God Gives No Authority to Set a Time for Christ's Return

Christ Triumphant -  A Devotional by E.G. White

God Gives No Authority to Set a Time for Christ's Return Today's Text: But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Matthew 24:36 The Message:      Your views have found favor with some, but it is because these persons have not discernment to see the true bearing of the arguments you present. They have had but a limited experience in the work of God for this time, and they do not see where your views would lead them. They are ready to assent to your statements; they see nothing in them but that which is correct. But they are misled because you have woven together much Scripture in constructing your theory; your arguments appear conclusive to them.      Not so, however, with those who have an experimental knowledge of the truth that applies in the last period of this earth's history. While they see that you hold some precious truth, they see also that you have misapplied Scripture, placing it in a framework of error, where it does not belong, and making it give force to that which is not present truth. Because some accept that which you have written, do not become elated. It is most trying to your brethren who have confidence in you as a Christian, and who love you as such, to state to you that the network of argument which you have thought of so great consequence is not the theory of truth that God has given His people to proclaim for this time.  The light God has given me is that the Scriptures you have woven together you yourself do not fully understand. If you did, you would discern that your theories tear up the very foundation of our faith.      My brother, I have had many testimonies to correct those who have started out in the same way you are now travelling. These persons seemed sure that they were led by God, and they have come with their different theories to ministers who were preaching the truth. I said to these ministers, "The Lord is not in this; be not deceived, neither take the responsibility of deceiving others." At camp meetings I have had to speak plainly in regard to those who were then leading away from right paths. With pen and voice I have borne the message, "Go not ye after them." The hardest task I ever had to do in this line was in dealing with one who, I knew, wanted to follow the Lord. For some time he had thought he was obtaining new light. He was very ill, and must soon die. And O, how my heart hoped he would not make it necessary for me to tell him just what he was doing. Those to whom he presented his views listened to him eagerly, and some thought him inspired. He had a chart made and reasoned from the Scriptures to show that the Lord would come at a certain date, in 1894 I think. To many his reasoning seemed to be without a flaw. They told of his powerful exhortations in his sickroom. Most wonderful views passed before him. But what was the source of his inspiration? It was the morphine given him to relieve his pain.      At our camp meeting at Lansing, Michigan, just before I came to Australia, I had to speak plainly in regard to this new light. I told the people that the words they had heard were not the truth of inspiration. The wonderful light, which presented such a show of truth, was the result of a misapplication of Scripture. The Lord's work would not close up in 1894. The word of the Lord to me was, "This is not truth, but will lead into strange paths, and some will become confused over this representation, and will give up the faith."      Other persons have written to me of most flattering views which have been presented to them, and some have had them put in print. A new life has seemed to stir them; they are full of zeal; but the word comes to me as it has come to me in regard to the theories you hold, "Believe them not." [Jeremiah 12:6.] You have a mixture of truth and error, so combined that you think it all genuine. Here is where the Jews stumbled. They wove a fabric that appeared to them a beautiful thing, but it led them to refuse the light Christ brought to them. They thought they had great light, and in that light they walked, and rejected the pure, true light which Christ had come to give. Intensity is taking possession of minds, urging them into different ventures, which lead them they know not where.      No one has a true message fixing the time when Christ is to come or not to come. Be assured that God gives no one authority to say that Christ delays His coming five years, ten years, or twenty years. "Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not the Son of man cometh." [Matthew 24:44.] This is our message, the very message that the three angels flying in the midst of heaven are proclaiming. The work to be done now is that of sounding this last message of mercy to a fallen world. A new life is coming from heaven and taking possession of all God's people. But divisions will come in the church. Two parties will be developed. The wheat and tares grow up together for the harvest.      The work will grow deeper and become more earnest to the very close of time. And all who are laborers together with God will contend most earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. They will not be turned from the present message, which is already lightening the earth with its glory. Nothing is worth contending for but the glory of God. The only rock that will stand is the Rock of Ages. The truth as it is in Jesus is the refuge in these days of error.-Letter 32, 1896. *Note: I have added in the parts that were left out by the compilers for what ever reason, that the true sentiment of the author may be seen.  These parts are underlined. Commentary: My friend, the time of Christ's return is not known by man and God has not revealed that to anyone at this time.  But though this is true it does not mean that we will not know that the time is near.  Jesus said "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors." (Matthew 24:32, 33). We have the testimony of the Scriptures that the time is near.  The prophecies have been fulfilled and the things that have been spoken of are happening today.  The three angels message that is to lighten the world with the everlasting gospel is soon to be joined with the power of God.  The one thing that must happen is to have messengers prepared to give this last message of hope. As foretold in Scripture the remnant church today has moved from the once pure church of Philadelphia to the wretched church of Laodicea.  It is wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked, because it has a false experience of righteousness by faith from its adoption of the trinity, and as such must be purified from this most dreadful condition.  It is dreadful because the people are unaware of their true condition before God.  Thus a shaking must happen within the church that their eyes may be opened. Not all will accept the stern rebuke form the Lord, but will resist it and persecute all those who believe and join in giving this message.  Thus we know that the time of Christ's coming is near, even at the doors, for when the true church of God is purified and made which, it will be filled with the Spirit of Christ and the last message of hope will go out to the world and then the end shall come. My friend, now is the time to seek after the truth as for hidden treasure.  The righteousness that the church has is a false righteousness and will not save them.  Thus the message to us is "...be zealous therefore, and repent." (Revelation 3:19). God bless, Video of the Week One thing leads to another - David Clayton This is a powerful message outlining of the good news of the gospel and an illuminating breakdown of the mechanics of salvation.