Basic HTML Version
As a Thief in the Night, December 17
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write
unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh
as a thief in the night.
1 Thessalonians 5:1, 2
.
We know not the exact time of our Lord’s coming. But whether it be this year,
or next year, or in several years, Christ has told us that He will come as a thief in
the night. He says unto all, “Watch.” To very, very many, He will come in such an
hour as they think not. At the time of His coming, men will be asking, “Where is
the promise of His coming?” ...
Satan, the originator of evil, is now revealing his power in the children of
men. This is his hour, and the power of darkness. Apparently he controls the
world. The gospel messenger will find that there is a power moving the world
to greater and still greater opposition to Christ and His message. The last great
conflict between the forces of good and evil is spoken of as “a time of trouble such
as never was.” The violence which fills the earth will exceed that which existed
before the destruction of the old world.
Satan is working with all his power to hinder the work of God. If God’s people
occupy a portion of their time in teaching the delusive sentiments of Satan, the
kingdom of evil will rejoice. When those having a knowledge of the path over
which God has led us give heed to seducing spirits and depart from the faith,
the time and effort required to correct the evils that follow are so much time and
effort taken from the work of proclaiming the gospel message. We must warn our
brethren and sisters not to give heed to false theories, and to beware of those who
have allowed themselves to be ensnared.
If ever God’s watchmen needed to be on their guard, it is now.... The trumpet
must give a certain sound. There will be a general proclamation of truth, the whole
earth will be enlightened with the glory of God, but those only will recognize the
light who have sought to know the difference between holiness and sin.
When Satan shall have accomplished his work of ensnaring all who will subject
themselves to his deceptive influence, when he shall have finished his work of
scattering abroad, Christ will rise up and bring deliverance to every one whose
name is found written in the book of life. Satan and his followers will be destroyed.
Then “they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that
turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”—
Letter 268, December
17, 1903
, to Dr. David Paulson, at the time director of the American Medical
Missionary College in Chicago and editor of
The Life Boat
.
[366]
374