thy footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of thy
strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of shine enemies. Thy
people shall be willing In the day of thy power."-Ps. 110:1-3.
"Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. . . . Thou art my
Son; this day have I begotten thee Ask of me, and I shall give thee
the heathen for shine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the
earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron;
thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." -Ps. 2 :6-9.
"In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so
long as the moon endureth. He shall have dominion also from sea to
sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth."--Ps. 72:7, 8.
"All the ends of the world shall remember, and turn unto the Lord;
and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. For
the kingdom is the Lord's; and he is governor among the nations....
All they that go down to the dust shall bow before him.... A seed
shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.
They shall come, and declare his righteousness unto a people that
shall be born."-Ps. 22:27-31.
FULFILLMENT
"The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make
thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know
assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have
crucified, both Lord and Christ."-Acts 2 :34-36.
"Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God: angels
and authorities and powers being made subject unto him."-1 Peter
3:22.
"God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath
raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second Psalm,
Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee."-Acts 13:33.
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past
unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken
unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by
whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory,
and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the
word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down
on the right hand of the majesty on high; being made so much better
than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent
name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time,
Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? . . .When he
bringeth in the first-begotten into the world, he said, And let all
the angels of God worship him.... Unto the Son he saith, Thy throne,
O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the
scepter of thy kingdom." -Heb. 1:1-8.
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,
Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may
glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he
should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.... And
now, O Father, glorify thou me with shine own self with the glory
which I had with thee before the world was."-John 17:1, 2, 5.
"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality
and power." -Col. 2:10.
"All things are delivered to me of my Father."- Luke 10:22. "And
Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me
in heaven and in earth." -Matt. 28:18.
"To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty dominion and
power, both now and ever. Amen."-Jude 25.
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name
which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee
should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things
under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."-Phil. 2:9-11.
"For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.... Every
knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."-Rom.
14:10, 11.
"Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and
set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all
principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name
that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to
come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be
head over all things to the church."-Eph. 1:20-22.
"But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever,
sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till
his enemies be made his foot stool."-Heb. 10 :12, 13.
"For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies [sinners] under his
feet [by their resurrection to damnation]. The last enemy that shall
be destroyed is death. For He hath put all things under his feet."
"Then cometh the end I when he shall have delivered up the kingdom
to God, even the Father ;" "that God may be all in all."-1 Cor. 15
:23-28 1
"But," says one, "He shall dash them to pieces like a potter's
vessel. Where has that a present fulfillment! Answer-"And whosoever
shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall
fall, it will grind him, to powder."-Matt. 21:44.
PROPHECY
"All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the
Lord."-Ps. 22:27.
"Arise. shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is
risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee,
and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come
to thy light, . . because the abundance of the sea shall be
converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto
thee. Isa. 60 :1-5.
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of
Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: . . . lowly, and
riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.... And he
shall speak peace unto the heathen; and his dominion shall be from
sea to sea, and from the river, even to the ends of the
earth."-Zech. 9:9, 10.
FULFILLMENT.
"Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on
high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and
in the shadow of death, tc guide our feet into the way of
peace."-Luke 1:78, 79.
Good old Simeon took the infant Jesus in his arms and said, '`Lord,
. . . mine eyes have seen thy salvation; . .. a light to lighten the
Gentiles."-Luke 2 :25-32.
Paul and Barnabas said to the Jews: "Lo, we turn to re Gentiles. For
so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, have set thee to be a light
of the Gentiles, that thou wouldest be for salvation unto the ends
of the earth. And hen the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and
glorified e word of the Lord."-Acts 13 :46-4S.
"On the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy
Ghost."-Acts 10:45.
"Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto
life."-Acts 11 :18.
"Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation God is sent unto
the Gentiles, and that they will hear "-Acts 28:28.
Read the following texts: Matt. 12:18-21; Acts 26: 18; Rom. 15:9-12.
"And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were me to Bethphage,
unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, saying unto
them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall
find an ass tied, d a colt with her. Loose them, and bring them unto
me.
All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by
the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King
cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon ass, and a colt the foal of
an ass. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, and
brought the 8, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they
put him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in
the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strewed them
in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed,
cried, saying, Hosanna the son of David: blessed is he that cometh
in the name the Lord; Hosanna in the highest."-Matt. 21:1-9.
"The whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice, and praise
God with a loud voice, . . . saying, Blessed the King that cometh In
the name of the Lord: peace heaven, and glory in the highest."-Luke
19:37, 38.
As we before observed, under the law the true God was known only to
Israel-the Jews. They were favored above every nation on the earth.
But in this dispensation repentance and remision of sins should be
preached in name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." "And
hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the
face of the earth." The domain of Chris reaches to the uttermost
parts of the earth. It has spread from hamlet to city, from vale to
hill, from the continents to the islands of the sea, yea, from pole
to pole, and from the rivers to the ends of the earth. Out of all
nations of earth, people have been and are being saved and brought
into the kingdom of God. So, instead of the scriptures teaching a
more glorious dispensation yet future, the, teach the glorious
privileges and blessings of this gospel age. We will now turn to
some plain New Testament scriptures on this point. Having already
noticed a number of these, they will need but little comment.
"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found
favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and
bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great,
and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall
give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign
over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be
no end."-Luke 1:30-33. Read Acts 2 :30-36 "Jesus came into Galilee,
preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is
fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe
the gospel."-Mark 1:14, 15. "From that time Jesus began to preach,
and to say, Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."-Matt.
4:17. When Christ sent forth his disciples, he commissioned them,
saying, "As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at
hand."-Matt. 10:7 "The law and the prophets were until John: since
that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth
into it."-Luke 16:16. "And from the days of John the Baptist until
now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take
it by force."-Matt. 11:12. "The kingdom of God is come upon
you."-Luke 11:20. When Christ entered Jerusalem, the people cried,
"Hosanna! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: blessed
be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the
Lord: Hosanna in the highest."-Mark 11:9, 10. "And when Jesus saw
that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from
the kingdom of God." -Mark 12:34.
In the name of Jesus we ask, how can men in the face of such plain
scripture, teach that the establishing of God's kingdom is yet
future? When Christ appeared in his first advent the time was
"fulfilled," the kingdom of God was "at hand." It even began under
the labors of John the Baptist, and during Christ's personal
ministry the material for the same was taken out. It is said that
men "pressed into it." How could this be, if its establishment is in
some future age? Speaking of his disciples, Christ said: "But I tell
you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste
of death, till they see the kingdom of God." -Luke 9:27.
"And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of
them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they see
the kingdom of God come with power."-Mark 9:1. "Verily I say unto
you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death,
till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom."-Matt. 16:28. We
would be willing to stake this whole argument on these last three
texts. During Christ's personal ministry he taught his disciples to
pray, "Thy kingdom come," with the promise: "It is your Father's
good pleasure to give you the kingdom." And mark the fact, he said,
"I tell you of a truth, ye shall not taste of death, till ye see the
kingdom of God come with power." -If Millennialism be true, the
disciples are yet living somewhere upon the earth. But the fact that
they are all dead proves beyond question that the kingdom of God has
already come.
But when were these promises fulfilled ? Answer- "And when the day
of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one
place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing
mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting....
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak
with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."- Acts 2:1-4.
Read verses 29-36. "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink;
but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."-Rom.
14:17. "For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power."-1 Cor.
4:20. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come
upon you."-Acts 1:8. Amen. This is too clear to need comment; we
will notice a few more texts before closing this chapter.
Paul testified to the Colossian brethren that God "hath translated
us into the kingdom of his dear Son."- Col. 1:13. "That ye would
walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and
glory."-1 Thess. 2:12, "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which
cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God
acceptably with reverence and godly fear."-Heb. 12:28. John
testifies that he was "in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ."
-Rev. 1:9. Peter denominates the church in this dispensation "a
royal priesthood"; i. e., a priesthood of kings. 1 Pet. 2:9. They
which receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness are
said to "reign in life by one, Jesus Christ."-Rom. 5:17. Amen and
amen.
Seeming Conflicting Scriptures
There are a few texts of scripture, when taken apart from the rest
of the Bible, that would seem to teach that the establishing of
God's kingdom is yet future. Yet when taken in their true connection
they perfectly harmonize with the many plain scriptures already
cited which clearly teach the kingdom already set up and possessed
by the saints of God. For the benefit of the reader we will quote
them in full.
Speaking of the signs which would precede Christ's second advent, it
is said: "When ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the
kingdom of God is nigh at hand." -Luke 21:31. "The Lord Jesus
Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and
his kingdom."- 2 Tim. 4-1. Jesus Christ conquered death and hell and
rose triumphant from the tomb. He ascended into heaven clothed with
all power in heaven and in earth. He took his seat at the right hand
of God, "crowned with glory and honor." (Heb. 1:1-8; 2:9.) He now
reigns "King of kings and Lord of lords." Not only King over earth,
but over all heaven; "angels and authorities and powers being made
subject unto him." (1 Pet. 3:22; Col. 2:10; Phil. 2: 9-11; Eph.
1:20-22.)
The foregoing scriptures teach that in the "last day" Christ will
come in all the glory of the kingdom, which he now possesses, and
over which he now reigns. "Then shall the King say unto them on his
right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom
prepared for you from the foundation of the world."-Matt. 25 :34.
"So an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the
everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."-2 Pet.
1:11. "Harken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of
this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath
promised to them that love him?"-Jas. 2:5. While we here possess all
the elements of Christ's spiritual kingdom, yet a future reward
awaits the faithful. Christ has prepared a place for us. Our
citizenship is in heaven. We have "an inheritance incorruptible, and
undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven."-1 Pet.
1:4. This future home and reward is called "his heavenly kingdom" (2
Tim. 4:18), which we shall enter when time will be no more. Amen. We
will close this chapter with the following beautiful words selected.
"There is not a nation on earth, or an island of the sea, that to a
greater or a less degree has not heard the gospel. That angelic
paean which sounded in the ears of the Judean shepherds: 'Peace on
earth and good will toward men,' has rung out from the peaks of the
Himalayas, the Alps, the Andes, the Sierra Nevadas. It has cut its
way through the impenetrable jungles of Africa to the great lakes at
its core. It has broken through the granite walls of China and
intrenched itself in the heart of Pekin. It has pierced the heavy
veil of Corean shame and kissed with its warming beams every island
of the sea and ever nation of the earth.... The printing press, the
telegraph and telephone, the marine engine, the locomotive, all
these late discoveries are inspired by God and put in motion to
bring about the glorious end. War, famine, and pestilence are his
plowshares which open furrows for gospel seed. The natural sun,
humanly speaking, rises in the east and sets in the west. Jesus is
called the Sun of righteousness. He came in Palestine, the extreme
east, where he was rejected. Steadily the rays of the Sun of
righteousness pierced the western blackness, chasing the darkness of
nature's night from the hearts and homes of men, and leaving its
eastern rejecters, who 'loved darkness, rather than light,' to the
gloom they loved. Onward the; spiritual sun presses until today in
this western land we enjoy his last sinking rays, while those in
eastern nations are largely in gross darkness. This western nation
is largely the missionary force of the world, and embraces all the
light, knowledge, and improvement of the age. The globe has been
girdled, the sun of hope for this world is fast sinking behind the
everlasting hills. Surely, the evening shadows lengthen across the
plains of time, the sun of hope is setting in the great eternal sea.
Christ will soon leave the mediatorial throne for the judgment
seat." Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus. |
|
|
|
(Top of Page) |
|
| |
| Christ on David's Throne |
| |
|
(This chapter was written and contributed to this work by Geo.
L. Cole. 1899)
Most all the teachers of the Millennium heresy find it
necessary, in order to hold their position, to claim that
Christ is not sitting on the throne of David in this
dispensation, and therefore there must be another dispensation
-a Millennium of a thousand years-in which Christ will sit
upon the throne of David. But if the word of God is against
their theory, it must fall. May we not find in the prophecies
sufficient evidence or proof, as to whether it is this
dispensation or another, in which Christ sits upon David's
throne? If we find clear evidence that it is this
dispensation, then why look for another in which to accomplish
that which is being fulfilled in this present one? Let us turn
to the prophecy. Ps. 132 :11-"The Lord hath sworn in truth
unto David: he will not turn from it. Of the fruit of thy body
will I set upon thy throne." The 17th verse reads, "There will
I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for
mine anointed." Paul speaks, "Concerning his Son Jesus Christ
our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the
flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according
to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the
dead."-Rom. 1:3, 4. It is evident the prophet was speaking
directly of Christ when he said, "Of the fruit of thy body
will I set upon thy throne." For this purpose Christ came into
the world. The fulfillment of this scripture, as I mentioned
in the second chapter of Acts, clearly evidences I the fact
that it was in this dispensation that Christ was to sit upon
David's throne. But we turn to Isaiah 9 :5-7-"For every battle
of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in
blood, but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. For
unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the
government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be
called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting
Father, The Prince of Peace. 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. The zeal of
the Lord of hosts will perform this." The government is to
rest on Christ's shoulder while he sits upon the throne of
David, and upon his throne in his kingdom from hence forth
even forever, or from this time forth.
But when is the fulfillment? at the beginning of the Christian
dispensation, or at the beginning of the supposed Millennium
dispensation? It was when a child was born unto us, when a son
was given. This is clearly evident, that the beginning of the
reign of Jesus Christ on the throne of David was fulfilled in
the days of his incarnation. As this was to be "with burning
and fuel of fire," we ask, When does this burning begin ? John
the Baptist said, "I indeed baptize you with water unto
repentance; but he that cometh after me is mightier than I,
whose shoes I am not worthy to bear; he shall baptize you with
the Holy Ghost and with fire; whose fan is in his hand, and he
will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the
garner, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
Any New Testament student can easily observe this to be a
fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, while it is clearly evident
again that it is in this dispensation that Christ sits upon
David's throne, while the government rests upon his shoulder,
and rules his kingdom with judgment and with justice from
henceforth even forever. Isa. 16 :5- "And in mercy shall the
throne be established, and he shall sit upon it in truth in
the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and
hasting righteousness." Has he not been doing this through
this dispensation? If he has, he is sitting upon the throne of
David now. In Luke 1:31-33 is a prophecy which was from the
mouth of an angel who said unto the virgin: "Fear not, Mary;
for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt
conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call
his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son
of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the
throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house
of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."
Do we have presented before us in this prophecy two
dispensations? Not by any means. The birth of Christ, his
name, his origin, his throne and reign, are all connected and
must be in one dispensation-that is the present one.
Amos 9:11, 12-"In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of
David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I
will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of
old: that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the
heathen, which are called by my name, saith the Lord that
doeth this." This scripture is quoted by the apostle James in
Acts 15:13-17, which reads exactly with the Septuagint
version. We learn in Isa. 16:5 that the throne and tabernacle
of David are identical; therefore if the raising up of the
tabernacle of David can be proved in this dispensation, the
throne of David being identical with it, will prove to be also
in this dispensation. Now let us turn to the New Testament
fulfillment of these prophecies.
FULFILLMENT.
Acts 2:30 says of David, "Therefore being a prophet, and
knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the
fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up
Christ to sit on his throne; he seeing this before spake of
the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in
hell, neither his flesh did see corruption." David says that
Christ was to be crucified-put to death- but if he was not
resurrected, he could not sit upon his throne. Since he came
sitting on the throne of David during his incarnation, he must
be resurrected in order to continue upon the throne. The
prophet seeing this before, spoke of the resurrection of
Christ, that his soul was not left in hell-hades-neither did
his flesh see corruption. Had his flesh seen corruption, then
the prophecy that Christ was to sit upon David's throne
henceforth even forever would have been nullified; but as his
body did not see corruption, he therefore continues to reign
upon the throne of David.
The apostle Peter here quotes the language of David, as we
observed above, in Psalm 132:11, and he presents the same to
us as having been, and being fulfilled at that time, which
gives us positive evidence that this dispensation was the
prophetic one in which Christ was to reign upon David's
throne. Let us read Acts 15:13-17-"After they had held their
peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, harken unto
me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the
Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to
this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After
this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of
David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins
thereof, and I will set it up: that the residue of men might
seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name
is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things."
The visiting of the Gentiles and seeking out of them a people
for his name was building the tabernacle of David, 1 and, as
we have observed before, the throne of David was in the
tabernacle of David. We then have Christ sitting upon David's
throne in this dispensation, because it is in this
dispensation that the Gentiles are chosen as a people i for
his name, "that the residue of men might seek the Lord, and
all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called, saith I the
Lord." Thus we find in the Old Testament declare tion of
prophecy and the clearness of the language in which it is
expressed, also in the New Testament citation of its
fulfillment, the clearest evidence that could be desired by
any one, that Christ now sits upon David's throne.
DAVID IS A TITLE NAME FOR CHRIST
As further proof that Christ now sits upon David's throne, we
will call your attention to the fact that David is a title
name for Christ in the following texts: Jer. 30:9; Ezek.
34:23, 24; 37:24-28; Hos. 3:5; Heb. 4:7. If Christ is called
David, it then follows that if Christ sits upon his throne, it
must be David's throne, from the fact that he is called David
in these prophecies, and the same fulfilled declare Christ
upon his throne, and that it was David's throne. But he could
not sit upon his throne unless he were king; therefore we
examine
CHRIST AS KING
We will notice first in prophecy Zech. 9:9, 10-"Rejoice
greatly O daughter of Zion: shout. O daughter of Jerusalem:
behold, thy King cometh unto thee; he is just, and having
salvation: lowly, and sitting upon an ass, and upon a colt the
foal of an ass." Could we imagine this to be in some future
dispensation, when we find it is already fulfilled during
Christ's incarnation? Then Christ was a king during his
incarnation. If so, he must be a king yet; but as to the
extent of his kingdom we will now read the 10th verse-"And I
will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from
Jerusalem, and the battlebow shall be cut off: and he shall
speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from
sea even to sea and from the river even to the ends of the
earth." "Speak peace unto the heathen" refers to the salvation
of the Gentiles. These two verses agree and each alike
evidences the fact that it is in this dispensation, and not a
succeeding one, that Christ is King, and his kingdom, or
dominion, extends to the ends of the earth.
Isaiah 33:22-"For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our
Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; he will save us."
Millennium-teachers admit that Christ is Lord and Savior, but
he is not a King as yet: but this language declares him to be
our King and our Lawgiver. The New Testament is the law he has
given us, which proves as a discipline, ruling all the
subjects of his kingdom on earth. This prophecy we will now
find to have been
DECLARED AS FULFILLED.
In Matt. 21:1-9 Christ as a King is said to have come, riding
into Jerusalem upon an ass, and this is exactly what Zechariah
said he would do. "And the multitudes that went before, and
that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in
the highest!" But this is made plainer in Mark 11:10, where
the people cried, "Blessed be the kingdom of our father David,
that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!"
The people believed then that Christ had come in the kingdom
of his father David.
Neither were they disappointed, because Matthew says all this
was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the
prophet, saying, "Tell ye the daughters of Sion, Behold, thy
King cometh unto thee, meek and sitting upon an ass, and upon
a colt the foal of an ass." "Jesus answered My kingdom is not
of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my
servants fight, that I should no be delivered to the Jews: but
now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto
him, Art thou a King then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I
am a King. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I
into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.
Ever: one that is of the truth heareth my voice."-John 18 :36,
31
Here Christ acknowledges himself to be a king, to possess a
kingdom, and his servants were the subjects of the same. It
might be perplexing to some if they under stood David's
kingdom to be of this world and Christ'' kingdom not of his
world, how that Christ could be on David's throne. The
subjects of David's kingdom were the children of God in that
dispensation, while the children of God are the subjects of
Christ's kingdom in this dispensation. This solves the mystery
and adds another clear evidence to the fact that this is the
dispensation in which Christ was to reign as King upon the
throne of his father David, and there is not one text, to my
knowledge that speaks of Christ on David's throne that could
possibly refer to any other dispensation than the present one.
We that are now translated into the kingdom of his dear Son
(Col. 1:13) know that his kingdom is righteous-ness, and
peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Rom. 14:17), and a scepter
of righteousness is the scepter of his king. dom. Heb. 1:8. He
reigns over us in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem. Isa. 24 :23;
Heb. 12:22. And he must reign (continue) till he hath put all
his enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be
destroyed is death 1 Cor. 15 :25, 26. This is accomplished at
his second coming. Then the end, when he shall have delivered
up the kingdom to God, even the Father. 1 Cor. 15:22-24 The
time when Millenarians expect him to begin his reign is the
exact time that these texts declare that he ceases to reign,
having delivered the kingdom to the Father. Hence if Christ
does not reign over us in this dispensation, he never will.
May the deceived ones learn this before the coming of the
Lord. Amen. |
| |
|
(Top of Page) |
|
| |
| The Second Coming of the Lord and
What Will Follow |
| |
It is an undeniable fact that the church in
her present condition is instructed to look for the return of
Christ from heaven, as the next great event. Nowhere are we
instructed to look for a pre- or post-millennial reign on
earth. We will present the arguments relating to the subject
of this chapter under several propositions.
I. THERE IS BUT ONE PERSONAL COMING OF CHRIST FUTURE
"What shall be the sign of thy coming?"-Matt. 24:3. "Now we
beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ."-2 Thess. 2:1. "I pray God your whole spirit and soul
and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ."-1 Thess. 5 :23. "Whom the Lord shall . . .
destroy by the brightness of his coming."-2 Thess. 2:8.
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of
the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ."-Tit. 2:13. "Christ
was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that
look for him shall he appear the second time."-Heb. 9:28. "And
now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall
appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him
at his coming."-1 John 2:28. "Be patient therefore, brethren,
unto the coming of our Lord.... Be ye also patient: stablish
your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."-James 5
:7, 8.
Some latter-day teachers advocate three comings of the Lord
yet future, but all the foregoing scriptures with many more
teach us to look for but one coming, which will be at the end
of this world.
II. THE MANNER OF HIS COMING.
1st. Visibly. "And when he had spoken these things,
while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him
out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward
heaven, as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white
apparel, which also said, Ye men of Galilee why stand ye
gazing up into heaven, this same Jesus which is taken up from
you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen
him go into heaven."-A 1:9-11. This is clear. "This same
Jesus, shall come again, in like manner" as he went up. He
| |