| News and Views | April 1941 |
The Prophetic News Parade
The prophecies of the Bible are history written, in advance. The prophetic preview of conditions leading to and culminating in the present distress of nations, is strikingly accurate, as the following summary of events reveals. To know these things should increase our faith in what the Bible says about God’s new world of tomorrow.
SIR ISAAC NEWTON, noted scientist of the 17th and forepart of the 18th centuries, who was also a profound student of the Bible, said that the prophecies of the Bible were given in order that, when the events they foretold come to pass, our faith in its divine inspiration would be increased. We agree that this is one very useful purpose of the prophecies, and the fact that so many of them are being fulfilled in the news parade of this our day, should give us great confidence in what the inspired Word forecasts concerning the world of tomorrow.
The Biblical prophecies now being so accurately fulfilled are those which pertain to the “last days.” They are not in the Bible for the purpose of instilling fear in the heart of the student, but rather to give him hope and confidence for the future. Indeed, today it is those who have no faith in the prophecies, and therefore have no hope for the future, whose hearts are filled with fear as they look forward to the things coming upon the earth. Jesus said, in fact, that this very attitude on the part of the people would be one of the signs that would mark the end of the age.—Luke 21:26; Matt. 24:3
The only reason why students of prophecy should fear the evidence of their fulfillment is that they may have a wrong conception of what constitutes the “last days,” or “the end of the age.” If we should think of these Biblical expressions as descriptive of the final end of all things earthly, and as marking the end of all hope for the majority of the human race, and the beginning for them of an eternity of torture in hell, naturally we would almost be inclined to wish—as indeed many have wished—that such a calamity may not befall the world in our day.
But this traditional “crack of doom” is without Scriptural support. The real, last days of the prophecies, referred to by Daniel as the “time of the end” (Dan. 12:4), is not a time which marks the end of all hope for human beings, but rather is that period during which the long reign of sin and death is to be terminated, and the Kingdom of God established in its place. This being true, the prophecies which identify the events associated with the passing of this evil order of things should really be regarded as messages of cheer in that their fulfillment betokens the near establishment of Christ’s Kingdom for which Christians have so long prayed,—“Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”—Matt. 6:10
If we grasp this Scriptural viewpoint of the prophecies pertaining to our times, we will want to learn more about them because every bit of such knowledge received, will tend to increase our faith in the fact that because of divine intervention, the outcome of the present distressing conditions of the world is to be glorious. Yes, we will thus be enabled to rejoice, in that while we will recognize that God is now “shaking” the nations, yet soon “the desire of all nations shall come.”—Hag. 2:7
The Psalmist described the attitude of those who view the chaotic events of the present in the light of prophecy, saying, “Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” (Psa. 46:1-3) The terms earth, mountains, sea, etc., used in this statement by the prophet, are, of course, symbolic. Other prophecies furnish the key to their meaning, and we find that the Psalmist by their use, is actually describing the ultimate result of the present upheavals of the world, and saying that in spite of this, we will not fear. For those who can appreciate the long-range view of events as outlined in the prophecies, there is really nothing to fear, but much for which to be thankful, and in which to rejoice. Such know that the greatest time of peace and happiness the world has ever known is in all verity “just around the corner.”
With this expectancy of better days soon to come, let us note some of the outstanding fulfillments of prophecy that are now apparent. In examining these, let us not make the mistake of attempting to confine them within too short a period of time. They are not intended to point out some certain day or month or year, but rather to outline for us a transitional period during which the “present evil world” gradually is brought to an cud, and God’s new world of tomorrow fully established.
“KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE INCREASED”
Important among the prophecies which point out the beginning of this transitional period is that of Daniel 12:4, which reads “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” This foretold increase of knowledge which was to mark the “time of the end,” has come to pass in a very striking manner within the last hundred and more years. Moreover, it has made possible the present era of much and rapid travel, so peculiar to our day. Sir Isaac Newton, although living long before the fulfillment of this prophecy, was nevertheless, greatly impressed by it. Upon the strength of what Daniel says, he predicted that the time would come when men would be able to travel as fast as fifty miles an hour. Voltaire, noted French infidel, and contemporary of Newton, made light of the Scientist, claiming that his extravagant predictions based upon the prophecies of the Bible proved that he had reached his dotage, and wasn’t responsible for what he said. Modern increase of scientific knowledge, and the consequent “running to and fro” throughout the earth, have fully justified Newton’s faith in the divine inspiration of Biblical prophecies.
Perhaps there is no better illustration of the sudden and remarkable fulfillment of this prophecy than the fact that in the early days of railroading, a little over ‘a hundred years ago, many devout souls sincerely believed that the railroad was an invention of the devil, designed by his Satanic majesty to rapidly transfer the inhabitants of this planet to the eternal regions of a fiery hell. Of course, nobody believes this today, yet the fact that some did so believe, such a comparatively short time ago, should help us to realize that modern means of travel are indeed new, and unheard of throughout the centuries of the past.
No less phenomenal has been the outstanding increase of knowledge during this same period. Not only has knowledge increased along scientific lines, but it is reflected also in the general education of the masses, and in many other ways. The printed page in all its many forms, made available to all, has greatly contributed to the general “increase of knowledge” in this “time of the end.” Even more wonderful is the miracle of the radio. Voltaire surely would have thought that Newton was insane had he predicted that the time would come when men could talk to each other across continents and oceans; and that the people of America could hear the speeches of kings and dictators in Europe. Yet today, these miracles are commonplace. They are modern miracles, for while men are able to devise the mechanics to produce the electrical impulses which in turn, produce the sounds which can be heard around the world, they do not understand, nor can they define, the basic force which they thus use. The best they can say about it is that it is an electrical energy which can be transmitted in certain ways called wave lengths, but many of its peculiarities differentiating it from electrodynamics and electromagnetics, are mystifying and far from a satisfactory solution.
“A TIME OF TROUBLE”
“At that time,” Daniel declares—that is, the “time of the end”—“shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation.” (Dan. 12:1) Thus the prophet links the “increase of knowledge” with a “time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation.” Beyond any question of a doubt we are now living in that very time of trouble. Not only so, but the increase of knowledge has in no small way been one of the contributing causes of the trouble. This is not because the knowledge has, in itself, been evil, but because it has been selfishly misused.
Jesus, in His great prophecy of the end of the age, tells of “distress of nations, with perplexity,” and informs us that it was these conditions to which Daniel pointed in his prophecy of the “time of trouble.” We know from this that Daniel’s prophecy does refer to the end of the age, and the time when the Master would be present to establish His long-promised Kingdom. The fact that we can now see the fulfillment of this prophecy, and realize how closely it is associated with the foretold “increase of knowledge,” should greatly increase our confidence in all else the Bible may say concerning the present and future experiences of mankind?
Jesus declared that the present “time of trouble” would be so severe that unless it was shortened, no flesh would be saved. (Matt. 24:22) In view of what we see transpiring today it is not difficult to realize the truth and force of the Master’s words. The present methods of destruction by war, and the famines and diseases that are inevitable consequences of such an evil pursuit in this enlightened age might, indeed, well-nigh destroy the whole race, were it not for the Master’s assurance that before the trouble goes that far, the days will be shortened.
“SPASMS” OF TROUBLE
In I Thessalonians 5:1-4, the apostle describes the destructive trouble that was to come upon the present evil order of things, and declares that it would be like “travail upon a woman with child.” This suggests the thought of spasms, or seizures, of pain, with periods of easement in between. Has not the present time of great distress upon the nations developed exactly along this line? The world found itself in the grip of the first spasm in 1914, when the first World War broke so suddenly upon the nations. This spasm lasted for four weary years, and left the present order of things very much weakened.
There followed famine and pestilence, destroying more lives than the war itself. Then came a few years of “easement” before the next world-wide spasm of trouble known as the “depression.” This wrought havoc to the economic systems of earth, and further threatened the status quo of the present world order.
The nations did not get out of the “depression” when the present spasm struck with all its devastating force. As a result of this last seizure, men have at last awakened to the fact that the pre-1914 world has ended. Now everybody is freely talking about a world revolution. A gigantic struggle is going on between the forces of democracy and those of totalitarian dictatorship. Both sides hope to win and thus to be in a position to set up the framework of a new world, realizing that it is no longer possible to save the old world which is now dying. A new order is indeed to be born, but its pattern will be that of the divine Kingdom long foretold by the prophets, and prayed for by all Christians since the first advent of Christ.
Here then, in this spasmodic development of the cataclysmic trouble that is destroying a world, is identified another remarkable fulfillment of prophecy. Now we have three touchstones by which we are able to locate ourselves in relation to, the prophecies. (1) The increase of knowledge and the running to and fro; (2) the resultant “time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation”; and (3) the fact that this trouble has come in spasms like “travail upon a woman with child.”
THE CRY OF “PEACE, PEACE”
Dovetailing with the foregoing interlocking fulfillment of prophecies, is the remarkable fulfillment of the apostle’s further testimony concerning the destruction of the “day of the Lord”; namely, that it would take place unexpectedly, and in connection with (or we might say in spite of) a world-wide peace movement. On this point St. Paul says, “When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child. (I Thess. 5:1-3) This preview of events has been fulfilled with uncanny accuracy.
In the year 1913, just before the outbreak of the most destructive war of all time, there was an international celebration of peace. The world was led to believe that never again would war mar the happiness of nations. But alas, this illusion was soon over, and the peace-loving peoples of the earth were shocked by the rude awakening that was forced upon them when the nations began their historic march to Armageddon.
But the peace offensive continued. Following the Armistice, many peace societies sprang into being, and sincerely endeavored to promote the spirit of good will among the nations. We all know of the various peace conferences, and disarmament conferences, all of which failed. The League of Nations was thought to be an instrument that would guarantee the peace of all nations, but it failed. The late Mr. Chamberlain thought he had saved the peace for our times, but was bitterly disappointed. British diplomacy welded together a group of smaller European nations, pledged to assist each other in the event of aggression, and this combine they called a “peace front.” Today, the cruel and relentless invasion of one helpless country after another by the Axis dictators is said to be in order to preserve peace.
Thus the cry of Peace, Peace, continues, while destruction spreads and the old world totters to its fall. Who can doubt that inspirational foresight was needed in order to predict nineteen centuries in advance such an unusual combination of events? Certainly the events we are now witnessing are the very ones that were to signal the near approach of Christ’s Kingdom, and the new day of permanent peace and happiness for all mankind.
THE NATIONS GATHERED
In Zephaniah 3:8, as well as in other prophecies of both the Old and New Testaments, we are told of a gathering of the nations that would take place in the end of the age. These prophecies have had, and are still having, a remarkable fulfillment. Here again, the foretold increase of knowledge has had much to do with what we have seen occur. Rapid means of intercommunication among the nations, plus the advantages of international travel and commerce made possible by modern methods of travel and transportation, have rendered all the nations of earth largely interdependent upon each other for existence.
This “gathering of the nations” is apparent along both economic and military lines. It has become such a reality that even the United States, with all its wealth and resources, considers an isolationist policy dangerous. No longer are we living in a world of independent nations, each charting its own economic and military course. Instead, we see the nations gathered and gathering, mostly into what is now looming up as two great armed camps, pitted against each other in an all-out struggle to gain the mastery of the world.
It is the hope of the democracies that victory will crown their sacrifices in the present crisis, so that the new world may be a free world, in which each nation, while bound within the framework of a democratic world constitution, may, nevertheless, enjoy at least a measure of liberty in individual action. It is feared, on the other hand, that should totalitarian principles gain world mastery all liberty of action on the part of individual nations would cease.
The prophecy of Zephaniah 3:8,9, clearly reveals the final outcome of the gathering of the nations, showing that it will be the destruction of the symbolic earth, that is, of the present world order. In Isaiah 8:9,10, this gathering of the nations is also described, and here it is definitely stated that despite the efforts of the people to thus associate themselves for mutual protection, they will be broken to pieces. From these prophecies, then, it becomes clear that there is nothing now that can save the present world. Zephaniah 3:9 also makes it clear that the new world order is to be God’s world, symbolically described in the prophecies as the “new heavens and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.”—II Pet. 3:13; Isa. 65:17-25; Rev. 21:1-5
THE JEWISH QUESTION
Today the Jew is making front-page news, and this is because the prophecies foretold the peculiar combination of circumstances with which this historic people would be surrounded in the last days. Since the close of the last World War the Jews have been prominent in world news almost constantly. First, and as an outgrowth of the war, the land of Palestine was opened up to them. This, undoubtedly, was the beginning of the fulfillment of the many divine promises which assured this people that the ancient Holy Land was their land, and that God intended that they should ultimately return there and possess it.
Now, however, the gates of the Holy Land have again virtually closed to the Jew, although meanwhile three hundred thousand of them returned and converted large areas of the country into a veritable Garden of Eden. Besides this unexpected turn of events, persecution has arisen against them in many countries so that now this historic people of God are facing a crisis from which only divine wisdom and power will be able to deliver them. The prophecies indicate that it is in order that the Lord might show His power on their behalf, that He has permitted them to be faced with their present dilemma.
The third chapter of Joel is very much to the point in this connection. There are many other prophecies dealing with the issue, but we cite Joel because it associates the restoration of Israel with the general gathering of the nations, referred to foregoing; and also tells of the special trials to be experienced by them during this transition period. It is entirely too large a subject to be dealt with properly in this general review of the prophetic news parade. We mention it here to show its tie-in with the other leading developments which mark the end of the age.
THE MONEY QUESTION
As outstanding, perhaps, as any of the present-day trends pointed out in the prophecies, is the gradual breaking down of the world’s monetary systems. The prophecies also show that in the last days there would be a piling up of wealth, described as “heaping together treasure for the last days.” (James 5:3) St. James then goes on to show that this heaped up treasure, in the hands of what President Roosevelt calls Economic Royalists, would not protect their owners against the evils that would at this time befall the whole world.
In all previous crises the rich, both individuals and nations, could, in some way, use their riches to purchase for them a large measure of protection and security, but not now. A good example of this is the fact that the British Empire—probably the richest empire that ever existed—is now forced to confess that it must depend upon the generosity of America to supply the much needed sinews of war. The lend-lease bill is America’s response to Britain’s need. The totalitarian nations are even worse off financially, having already largely resorted to the barter method of trade. Zephaniah 1:14-18, declares that “Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath.”
“LOVERS OF PLEASURE”
In II Timothy 3:1-5 we have a graphic description of the religious condition of the world in the “last days,” and this preview fits exactly the conditions that are abroad in the land today. Religion is at a low ebb in all countries, and throughout Europe is rapidly being liquidated by the totalitarian governments there in control. There is no official opposition to religion in America, for which all should be thankful, nevertheless, there is a mounting trend toward irreligion, especially among the youth. Faith in the Bible is at an all-time low. Modernism and higher criticism, openly taught in our schools and colleges, have caused most of the youth of today to look upon the Bible as a collection of “old fogy” ideas not worthy of serious consideration by the intelligentsia of today.
Not only does Paul foretell this waning of religious influence in a dying world, but Jesus also touches upon it in His prophecies depicting conditions of the last days. In one of these the Master inquires, “When the Lord comes, shall He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) The implication of this prophetic question is that there would be but little faith left at that time. How true this prophecy has proved to be!
It is only as we look into the future through the prophetic telescope and there see true religion fully established in the new world, that we are able to understand why the Lord is now permitting the apparent defeat of His cause. Actually it is, in large measure, the false religions that are now being overthrown by governments and in the minds of the people. Sometimes the true temporarily suffers with the false, but this does not mean that God’s purposes have failed. The prophecy of Zephaniah 3:9, to which reference has already been made, tells us that following the present trouble the Lord will turn to the people a pure language, or message, enlightening all mankind, and enabling them to call upon Him and serve Him with one consent. How blessed this will be.
Jesus said of the present time (Luke 21:25,26) that the “powers of heaven shall be shaken.” In prophetic symbology this is descriptive of the waning religious control that has, in the past, occupied so important a role in maintaining the status quo of what men have called civilization. Jesus indicates that this is a fruitful cause of men’s hearts now being filled with fear as they look forward to the things coming upon the earth. From the human standpoint it does look as though all former standards of justice and right are to be set aside, and cruel, unbridled selfishness is to rule the world.
Jesus also said of this same time that there would be a roaring of the sea and waves. Isaiah furnishes us with the true understanding of this symbolic language, saying, “Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to rushing of nations that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters, but God shall rebuke them.” (Isa. 17:12,13) What a mad, turbulent sea-like condition prevails among the nations today; but it will be brought to an end in God’s due time, for God will “rebuke them.”
God is permitting the present conditions to become so horrible that all nations will eventually loathe the very thought of war. War will thus lose its glory, and the world will be glad to accept the Lord’s ways of righteousness which will bring peace and happiness forever. Yes, through divine agencies previously prepared, the Lord will soon say to the war-ridden and grief-stricken peoples of the earth, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”—Psalms 46:10
| The Everlasting Gospel |
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heavens must receive until the times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. For Moses Truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul which will not hear that Prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, and in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning every one of you from his iniquities.”—Acts 3:19-26
God’s Restitution Project
ST. PETER’S use of the term restitution, in his prophecy of events which were to follow the second coming of Christ, indicates that there is to be a period of reconstruction. This program calls, not for the creation of a new paradise, but for the restoration of the paradise which was lost. Jesus tells us in Luke 19:10, that the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost. The completion of this divine project requires both the first and second advents of Jesus. At His first advent He gave Himself a ransom, or corresponding price, in order that the sentence of death imposed upon mankind in Eden could be set aside. He comes the second time for the purpose of restoring to life, those who lost life through Adam’s transgression.
If we can visualize the perfection and happiness enjoyed by our first parents before they transgressed the divine law, then we can understand, at least partially, the revolutionary changes that are to be effected in the world, when the lost paradise, with all of its blessings, is restored by the returned Christ. The Garden of Eden was but a sample of what the whole earth will be like when God’s program of rehabilitation is complete.
The apostle says that times of refreshing shall come from the “presence of the Lord.” This expression is translated from Greek words meaning “out from the face of the Lord.” This expression is translated from Greek words meaning “out of the face of the Lord.” According to Eastern customs, this expression suggests the thought of God’s favor being manifested toward the human race. The complete thought outlined by the apostle therefore is that the second coming of Christ is a manifestation of God’s returning favor to mankind, ushering in a period during which He would beam upon the human race, and bless them by restoring them to their long-lost Edenic home.
The apostle declares that all of God’s holy prophets have foretold the coming times of restitution. David was one of these prophets who had much to say on the subject, In his thirtieth Psalm, verse 5, he mentions it in connection with the thought of God’s returning favor. He says: “For His anger endureth but for a moment; in His favor is life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” God’s anger against His human creation began when our first parents disobeyed His law. As a result, they were sentenced to death and driven out from their perfect Edenic home. Because their children were imperfect when born, the penalty of death passed on to them and to the whole human race. The entire world has been passing through a nighttime of sorrow and death.
While this manifestation of God’s anger has continued for more than six thousand years, yet from the standpoint of an eternity of God’s favors and blessings, it has been “but for a moment,” and for each individual it has been no longer than the few brief years from the cradle to the grave.
This nighttime of God’s disfavor is not to continue indefinitely. God will turn His face toward the human race. His favor was first of all shown in the sending of His Son to be man’s Redeemer, and is further demonstrated in sending Him the second time to restore the race which He redeemed. David adds, “In His favor is life,” which means that when God again smiles upon the human race, sickness and death will end. It means that the long nighttime of sin, sorrow, and death is to terminate in a morning of joy.
The Work of Redemption
As already noted, the coming times of restitution are made possible by the redemptive work of Christ, accomplished at His first advent. The Prophet Hosea refers to this, when, speaking as a mouth-piece of the Lord he says, “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death; O death I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will he thy destruction; repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.”—Hosea 13:14
Notice how God’s prophet, in the text just quoted, associates the ransom with the destruction of death. The New Testament explains the philosophy of this by showing that Jesus, the Son of God, was sent into the world by the Heavenly Father to be this ransom. He came to die, “the just for the unjust.” (I Pet. 3:18) Paul explains that this was all according to the will of God in connection with His purpose to save mankind from death, For, says the apostle, “there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”—I Tim. 2:5,6
The benefits of the redemptive work of Christ are available to the individual only upon the condition of knowledge and belief, so the apostle assures us that this knowledge will be “testified” to all “in due time.” The due time for the world to have the knowledge of Christ’s redemption testified to them will he the Messianic period which follows the second advent of the Master.
All of God’s Prophets
St. Peter tells us that the facts concerning the coming times of restitution were testified by the mouth of all God’s holy prophets since the world began. An examination of the Old Testament Scriptures reveals that this is true. Isaiah was one of these holy prophets and he supplies much information on the subject of restitution. In the 35th chapter of his prophecy, he tells us of the opening of the blind eyes, the unstopping of the deaf ears, the loosing of the dumb tongue, and that the lame man shall leap as an hart.
Isaiah also tells us of a “highway” that is to be cast up for the people, a way that will lead to holiness, or perfection. He tells us that, unlike the narrow way to life of this Gospel age, everything will be very plain on this highway—so plain that the ordinary wayfaring man, though unlearned, will not need to err. This agrees with other prophetic statements concerning that time, which inform us that then the knowledge of the Lord shall fill the earth as the waters cover the sea.—Isa. 11:9; Heb. 2:14
Isaiah also assures us that there shall be no lion on this highway. Peter tells us of the present time that “the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (I Pet. 5:8) According to the Apostle John, Satan is to be bound in the very beginning of the coming times of restitution. (Rev. 20:1,2) Thus the prophet was quite right when he said that no lion shall go up on the highway that leads back to life and paradise.
Isaiah continues his description of the highway of holiness by saying that no “ravenous beast shall go up thereon.” The Bible tells us of many different beasts that have afflicted and tormented the people down through the ages. Some of these beasts are referred to by Daniel and the Revelator. They are symbolic of beastly governments of one kind or another which have exploited and oppressed the people. But before the Messianic Kingdom is fully established all these “beasts” are to be destroyed; so it will be true that “no ravenous beast shall go up thereon.”—Isa. 35:9
And finally, the prophet tells us over this highway “the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Ah yes, that was God’s purpose in ransoming the human race; namely that they might return from death, and once more enter into the joy of living; a joy which will far exceed that of their former experience because they will come to know God, and if they continue to live, will have His favor, His blessing that maketh rich.—Isa. 35:1; Prov. 10:22
When viewed from the standpoint of the prophecies, restitution is seen to mean resurrection. There are students of the Bible who are willing to admit that the second coming of Christ will signal a general conversion of the then living generation; but they try to limit the scope of restitution to this so-called world conversion, not realizing that if all the families of the earth are to be blessed, and if there are to be “times of restitution of all things,” it means that those who have died, as well as the living, will be given an opportunity to be blessed. Yes, when viewed from the standpoint of the prophecies, restitution is seen to mean resurrection.
Job was another of God’s holy prophets, and he expressed the hope of a resurrection, saying, “If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Thou shalt call, and I will answer Thee: Thou wilt have a desire to the work of Thine hands.” (Job 14:14,15) Thus Job expressed the belief that he would hear the voice of the Lord calling him forth from the tomb. Jesus agrees with this, and makes it more comprehensive by saying, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His [the Son of Man’s] voice, and shall come forth.”—John 5:28,29
Sodomites to be Restored
Ezekiel was another of God’s holy prophets, and he lays emphasis on the fact that such wicked people as the Sodomites are to be brought hack from the grave during the times of restitution. Chiding the Jews for their unfaithfulness, yet at the same time reminding them of their hope of a resurrection, Ezekiel says: “When thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate.”—Ezek. 16:55
This, of course, does not imply universal salvation for the wicked irrespective of their obedience to the divine. law; but it does mean a universal opportunity for salvation. Jesus said concerning the Sodomites, that it would be more tolerable for them in the day of judgment than it would be for the people of certain Jewish cities. (Matt. 10:15; 11:24) The opportunity for everlasting life upon the condition of obedience, will be offered to all during the times of restitution; and we can see how it will be more favorable for the Sodomites than for many others.
The Jewish nation had been greatly blessed by the Lord, and their sin was against greater light than that of the Sodomites. Hence it will require a greater degree of humility on their part to come back into harmony with the Lord’s law. Jesus said that if the mighty works had been done in Sodom that had been done in Capernaum, Sodom would have repented. (Matt. 11:21-23) But many great works will be done in Sodom. They will be awakened from the sleet) of death and be given an opportunity, under the most favorable circumstances, to repent and live, and doubtless most of them will repent and gladly go up on the highway to everlasting life.
Children to be Resurrected
Jeremiah was also a holy prophet of the Lord, and he has much to say about restitution. In the 31st chapter of his prophecy we find a promise concerning the resurrection of children. This particular promise has to do with those children who were slaughtered by Herod at the time of Jesus’ birth, but shows, nevertheless, that it is God’s purpose to restore to life all those who have gone down into death as children. And how grand it will be for mothers to have their children restored to them, and to have the privilege of raising them just as though they had not died. The prophet says:
“Thus saith the Lord; a voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children, refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. Thus saith the Lord, Refrain thy voice from weeping and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy [death]. And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border.”—Jer. 31:15-17
The prophet Daniel also foretold the coming times of restitution, indicating that it follows the great time of trouble with which the present age is now ending. He says that the “many … that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake.” (Dan. 12:2) When God pronounced the sentence of death upon our first parents, He said, “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” (Gen. 3:19) This, in reality, means the setting aside of the Adamic death sentence, and the restoration of sleeping ones to life again. What a beautiful way of illustrating the blessed work of restitution!
Amos was another of God’s holy prophets, and speaking for the Lord, he says: “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.” (Amos 9:11) David’s tabernacle is one that he built to house the Ark of the Covenant at the time it was restored to Israel from the hands of their enemies. The Ark of the Covenant was a beautiful symbol of the presence and favor of God. It was wrested from the Israelites for a time, and when it was restored to them, it meant that God’s favor was again upon that nation; and this signalized a time for great rejoicing.
The rebuilding of the tabernacle of David therefore is a symbol indicating that again God’s favor is to be restored to Israel, after having been withdrawn from them for a long time; and this is exactly what will happen on behalf of Israel and the whole world during the “times of restitution.” This prophecy is quoted in the 15th chapter of Acts, and its fulfillment shown to be at the second advent of Christ, and that the Gentiles as well as the Jews will then be blessed. We quote:
“James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken 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 Prophet; 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.”—Acts 15:13-17
Here we are shown that God’s purpose between the first and second advents of Jesus has not been to convert the world, but merely to select from among the Gentiles a little company to be associated with the Master in the future Kingdom work—to take out a “people for His name.” Again the glorious objective of God’s purpose of love is here set forth in that we are told that after this people for His name is taken out from the Gentiles, then God’s favor will return to the Jews, and also, that then, all the Gentiles will have an opportunity to seek after the Lord.
Saviors on Mount Zion
Obadiah was also one of the Lord’s holy prophets and in the very last verse of his prophecy, he says, “Saviors shall come up on Mount Zion to judge the Mount of Esau; and the Kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” Ordinarily we think of only one Savior; and indeed, Jesus is THE Savior. Apart from the shed blood of Jesus there could be no salvation for anyone. Nevertheless, His footstep followers are invited to share with Him in the work of bringing salvation to the world. They suffer and die with Him in order that they may live and reign with Him in His Kingdom; and His reign is for the purpose of saving the world from death.
In Revelation 14:1-4 the identity of these Saviors on Mount Zion is revealed. John says, “And I looked, and lo, a lamb stood on Mount Zion, and with Him an hundred and forty and four thousand, having His Father’s name written in their foreheads.” Now we can see what James meant by that people gathered from among the Gentiles—that people for His name. To start with, this glorious opportunity was limited to the Jews, but as a nation they rejected it, and the Lord turned to the Gentiles to make up the full ordained number of Saviors that were to be on the symbolic Mount Zion with Jesus. They all must bear the Father’s name, since they are all taken into the divine family and thus become the ruling house of God in the new Kingdom.
Jesus’ followers who are pictured as Saviors with Him on Mount Zion during the Kingdom period are such not because they have given themselves as ransoms—indeed, it is not necessary that they do so—but because of their faithfulness in following Jesus into a sacrificial death they are given a share with Him in dispensing the blessings promised as a result of His ransom work. And when, the prophet shows, the Saviors stand on Mount Zion, it will be the time when the “Kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” That will be the time of restitution.
Blessings of the Last Days
Micah was still another of the holy prophets, and he has much to say about restitution. In chapter 4, verses 1-4, 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 mountain, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow into 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 spears into pruninghooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts path spoken it.”
By referring to Daniel 2:35-44, it will be seen that the “mountain of the Lord” is, in reality, the Kingdom of the Lord. And notice how practical are the restitution blessings that will be dispensed to the world during that Kingdom period. The picture begins with the “last days,” that period during which the old Satanic order of things will be set aside by a great time of trouble. The people, in their distress, will look to the Lord for help and instruction as to what to do—how to extricate themselves from the wreck that has been precipitated by their own selfishness and foolishness.
Giving recognition to the new Kingdom they will be taught of the Lord’s ways, which will be ways of peace instead of the ways of war. Economic security will also be one of the features of that new day of the Messianic Kingdom—every man will “dwell under his vine and under his fig tree.” We are not to understand this too literally, of course, as it is merely a picture of security and happiness in which none shall make afraid. The thought is that all in the times of restitution will be amply provided for. The provision will be permanent, lasting just as long as the individual continues to obey the Law of God.
A Universal Religion
Habakkuk was a holy prophet of the Lord, and he tells of that day of restitution, saying that “the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God, as the waters cover the sea.” (Hab. 2:14) Zephaniah, another of the holy prophets, also tells of the God-given enlightenment which will come to the people at that time. We quote: “For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord to serve Him with one consent.”—Zeph. 3:9
No longer will the peoples of the earth be divided in their religious devotions. No longer will some be Catholics and some Protestants; some Mohammedans and some Buddhists, etc. The blinding influences of Satan will be dispelled by the light of the knowledge of the glory of God. The pure language instruction—which will then he turned to the people, shall, as the prophet says, result in all mankind calling upon the name of the Lord to serve Him with ONE consent. Thus will the true knowledge of God be restored during those times of restitution.
The Prophet Zechariah, who also spoke for the Lord concerning that glad day of restitution, goes into detail in explaining how the enlightening influences of the Kingdom period will affect the people. He says: “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear nor dark; but it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at even-time it shall be light.”—Zech. 14:6,7
The thought here is that of gradual enlightenment. And it is easy to see how that will be brought about. The Messianic Kingdom will first of all be established with the living generations; and when we realize the size of the earth, and the myriads of people who live upon it, we can understand why some time will elapse before all will come to know of the new Kingdom. It will take time, also, for the people to get rid of their superstitious ideas concerning God, so that they will be able to know Him aright.
And then there will be all the billions who have died, who, when raised from the dead, will need to be instructed in the true knowledge of God. They have not learned anything while in the grave, hence as they are brought forth from the tomb they will need to learn about the true God, in order to have an opportunity to obey His laws. Thus the work of enlightening the people will go on throughout the entire thousand-year “day” of the Kingdom.
It will be partly light and partly dark during all that period. That is, it will be at a time when the people are having their blindness and superstition gradually removed. Until the work is complete, there will still be some symbolic darkness in the world, but in the evening, or close of that glorious day it will be fully light. By then, the enlightening and healing influences of the “Sun of Righteousness” as prophesied by the Prophet Malachi, will have scattered all the mists of darkness, and the knowledge of God’s glory shall then fill the earth everywhere.—Mal. 4:2
Tangible Blessings
Thus the result of Christ’s second coming is to be a glorious one. The blessings to be dispensed through the administration of His Kingdom are to be very practical. Upon the testimony of all of God’s holy prophets who foretold the times of restitution, these blessings are to be:
Enlightenment concerning the true God and His plan, putting an end to all the trickery of the countless superstitious beliefs that have plagued a bewildered world since the days of Eden.
Freedom from disease of all kinds, to those who obey the laws of the new Kingdom.
Freedom from death for the believers of that day.
No more wars.
Economic security for all.
But all of these very practical and satisfying good things of the Messianic Kingdom will not be dispensed unconditionally. No, the Apostle Peter is very careful to remind us, when telling us of the “times of restitution,” that it “shall come to pass, that every soul which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from amongst the people.” (Acts 3:23) It is this same thought that is brought to our attention in the parable of the Sheep and Goats. To those represented by the sheep, the statement is made, “Come, ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” But to the goats, the disobedient ones, it is said, “Depart from Me ye cursed into everlasting fire,” or, as the last verse shows, “everlasting punishment.” This, according to the Greek, means “cutting off” from life.—Matt. 25:31-46
But, as the parable shows, the obedient ones of that day, the sheep class, shall have the original dominion restored to them. That dominion was over the earth and the things of the earth. Thus, again, we have the thought of restitution, the restoration of paradise, world-wide in scope and effect. And what a glorious hope this is for the poor, sin-sick and dying world. It is practically impossible for us now to visualize the changes that will take place in the earth as a result of the inauguration of the divine project of restitution.
Think of the changes that will be brought about as a result of the destruction of disease and death! Think of other changes due to the fact that there shall be no more war. Visualize the changes that will come as a result of the people learning to know and to love and to sincerely serve the true God. Think of what it will mean when love takes the place of selfishness as the motivating principle back of all human activity!
Think of the changed viewpoint when people will not need to think about and plan for death. When an eternity of joy stretches before them instead of a short, hectic existence made up, at best, of only a small portion of happiness, and the rest, disappointment and sorrow. Or, to put it in the words of one of God’s inspired and holy prophets, think of the time when “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor sighing, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.”—Rev. 21:4
Impossible! No, brother, nothing of this nature is impossible with God. It looks impossible to us perhaps, because we have never seen anything like it before. Fifty years ago most of us would have been quick to say that the radio would be impossible; but now we know that it isn’t. Life itself is impossible to us; that is to say, we do not understand what life is. Who is wise enough to tell us the philosophy of a heartbeat? None! Yet God, the Creator, created the heart and the heartbeat, and the same God is abundantly able to restore the heartbeat in the twenty billion human breasts that once haltingly pulsated with a measure of life, but finally succumbed to the ravages of death, because God’s justice had decreed that no imperfect human creature could continue to live.
This glorious restitution project is to be accomplished by the Messianic Kingdom which is soon to be established.