The only means that
we have of learning anything respecting the coming of our Lord, is from the
teaching of Holy Scripture inspired by the Holy Ghost. Had the Scripture been
silent we should have known nothing on the subject; on any points as to which
Scripture is silent we do know nothing; but where the Scripture has spoken, we
have as learners to receive what it teaches us; and if we shut our ears to this
revelation, we are setters aside of the truth of God; or if we substitute our
own speculations (however unconsciously) we are adding to what God has
revealed.
If there are points
which the Scripture does not clearly reveal, there may be differences of
opinion; but where the Word of God definitely speaks, there we have simply to
listen and to learn. We have not to inquire the use of what has been revealed
before we consent to be learners; but taking the place of those willing to be
taught, we have afterwards to seek Divine instruction as to the use of whatever
the Spirit of God thus sets before us. We have first to know revealed truth as
given by God for purposes that must be wise, and afterwards we may grow in the
apprehension of its practical and moral bearing.
Before the first
advent of Christ there had been the revelation concerning Him in promise and
prophecy, and this, too, in very minute details: the family from which He
should spring was foretold; His birth-place; the period in which He should come
(as measured from a decree to restore and to build Jerusalem); His miracles,
His teaching, His rejection, His crucifixion, death, and burial; His vicarious
sacrifice; His resurrection; His ascension to the right hand of God the Father,
and His tarriance seated there until His enemies shall be made His footstool.
All these leading incidents connected with His coming (as well as many that are
more minute) were given in ancient prophecy; but so little were they heeded,
that the claims of Jesus of Nazareth to be the Messiah were denied because they
were really in accordance with what the Scripture had foretold. “We know this man
whence He is; but when Christ cometh no man knoweth whence He is” (John 7:27.) This may be a warning to us as
to the use which we make of those prophecies which deal with our hopes. The
severe truth of God's revealed Word will clash harshly (if judged according to
natural feelings) with everything that is tinctured with religious
sentimentalism or with speculation, however refined, and however seemingly
spiritual.
To those who hold
as conclusive the words of the lord Jesus, and the teaching of the Holy Ghost
through apostles and prophets, I wish to address the inquiry, How is the second
coming of Christ set forth in Holy Scripture? and why?
