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Man’s Sin and the “Fullness of the Time”
When Adam and Eve in Eden first heard the promise of the
Savior’s coming, they expected it to be fulfilled very soon. They
welcomed their firstborn son, hoping he might be the Deliverer. But
those who first received the promise died without seeing it fulfilled.
The promise was repeated through patriarchs and prophets, keeping
alive the hope of His appearing, yet He did not come. The prophecy
of Daniel revealed the time of His advent, but not all interpreted the
message correctly. Century after century passed. Occupying nations
oppressed Israel, and many were ready to exclaim, “The days are
prolonged, and every vision fails.”
Ezekiel 12:22
.
But like the stars that cross the sky in their appointed path, God’s
plans know no haste and no delay. In heaven’s council, the hour for
the coming of Christ had been set. When the great clock of time
pointed to that hour, Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
“When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His
Son.”
Galatians 4:4
. The world was ripe for the coming of the
Deliverer. The nations were united under one government. One
language was widely spoken. From all lands the Jews who had
been scattered gathered to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. As these
returned to their homes in foreign lands, they could spread the news
throughout the world about the Messiah’s coming.
The heathen systems were losing their hold on the people. People
longed for a religion that could satisfy the heart. Those looking for
light were craving for a knowledge of the living God, for some
assurance of life beyond the grave.
Many Longed for a Deliverer
The Jews’ faith had grown dim, and hope had nearly ceased to
brighten the future. To the masses of people, death was a fearful
mystery; beyond it was uncertainty and gloom. In “the region and
shadow of death,” mourners sat unconsoled. With longing they
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