Chapter 68.
Our Lord's Great Prophecy
1. HOW did Christ feel concerning Jerusalem, as He was about to make His final visit to the city before His crucifixion?
"And when He was come near, He beheld the city, ______________, saying, If thou had known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from your eyes." Luke 19:41,42.
2. In what words did He foretell its destruction?
"For the days shall come upon thee, _______________________________, and compass thee round, __________________________________________." Verses 43,44.
3. What pitiful appeal did He make to the impenitent city?
"__________________________________________________!" Matt. 23:37.
4. As He was about to leave the temple, what did He say?
"Behold, _____________________________." Verse 38.
NOTE.-That which was to fill up their cup of iniquity was their final rejection and crucifixion of Christ, and their condemnation and persecution of His apostles and people after His resurrection. See Matt. 23:29-35; John 19:15; Acts 4-8.
5. Hearing these words, what questions did the disciples ask?
"Tell us, _________________________? _____________________________?" Matt. 24:3.
NOTE.-Christ's answers to these questions are worthy of the most careful study. The destruction of Jerusalem and the overthrow of the Jewish nation attending it are a type of the final destruction of all the cities of the world, and the overthrow of all nations. To some extent, therefore, the descriptions of the two great events seem to be blended. When Christ referred to the destruction of Jerusalem, His prophetic words reached beyond that event to the final conflagration when the Lord shall rise out of His place "to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and when the earth shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." Isa. 26:21. Thus the entire discourse was given not for the early disciples only, but for those who were to live during the closing scenes of the world's history. During the discourse Christ did, however, give definite signs, both of the destruction of Jerusalem and of His second coming.
6. In His reply, how did Christ indicate that neither the end of the world nor of the Jewish nation was immediately at hand?
"Jesus answered and said unto them, ______________________. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that you be not troubled: ____________________." Verses 4-6.
7. What did He say of the wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes which were to precede these events?
"All these are ________________________." Verse 8.
NOTE.-These were to precede and culminate in the great calamity and overthrow, first, of Jerusalem, and finally of the whole world; for, as already noted, the prophecy has a double application, first, to Jerusalem and the Jewish nation, and secondly, to the whole world; the destruction of Jerusalem for its rejection of Christ at His first advent was a type of the destruction of the world at the end for its rejection of Christ in refusing to heed the closing warning message sent by God to prepare the world for Christ's second advent.
8. In what language did Christ briefly describe the experiences of His people previous to these calamities?
"___________________________: and ________________________ for My name's sake. And then _____________________________, and shall ______________. And many ________________, and _________________. And because ______________, the ___________________." Verses 9-12.
9. Who did He say would be saved?
"But ___________________________, the same shall be saved." Verse 13.
10. When did Christ say the end would come?
"And _______________________ shall be ____________________________." Verse 14.
NOTES.-In A.D. 60 Paul carried the gospel to Rome, which was then the capital of the world. In A.D. 64 he wrote of the saints of "Caesar's household" (Phil. 4:22); and the same year he says that the gospel had been "preached to every creature which is under heaven." Col. 1:23. Very soon after this (October, 66 A.D.) the Romans began their attacks against Jerusalem; and three and one-half years later the overthrow of the city and of the Jewish nation followed in the notable five months' siege under Titus, in the spring and summer of 70 A.D.
Thus it was respecting the end of the Jewish nation; and thus it will be in the end of the world as a whole. When the gospel, or good news, of Christ's coming kingdom has been preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, the end of the world-of all nations-will come. As the end of the Jewish nation came with overwhelming destruction, so will come the end of the world. Armageddon, the battle of the nations, will be fought, and the world will be swept with the besom of destruction under the seven last plagues. See readings in Chapters 65. and 66. of this book.
11. What sign did Christ mention by which His disciples might know when the destruction of Jerusalem was near?
"And ________________________________, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh." Luke 21: 20.
12. When this sign appeared, what were the disciples to do?
"When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) then let them which be in Judea _______________________________." Matt. 24:15,16.
NOTE.-In October, 66 A.D., when Cestius came against the city, but for some unaccountable reason suddenly withdrew his army from it, the Christians discerned in this the sign foretold by Christ, and fled. After the departure of Cestius, Josephus, in his "Wars of the Jews," chapter 20, says that "many of the most eminent of the Jews swam away from the city, as from a ship when it is going to sink." It is a remarkable fact that in the terrible siege which occurred under Titus three and one-half years later, not a single Christian is known to have lost his life, while 1,100,000 Jews are said to have perished in it. Here is a most striking lesson on the value and importance of studying and believing the prophecies, and giving heed to the signs of the times. Those who believed what Christ had said, and watched for the sign which He had foretold, were saved, while the unbelieving perished. So it will be in the end of the world. The watchful and believing will be delivered, while the careless and unbelieving will be snared and taken. See Matt. 24:36-44; Luke 21:34-36; 1 Thess. 5:1-6.
13. When the sign appeared, how suddenly were they to flee?
"Let _________________________________________________." Verses 17,18.
14. Besides telling His disciples when to flee, how did Christ further show His solicitude and tender care for them?
"But pray you that your flight be not in __________________, neither on the _____________________________." Verse 20.
NOTES.-The winter would be an unfavorable time in which to flee, entailing discomfort and hardship; and an attempt to flee on the Sabbath day would doubtless have been met with difficulty, so false and pharisaical were the notions of the Jews respecting the true character and object of the Sabbath. See Matt. 12:1-14; Luke 13:14-17; Mark 1:32; 2:23-28; John 5:10-18.
The prayers of Christ's followers were heard. Events were so overruled that neither Jews nor Romans hindered the flight of the Christians. Upon the retreat of Cestius, the Jews pursued after his army, and the Christians thus had an opportunity to leave the city. The country also had been cleared of enemies who might have endeavored to intercept them. At the time of this siege, the Jews were assembled at Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, and thus the Christians of Judea were able to escape unmolested, and in the autumn, a most favorable time for flight.
15. What trying experience did Christ then foretell?
"For __________________, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." Verse 21.
NOTES.-In paragraph 4 of his preface to his "Wars of the Jews," Josephus, referring to the destruction of Jerusalem, says: "The misfortunes of all men, from the beginning of the world, if they be compared to these of the Jews, are not so considerable." In this terrible calamity, the prophecy of Moses recorded in Deut. 28:47-53 was literally fulfilled. He said: "Thou shall eat the fruit of your own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, . . . in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith your enemies shall distress thee." For an account of the fulfillment of this, see Josephus's "Wars of the Jews," book 6, chap. 3, par. 4.
Following the destruction of Jerusalem came the persecution of the early Christians under the pagan emperors during the first three centuries of the Christian era, that begun under Diocletian in 303 A.D., and continuing for ten years (Rev. 2:10), being the most bitter and extensive persecution of God's people the world had yet witnessed. Following this came the still greater and more terrible persecution of the saints during the long centuries of papal supremacy, foretold in Dan. 7:25 and Rev. 12:6. All these tribulations occurred under either pagan or papal Rome.
16. For whose sake did Christ say the period of papal persecution would be shortened?
"And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but _________________________________." Verse 22.
NOTE.-Through the influence of the Reformation of the sixteenth century, and the movements which grew out of it, the power of the Papacy to enforce its decrees against those it pronounced heretics was gradually lessened, until with the exception of Spain, persecution ceased almost wholly about the middle of the eighteenth century -the beginning of an epoch of freedom.
17. Against what deceptions did Christ then warn us?
"Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, ______________________. For there shall arise ______________________________; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Verses 23, 24.
18. Answering the question as to what would be the sign of His coming and the end of the world, what did Christ say?
"____________________________________; and upon the earth, ______________ __________________________________: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." Luke 21:25,26.
19. When were the first of these signs to appear, and what were they to be?
"_________________________________________________." Matt. 24:29.
20. How is this expressed by Mark?
"But _______________________, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken." Mark 13:24,25.
NOTE.-As already noted, papal persecution almost wholly ceased about the middle of the eighteenth century. Then, true to Christ's words, the signs of His coming at once began to appear.
21. When was there a wonderful darkening of the sun?
On May 19, 1780.
NOTE.-May 19, 1780, is known in history as "the dark day." On this day over a large portion of the New World, upon which at this time the eyes of all the world were centered, there occurred, at midday, a remarkable darkness. "Candles were lighted in many houses. The birds were silent, and disappeared. The fowls retired to roost." In harmony with the impression God evidently designed should be made by the sign, many thought the day of judgment was at hand. See next reading.
22. When did the moon refuse to give her light?
The night following the darkening of the sun, May 19, 1780.
NOTE.- Although it was full moon only the night before, the darkness of this night was so intense that for a time no luminous body whatever appeared in the heavens, and a sheet of white paper could not be seen when held within a few inches of the eyes. See next reading.
23. What sign was to follow the darkening of the sun and the moon?
"__________________________." Matt. 24:29.
24. When did the stars fall, as here predicted?
November 13, 1833.
NOTE.-On the morning of November 13, 1833, there occurred the most wonderful exhibition of shooting stars the world has ever seen. Those who witnessed it, says Professor Olmsted, the celebrated astronomer of Yale College, "probably saw the greatest display of celestial fireworks that has ever been since the creation of the world, or at least within the annals covered by the pages of history." The extent of this shower, he says, was such as to cover no inconsiderable part of the earth's surface." And, like the darkening of the sun and moon, it was considered by many who saw it as "the harbinger of the coming of the Son of man."
25. What were to be the signs on earth of Christ's coming?
"And upon the earth ________________, with perplexity; _____________________, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." Luke 21:25,26.
NOTE.-This is an exact picture of the condition of things in the world today. Through greed of gain, lawlessness, licentiousness, increasing violence, trouble between capital and labor, international complications, and the awful horror of modern wars, the nations are perplexed, and men's hearts tremble with fear as they look into the future. The elements are also disturbed, as seen in great earthquakes and storms on land and sea.
26. What did Christ say was to be the next great event following these signs?
"And then shall they see ___________________________________________." Verse 27. See Matt. 24:30.
27. When these things should begin to come to pass, what did Christ tell His people to do?
"And when these things begin to come to pass, then _________________________; for your redemption draws nigh." Luke 21:28.
28. When the trees put forth their leaves, what do we know?
"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, _____________________." Matt. 24:32.
29. What may be known with equal certainty when these signs have been seen?
"So likewise you, when you shall see all these things, ____________________." Verse 33. "So likewise you, when you see these things come to pass, _________________________________." Luke 21:31.
30. What did Christ say of the certainty of this prophecy?
"Verily I say unto you, ____________________________________________." Matt. 24:34,35.
NOTE.-Everyone at all acquainted with history knows that what Christ foretold concerning the destruction of Jerusalem came true to the very letter. So likewise may we be assured that what He has said concerning the end of the world will as certainly and as literally be fulfilled.
31. Who alone knows the exact day of Christ's coming?
"But of that day and hour ________________, no, not the angels of heaven, but __________________________." Verse 36.
32. What did Christ say would be the moral condition of the world just preceding His advent?
"But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the Flood they were _______________________ and _________________________, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the Flood came, and took them all away; _________________________." Verses 37-39.
33. In view of the fact that we do not know the exact time of Christ's coming, what important admonition has He given us?
"Therefore __________________: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man cometh." Verse 44.
34. What will be the experience of those who say in their hearts that the Lord is not soon coming?
"But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord _______________________________________________________ [cut him off, margin], and ___________________________________________." Verses 48-51.
________________________________________
IN the sun, and moon, and stars,
Signs and wonders have appeared;
Earth has groaned with bloody wars,
And the hearts of men have feared.
But, though from His awful face
Heaven shall fade and earth shall fly,
Fear not you, His chosen race,
Your redemption draws nigh.
REGINALD HEBER.
Copyright © 2003-2008
www.preparingforeternity.com
All rights reserved.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
BIBLE STUDY: CHAP.67 -- THE MYSTERY OF GOD FINISHED
Chapter 67.
The Mystery of God Finished
1. FOLLOWING his description of the sixth trumpet, what did John see?
"And I saw ______________________, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun." Rev. 10:1.
2. What did he have in his hand?
"And he had in his hand __________________." Verse 2.
NOTE.-The book of Daniel, which was to be "sealed," or closed, till the time of the end, is doubtless referred to here. See Dan. 12:4,9.
3. What solemn announcement did this angel make?
"And the angel which I saw. . . . lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by Him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, . . . that _____________________." Rev. 10:5,6.
NOTE.-Not literal nor probationary time, but prophetic time. The 2300-day period, which ended in 1844, must be alluded to here. See chapter 53. No prophetic period in the Bible reaches beyond this.
4. What did the angel say was to be finished when the seventh trumpet was about to sound?
"But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the ____________________ should be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets." Verse 7.
NOTE.-The mystery of God is the gospel. Eph. 3:1-6; Gal. 1:11,12. The gospel, then, is to be finished as the seventh trumpet is about to sound.
5. What was John told to do with the little book?
"Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel . . . and ________." Verses 8,9.
6. What was to be the result of the eating of this book?
"It shall __________________, but it shall be ________________." Verse 9, last part.
7. What does the apostle say of his experience in this matter?
"And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth ________________________: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was ____________." Verse 10.
NOTE.-In this is most strikingly foretold the experience of those who proclaimed the advent and judgment-hour message of 1843-44. Joyous in the hope that Christ was coming then, like the early disciples regarding His first advent (Luke 24:21; Acts 1:6,7), they were bitterly disappointed, and found that there was still a work on earth for them to do, as did the early disciples following the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.
8. What words of the angel to John show that both literal and probationary time were to continue yet for a time, and that God had a still further message for the world?
"And he said unto me, ___________________ before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings." Verse 11.
NOTE.-The message of Revelation 10 is the same as that of Rev. 14:6,7; and the later messages of Rev. 14:8-12 answer to the instruction, "Thou must prophesy again," of Rev. 10:11. But all are last-day messages, and indicate that the end of all things is near at hand.
________________________________________
How long, O Lord our Saviour,
Wilt Thou remain away?
Our hearts are growing weary
Of Thy so long delay.
O when shall come the moment
When, brighter far than morn,
The sunshine of Thy glory
Shall on Thy people dawn?
How long, O gracious Master,
Wilt Thou Thy household leave?
So long hast Thou now tarried,
Few Thy return believe.
Immersed in sloth and folly,
Thy servants, Lord, we see;
And few of us stand ready
With joy to welcome Thee.
O, wake Thy slumbering people;
Send forth the solemn cry;
Let all the saints repeat it,-
"The Saviour draweth nigh!"
Mayan our lamps be burning,
Our loins well girded be,
Each longing heart preparing
With joy Thy face to see.
________________________________________
Great Lines of Prophecy
The Great Image of Daniel 2. This prophecy, written over twenty-five hundred years ago, is one of the greatest, briefest, and most comprehensive prophecies in the Bible. Under the symbol of a great metallic image, the rise and fall of nations is outlined till the end of time and the setting up of God's everlasting kingdom. See chapter 48.
The Four Beasts of Daniel 7. This line of-prophecy covers the same ground as that of Daniel 2, but with additional features introduced, especially that concerning the development and work of the "little horn" power of the fourth beast, under which God's people were to be oppressed until delivered and placed in possession of the kingdom "forever and ever." See chapter 50.
The 2300 Days of Daniel 8. This prophecy, after tracing the course of empire down through Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, introduces the longest prophetic period in the Bible, reaching from the beginning of the movement to restore and build Jerusalem before Christ's first advent, to a similar work to be performed by God's people in the last days preparatory to Christ's second advent. See chapter 53.
The Seventy Weeks of Daniel 9. This prophecy fixes the date of the beginning of the 2300 days, of which the seventy weeks are a part; definitely marks the time of Christ's first advent; and briefly refers to the "consummation" and the overthrow of the last of earthly kingdoms. See chapter 53.
The Standing Up of Michael-Daniel 11 and 12. A literal prophecy tracing the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms from the early rulers of Persia in the sixth century B.C., to the overthrow of Turkey, the "king of the north," and the "standing up," or reign, of Michael, the Great Prince, which is Christ. See chapter 65.
The Prophecies of the Revelation. These are supplemental to the prophecies of Daniel. Under the Seven Churches, the Seven Seals, the Seven Trumpets, the Great Red Dragon, the Leopard Beast, and the Two-Horned Beast, the history and experience of the church and of earthly kingdoms are traced during the Christian era, to the end of the age. See chapter 60.
Christ's Great Prophecy. Christ's claim to being a prophet, and the greatest of all prophets, is fully established by His prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. In this He depicts minutely the destruction of Jerusalem, the great tribulation of the Dark Ages, and the signs that were to herald His second coming. See chapters 68 and 69.
Copyright © 2003-2008
www.preparingforeternity.com
All rights reserved.
The Mystery of God Finished
1. FOLLOWING his description of the sixth trumpet, what did John see?
"And I saw ______________________, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun." Rev. 10:1.
2. What did he have in his hand?
"And he had in his hand __________________." Verse 2.
NOTE.-The book of Daniel, which was to be "sealed," or closed, till the time of the end, is doubtless referred to here. See Dan. 12:4,9.
3. What solemn announcement did this angel make?
"And the angel which I saw. . . . lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by Him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, . . . that _____________________." Rev. 10:5,6.
NOTE.-Not literal nor probationary time, but prophetic time. The 2300-day period, which ended in 1844, must be alluded to here. See chapter 53. No prophetic period in the Bible reaches beyond this.
4. What did the angel say was to be finished when the seventh trumpet was about to sound?
"But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the ____________________ should be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets." Verse 7.
NOTE.-The mystery of God is the gospel. Eph. 3:1-6; Gal. 1:11,12. The gospel, then, is to be finished as the seventh trumpet is about to sound.
5. What was John told to do with the little book?
"Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel . . . and ________." Verses 8,9.
6. What was to be the result of the eating of this book?
"It shall __________________, but it shall be ________________." Verse 9, last part.
7. What does the apostle say of his experience in this matter?
"And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth ________________________: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was ____________." Verse 10.
NOTE.-In this is most strikingly foretold the experience of those who proclaimed the advent and judgment-hour message of 1843-44. Joyous in the hope that Christ was coming then, like the early disciples regarding His first advent (Luke 24:21; Acts 1:6,7), they were bitterly disappointed, and found that there was still a work on earth for them to do, as did the early disciples following the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.
8. What words of the angel to John show that both literal and probationary time were to continue yet for a time, and that God had a still further message for the world?
"And he said unto me, ___________________ before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings." Verse 11.
NOTE.-The message of Revelation 10 is the same as that of Rev. 14:6,7; and the later messages of Rev. 14:8-12 answer to the instruction, "Thou must prophesy again," of Rev. 10:11. But all are last-day messages, and indicate that the end of all things is near at hand.
________________________________________
How long, O Lord our Saviour,
Wilt Thou remain away?
Our hearts are growing weary
Of Thy so long delay.
O when shall come the moment
When, brighter far than morn,
The sunshine of Thy glory
Shall on Thy people dawn?
How long, O gracious Master,
Wilt Thou Thy household leave?
So long hast Thou now tarried,
Few Thy return believe.
Immersed in sloth and folly,
Thy servants, Lord, we see;
And few of us stand ready
With joy to welcome Thee.
O, wake Thy slumbering people;
Send forth the solemn cry;
Let all the saints repeat it,-
"The Saviour draweth nigh!"
Mayan our lamps be burning,
Our loins well girded be,
Each longing heart preparing
With joy Thy face to see.
________________________________________
Great Lines of Prophecy
The Great Image of Daniel 2. This prophecy, written over twenty-five hundred years ago, is one of the greatest, briefest, and most comprehensive prophecies in the Bible. Under the symbol of a great metallic image, the rise and fall of nations is outlined till the end of time and the setting up of God's everlasting kingdom. See chapter 48.
The Four Beasts of Daniel 7. This line of-prophecy covers the same ground as that of Daniel 2, but with additional features introduced, especially that concerning the development and work of the "little horn" power of the fourth beast, under which God's people were to be oppressed until delivered and placed in possession of the kingdom "forever and ever." See chapter 50.
The 2300 Days of Daniel 8. This prophecy, after tracing the course of empire down through Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, introduces the longest prophetic period in the Bible, reaching from the beginning of the movement to restore and build Jerusalem before Christ's first advent, to a similar work to be performed by God's people in the last days preparatory to Christ's second advent. See chapter 53.
The Seventy Weeks of Daniel 9. This prophecy fixes the date of the beginning of the 2300 days, of which the seventy weeks are a part; definitely marks the time of Christ's first advent; and briefly refers to the "consummation" and the overthrow of the last of earthly kingdoms. See chapter 53.
The Standing Up of Michael-Daniel 11 and 12. A literal prophecy tracing the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms from the early rulers of Persia in the sixth century B.C., to the overthrow of Turkey, the "king of the north," and the "standing up," or reign, of Michael, the Great Prince, which is Christ. See chapter 65.
The Prophecies of the Revelation. These are supplemental to the prophecies of Daniel. Under the Seven Churches, the Seven Seals, the Seven Trumpets, the Great Red Dragon, the Leopard Beast, and the Two-Horned Beast, the history and experience of the church and of earthly kingdoms are traced during the Christian era, to the end of the age. See chapter 60.
Christ's Great Prophecy. Christ's claim to being a prophet, and the greatest of all prophets, is fully established by His prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. In this He depicts minutely the destruction of Jerusalem, the great tribulation of the Dark Ages, and the signs that were to herald His second coming. See chapters 68 and 69.
Copyright © 2003-2008
www.preparingforeternity.com
All rights reserved.
BIBLE STUDY: CHAP.66 -- THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES
Chapter 66.
The Seven Last Plagues
1. WHAT is God's final warning against false worship?
"If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, ___________________________________________; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb." Rev. 14: 9,10.
NOTE.-During probationary time God's wrath is always tempered, or mingled, with mercy. Thus the prophet Habakkuk prays, "In wrath remember mercy." Hab-3:2. God's wrath unmixed with mercy is visited only when mercy has done its final work, and evil has gone to the limit, so that there is "no remedy." See Gen. 6:3; 15:16; 19:12,13; 2 Chron. 36:16; Matt. 23:37,38; Luke 19:42-44; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7.
2. In what is the wrath of God filled up?
"And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having _____________________________________." Rev. 15:1.
3. How does Joel describe the day of the Lord?
"Alas for the day! __________________________________." "_________________________________________________?" Joel 1:15; 2:11.
4. What has Daniel said of this time?
"And there shall be a time of trouble, _______________________________: _________________________________________." Dan. 12:1. See Eze. 7:15-19.
NOTE.-The seven last plagues will be the most terrible scourges ever visited upon man. As Ahab accused Elijah of being the cause of Israel's calamities (1 Kings 18:17,18), so, in the time of trouble, the wicked and those who have departed from God will be enraged at the righteous, will accuse them as being the cause of the plagues, and will seek to destroy them as did Haman the Jews. See Esther 3:8-14. But God will miraculously deliver His people at this time as He did then.
5. What will be the first plague, and upon whom will it fall?
"And the first went, and poured out his vial upon ___________; and _________________________________________________." Rev. 16:2.
6. What will constitute the second plague?
"And the second angel poured out his vial upon ______________; and ___________________________________." Verse 3.
7. What will be the third plague?
"And the third angel poured out his vial upon ___________________________." Verse 4.
NOTE.-The second plague affects the sea. The third plague comes closer to the habitations of men, and affects the land. The water supplies are contaminated.
8. Why, under these plagues, does the Lord give men blood to drink?
"________________________________, and Thou has given them blood to drink; for they are worthy." Verse 6.
NOTE-In this is shown God's abhorrence of oppression and persecution. The plagues are God's rebukes against colossal forms of sin.
9. What will be the fourth plague?
"And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon ______________; and __________________________________________________." Verse 8. See Joel 1:16-20.
NOTE.-Sun-worship is the most ancient and widespread of all forms of idolatry. In this plague God manifests His displeasure at this form of idolatry. That which men have worshipped as, a god, becomes a plague and tormentor. Thus it was in the plagues of Egypt. Those things which the Egyptians had worshipped became scourges to them instead of benefactors and blessings. See "The Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation," by "An American Citizen," chapter 3.
10. Will even this terrible judgment lead men to repent?
"And men were scorched with great heat, _______________________, which hath power over these plagues: and _______________________________." Verse 9.
11. What will be the fifth plague?
"And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon _______________________; and ____________________________; and they gnawed their tongues for pain." Verse 10.
NOTE.-This plague strikes at the very seat of the great apostasy of the latter days, the Papacy. It will doubtless be similar in effect to the like plague in Egypt, which was a darkness that could "be felt." Ex. 10:21-23. By this plague that haughty and apostate spiritual despotism which has set itself up as possessing all truth, and as being the light of the world, is enshrouded in midnight darkness.
12. What takes place under the sixth plague?
"And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river ____________; and ___________________________________, that the way of the kings of the East might be prepared." Verse 12.
NOTE.-This, we understand, refers to the drying up of the Turkish Empire by the great world powers preparatory to the battle of Armageddon. See preceding reading.
13. How are the nations gathered to the battle of Armageddon?
"And I saw _____________________ like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are ______________________ working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. . . . And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon." Verses 13-16.
NOTE.-This scripture shows that it is the spirit of Satan which incites men to war, and explains why the great nations of the world are now at war. The dragon represents paganism; the beast, the Papacy; and the false prophet, apostate Protestantism-the three great religious apostasies since the Flood. The plain of Esdraelon, in south-western Galilee, is the Armageddon here referred to.
14. At this time what event is imminent?
"______________________. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." Verse 15.
15. What takes place under the seventh plague?
"And the seventh angel poured out his vial into _________. . . . And there were __________, and _________, and ____________; and __________________, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, _____________________." Verses 17-19.
16. What accompanies the earthquake?
"And there fell upon men ___________________, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great." Verse 21. See Job 38:22,23; Ps. 7:11-13.
17. What will the Lord he to His people at this time?
"The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: _____________________________________l." Joel 3:16. See Jer. 25:30,31; Haggai 2:21; Heb. 12:26; Ps. 91:5-10.
NOTE.-To prepare His people and the world for these terrible judgments, the Lord, as in the days of Noah, sends a warning message to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. See Rev. 14:6-10.
18. Just before the pouring out of the plagues, what call does God send to His people still in Babylon?
"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, ___________________________. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." Rev. 18:4,5. See Gen. 19:12-17; Jer. 51:6.
NOTE.-As before the flood, many of God's people will doubtless be laid away to rest shortly before the time of trouble. See Isa. 57:1; Rev. 14:13. Referring to the time before the Flood, an ancient book says: "And all men who walked in the ways of the Lord, died in those days, before the Lord brought the evil upon man which He had declared, for this was from the Lord, that they should not see the evil which the Lord spoke of concerning the sons of men."-Book of Jasher 4:20. See also chapter 5:21 of the same book.
19. How suddenly will the plagues come upon modern Babylon?
"Therefore shall her plagues come ___________________, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judges her. . . . For in __________________ is thy judgment come." Rev. 18:8-10.
20. What famine will come at this time upon those who have rejected God's messages of mercy?
"Behold, the days come, says the Lord God, that ___________________________: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the Word of the Lord, and shall not find it." Amos 8:11,12. See Luke 13:25; Prov. 1:24-26; Heb. 12:15-17.
21. What announcement is made under the seventh plague?
"And there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, _________________________________." Rev. 16:17.
NOTE.-God made man to bless him. Gen. 1:28. When His blessings are abused, He withholds them, to teach men their source and their proper use. Haggai 1:7-11. Judgments are sent that men may learn righteousness." Isa. 26:9; 1 Kings 17:1. That men do not repent under the plagues is no evidence that God has ceased to be merciful and forgiving. They simply demonstrate that all have determined their destiny, and that even the severest judgments of God will not move the ungodly and impenitent to repentance.
22. Just preceding Christ’s second coming, what solemn decree will go forth showing that the cases of all have been decided?
"He that is _________________ still: and he which is _____________________ still: and he that _________________ still: and he that is _________________ still. And, behold, I come quickly; and ________________________________________." Rev. 22:11,12.
23. What psalms seem to have been written especially for the comfort and encouragement of God's people during the time of the seven last plagues?
Psalms 91 and 46. See also Isa. 33:13-17.
________________________________________
The great decisive day is at hand!
The day when Christ will come,
To call His children home
And to seal the sinner's doom,
Is at hand.
Where will the sinner hide in that day?
It will be in vain to call,
"You mountains, on us fall,"
For His hand will find out all
In that day.
Copyright © 2003-2008
www.preparingforeternity.com
All rights reserved.
The Seven Last Plagues
1. WHAT is God's final warning against false worship?
"If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, ___________________________________________; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb." Rev. 14: 9,10.
NOTE.-During probationary time God's wrath is always tempered, or mingled, with mercy. Thus the prophet Habakkuk prays, "In wrath remember mercy." Hab-3:2. God's wrath unmixed with mercy is visited only when mercy has done its final work, and evil has gone to the limit, so that there is "no remedy." See Gen. 6:3; 15:16; 19:12,13; 2 Chron. 36:16; Matt. 23:37,38; Luke 19:42-44; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7.
2. In what is the wrath of God filled up?
"And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having _____________________________________." Rev. 15:1.
3. How does Joel describe the day of the Lord?
"Alas for the day! __________________________________." "_________________________________________________?" Joel 1:15; 2:11.
4. What has Daniel said of this time?
"And there shall be a time of trouble, _______________________________: _________________________________________." Dan. 12:1. See Eze. 7:15-19.
NOTE.-The seven last plagues will be the most terrible scourges ever visited upon man. As Ahab accused Elijah of being the cause of Israel's calamities (1 Kings 18:17,18), so, in the time of trouble, the wicked and those who have departed from God will be enraged at the righteous, will accuse them as being the cause of the plagues, and will seek to destroy them as did Haman the Jews. See Esther 3:8-14. But God will miraculously deliver His people at this time as He did then.
5. What will be the first plague, and upon whom will it fall?
"And the first went, and poured out his vial upon ___________; and _________________________________________________." Rev. 16:2.
6. What will constitute the second plague?
"And the second angel poured out his vial upon ______________; and ___________________________________." Verse 3.
7. What will be the third plague?
"And the third angel poured out his vial upon ___________________________." Verse 4.
NOTE.-The second plague affects the sea. The third plague comes closer to the habitations of men, and affects the land. The water supplies are contaminated.
8. Why, under these plagues, does the Lord give men blood to drink?
"________________________________, and Thou has given them blood to drink; for they are worthy." Verse 6.
NOTE-In this is shown God's abhorrence of oppression and persecution. The plagues are God's rebukes against colossal forms of sin.
9. What will be the fourth plague?
"And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon ______________; and __________________________________________________." Verse 8. See Joel 1:16-20.
NOTE.-Sun-worship is the most ancient and widespread of all forms of idolatry. In this plague God manifests His displeasure at this form of idolatry. That which men have worshipped as, a god, becomes a plague and tormentor. Thus it was in the plagues of Egypt. Those things which the Egyptians had worshipped became scourges to them instead of benefactors and blessings. See "The Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation," by "An American Citizen," chapter 3.
10. Will even this terrible judgment lead men to repent?
"And men were scorched with great heat, _______________________, which hath power over these plagues: and _______________________________." Verse 9.
11. What will be the fifth plague?
"And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon _______________________; and ____________________________; and they gnawed their tongues for pain." Verse 10.
NOTE.-This plague strikes at the very seat of the great apostasy of the latter days, the Papacy. It will doubtless be similar in effect to the like plague in Egypt, which was a darkness that could "be felt." Ex. 10:21-23. By this plague that haughty and apostate spiritual despotism which has set itself up as possessing all truth, and as being the light of the world, is enshrouded in midnight darkness.
12. What takes place under the sixth plague?
"And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river ____________; and ___________________________________, that the way of the kings of the East might be prepared." Verse 12.
NOTE.-This, we understand, refers to the drying up of the Turkish Empire by the great world powers preparatory to the battle of Armageddon. See preceding reading.
13. How are the nations gathered to the battle of Armageddon?
"And I saw _____________________ like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are ______________________ working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. . . . And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon." Verses 13-16.
NOTE.-This scripture shows that it is the spirit of Satan which incites men to war, and explains why the great nations of the world are now at war. The dragon represents paganism; the beast, the Papacy; and the false prophet, apostate Protestantism-the three great religious apostasies since the Flood. The plain of Esdraelon, in south-western Galilee, is the Armageddon here referred to.
14. At this time what event is imminent?
"______________________. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." Verse 15.
15. What takes place under the seventh plague?
"And the seventh angel poured out his vial into _________. . . . And there were __________, and _________, and ____________; and __________________, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, _____________________." Verses 17-19.
16. What accompanies the earthquake?
"And there fell upon men ___________________, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great." Verse 21. See Job 38:22,23; Ps. 7:11-13.
17. What will the Lord he to His people at this time?
"The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: _____________________________________l." Joel 3:16. See Jer. 25:30,31; Haggai 2:21; Heb. 12:26; Ps. 91:5-10.
NOTE.-To prepare His people and the world for these terrible judgments, the Lord, as in the days of Noah, sends a warning message to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. See Rev. 14:6-10.
18. Just before the pouring out of the plagues, what call does God send to His people still in Babylon?
"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, ___________________________. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." Rev. 18:4,5. See Gen. 19:12-17; Jer. 51:6.
NOTE.-As before the flood, many of God's people will doubtless be laid away to rest shortly before the time of trouble. See Isa. 57:1; Rev. 14:13. Referring to the time before the Flood, an ancient book says: "And all men who walked in the ways of the Lord, died in those days, before the Lord brought the evil upon man which He had declared, for this was from the Lord, that they should not see the evil which the Lord spoke of concerning the sons of men."-Book of Jasher 4:20. See also chapter 5:21 of the same book.
19. How suddenly will the plagues come upon modern Babylon?
"Therefore shall her plagues come ___________________, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judges her. . . . For in __________________ is thy judgment come." Rev. 18:8-10.
20. What famine will come at this time upon those who have rejected God's messages of mercy?
"Behold, the days come, says the Lord God, that ___________________________: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the Word of the Lord, and shall not find it." Amos 8:11,12. See Luke 13:25; Prov. 1:24-26; Heb. 12:15-17.
21. What announcement is made under the seventh plague?
"And there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, _________________________________." Rev. 16:17.
NOTE.-God made man to bless him. Gen. 1:28. When His blessings are abused, He withholds them, to teach men their source and their proper use. Haggai 1:7-11. Judgments are sent that men may learn righteousness." Isa. 26:9; 1 Kings 17:1. That men do not repent under the plagues is no evidence that God has ceased to be merciful and forgiving. They simply demonstrate that all have determined their destiny, and that even the severest judgments of God will not move the ungodly and impenitent to repentance.
22. Just preceding Christ’s second coming, what solemn decree will go forth showing that the cases of all have been decided?
"He that is _________________ still: and he which is _____________________ still: and he that _________________ still: and he that is _________________ still. And, behold, I come quickly; and ________________________________________." Rev. 22:11,12.
23. What psalms seem to have been written especially for the comfort and encouragement of God's people during the time of the seven last plagues?
Psalms 91 and 46. See also Isa. 33:13-17.
________________________________________
The great decisive day is at hand!
The day when Christ will come,
To call His children home
And to seal the sinner's doom,
Is at hand.
Where will the sinner hide in that day?
It will be in vain to call,
"You mountains, on us fall,"
For His hand will find out all
In that day.
Copyright © 2003-2008
www.preparingforeternity.com
All rights reserved.
BIBLE STUDY: CHAP.65 -- THE EASTERN QUESTION
Chapter 65.
The Eastern Question
1. WHAT, briefly stated, is the Eastern question?
The driving out of Turkey from Europe, and the final extinction of the Turkish Empire, with the world-embracing events that follow. It has been otherwise described as "the driving of the Turk into Asia, and a scramble for his territory."
2. What scriptures are devoted to the Turkish power?
Dan. 11:40-45; Revelation 9; and Rev. 16:12.
NOTE.-In the eleventh chapter of Daniel Turkey is dealt with under the title of the "king of the north;" in Revelation 9, under the Bounding of the fifth and sixth " trumpets; " and in Revelation 16, under the symbol of the drying up of the water of the chief river of the Turkish Asiatic possessions, "the great river Euphrates." The actual drying up of the river Euphrates was the signal for the overthrow of ancient Babylon.
3. When did Turkey take Constantinople, and thus the northern division of ancient Greece and Rome?
In A.D. 1453, under Mohammed II. See chapter 64.
NOTE.-After the death of Alexander the Great the Grecian Empire was divided by his four leading generals, Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy, into four parts,- east, west, north, and south,-the first three of which were shortly afterward absorbed into one kingdom, the kingdom of the north, Egypt remaining the king, or kingdom, of the south. In the breaking up of the Roman Empire the Turks gained possession of the Holy Land in A. D. 1058, and finally of Constantinople, and considerable portions of eastern Europe,-the kingdom of the north,-in 1453, to which, with varying fortunes and shrinking geographical boundaries, it as held ever since.
4. How has Turkey been regarded by European nations?
"The Turks have ever remained quite insensible to the influences of European civilization, and their government has been a perfect blight and curse to the countries subject to their rule. They have always been looked upon as intruders in Europe; and their presence there has led to several of the most sanguinary wars of modern times. Gradually they have been pushed out, from their European possessions, and the time is probably not very far distant when they will be driven back across the Bosporus."-Myers's "General History," edition 1902, page 463.
5. When did the independence of Turkey cease?
In 1840, at the close of a two years' war between Turkey and Egypt, when the fate of Turkey was placed in the hands of four great powers of Europe,-England, Russia, Austria, and Prussia. See reading in Chapter 64. of this book.
6. What is one of the last predictions of the prophecy of Daniel concerning the king of the north?
"But _____________________________________ him : therefore _____________-__________________________________." Dan. 11:44.
NOTE.-Upon this, Dr. Adam Clarke, writing in 1825, said: "If the Turkish power be understood, as in the preceding verses, it may mean that the Persians on the east and the Russians on the north will at some time greatly embarrass the Ottoman government." Such indeed was the case, and these conditions brought on the Crimean war of 1853-56: between Russia and Turkey. In this war England and France came to the help of Turkey, and prevented Russia from grasping Constantinople, her coveted prize, and thus gaining access to the Dardanelles and the Mediterranean Sea, and so possessing herself of the gateway of commerce between Europe and Asia. Without an outlet to the sea, Russia cannot be a strong naval power. In his celebrated will, Peter the Great of Russia (1672-1725) admonished his countrymen thus: "Take every possible means of gaining Constantinople and the Indies, for," said he, "he who rules there will be the true sovereign of the world; excite war continually in Turkey and Persia; . . . get control of the sea by degrees; . . . advance to the Indies, which are the great depot of the world. Once there, we can do without the gold of England." The authenticity of this will has been questioned, but it outlines a policy which Russia has quite faithfully pursued.
7. What since 1840 has saved Turkey from complete overthrow?
The help and interference of various European powers.
NOTE.-"It is not too much to say that England has twice saved Turkey from complete subjection since 1853. It is largely-mainly-due to our action that she now exists at all as an independent power. On both these occasions we dragged the powers of Europe along with us in maintaining the Ottoman government."-Duke of Argyle (1895), in " The Turkish-Armemian Question," page 17.
8. Why have these powers thus helped Turkey?
Not from love for Turkey, but for fear of the international complications that its downfall might entail.
NOTES.-In his Mansion House speech, Nov. 9., 1895, Lord Salisbury, responding to a wide-spread demand for the overthrow of the Turkish power, said: "Turkey is in that remarkable condition that it has now stood for half a century, mainly because the great powers of the world have resolved that for the peace of Christendom it is necessary that the Ottoman Empire should stand. They came to that conclusion nearly half a century ago. I do not think they have altered it now. The danger, if the Ottoman Empire fall, would not merely be the danger that would threaten the territories of which that empire consists; it would be the danger that the fire there lit should spread to other nations, and should involve all that is most powerful and civilized in Europe in a dangerous and calamitous contest. That was a danger that was present to the minds of our fathers when they resolved to make the integrity and independence of the Ottoman Empire a matter of European treaty, and that is a danger WHICH HAS NOT PASSED AWAY."
"The Balkan, or Near Eastern, question has been one of the most complicated political problems of the world's history for half a century. . . . For four centuries and a half, or ever since the conquering Turk crossed the Bosporus and took Constantinople, the grim contest has been on to dislodge him by war and diplomacy."-American Review of Reviews, November, 1912.
Nearly a century ago, Napoleon, while a prisoner on St. Helena, explained that when emperor of France, he would not consent for Alexander, the czar of Russia, to have Constantinople.. "foreseeing that the equilibrium of Europe would be destroyed."
9. What is the divine prediction regarding the future and final downfall of the king of the north?
"And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas _______________ mountain: _________________________________________." Dan. 11:45.
NOTE.-It would seem natural that the Ottoman government should make its last stand at Jerusalem. Around the city of the Holy Sepulcher and the tombs of the "saints" has been waged for long years a war between the followers of Islam and the believers in the Christian religion. In this place, many Bible students believe, Turkey will come to her end in fulfillment of this scripture.
10. Under which of the seven last plagues is the water of the Euphrates (Turkey) to be dried up, and for what purpose?
"And ________________ poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was ________________________________________." Rev. 16:12.
NOTE.-For years the drying-up process of the Turkish Empire has been in progress, as may be seen from the following:-
(1) In 1783 Turkey was compelled to surrender to Russia the territory of the Crimea, including all the countries east of the Caspian Sea.
(2) In 1828 Greece secured her independence.
(3) In 1830 Algeria was ceded to France.
(4) In 1867 Turkey was forced to recognize the independence of Egypt.
(5) In the same year Turkey lost possession of Servia and Bosnia.
(6) In 1878 the Treaty of Berlin granted autonomous government to Bulgaria, and independence to Roumelia, Roumania, and Montenegro.
(7) n 1912 Tripoli was taken over by Italy.
(8) In 1912 and 1913 the Balkan States and Greece dispossessed Turkey of nearly all of her remaining territory in Europe.
11. Under this plague, what incites the nations to war?
"And I saw _____________________ like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are ___________________, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, ____________________________________." Verses 13,14.
12. At this time, what event is near at hand?
"__________________. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." Verse 15.
13. To what place will the nations be gathered for battle?
"And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue ______________________." Verse 16.
NOTE.-Armageddon consists of a great triangular plain in northern Palestine, twelve by fifteen by eighteen miles, extending southeast from Mt. Carmel, otherwise known as the plain of Esdraelon, or valley of Jezreel. It has been the scene of many great battles, such as that of Gideon's overthrow of the Midianites (Judges 6,7), when "the Lord set every man's sword against his fellow;' of Saul's defeat by the Philistines (1 Sam. 29:1; 1 Chronicles 10) ; and of Josiah's defeat by Pharaoh Necho (2 Kings 23:29,30; 2 Chron. 35:20-24): and, as this scripture indicates, it is the place where, under the influence of evil spirits just preceding Christ's second coming, the great armies of the world will be gathered for their final struggle and utter destruction under the seventh plague.
14. When the king of the north comes to his end, what, according to the prophecy, is to take place?
"And _______________________, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and _______________________________ even to that same time: and at ______________________________, every one that shall be found written in the book." Dan. 12:1.
NOTE.-The expression "stand up" occurs eight times in this line of prophecy (Daniel 11 and 12), and in each case means to reign. See Dan. 11:2,3,4,7,14,20,21; 12:1. Michael is Christ, as will be seen by comparing Jude 9, 1 Thess. 4:16, and John 5:25. When the Turkish Empire is brought to an end, therefore, the time will have come for Christ to receive His kingdom (Luke 19:11-15), and begin His reign. This great change will be ushered in by the downfall, not only of Turkey, but of all nations (Rev. 11:15); by the time of trouble here spoken of; by the seven last plagues described in Revelation 16; and by the deliverance of all God's people,-those whose names are found written in the book of life (Rev. 3:5; 20:12),-which shows that probation and the investigative judgment will then be past.
15. What will take place at this time?
"And ___________________________________________________." Verse 2.
NOTES.-At the resurrection of Christ there was a special resurrection, when many of the saints were raised from the dead, were seen of many, and were taken to heaven with Christ at His ascension. Matt. 27:52,53; Eph. 4:8. So, just prior to Christ's second coming and the general resurrection of the righteous, many of the sleeping saints, and some colossal sinners (those that "pierced Him," Rev. 1:7), it seems, will be raised to witness His coming, and hear God's covenant of peace with His people.
This line of prophecy, therefore, brings us down to the resurrection of the righteous, which takes place at the second advent.
16. What false message will go forth before destruction comes upon those unprepared for Christ's coming and kingdom?
"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. ______________________________________, . . . and they shall not escape." 1 Thess. 5:2,3.
NOTE.-The so-called Christian nations will not go to Palestine merely to expel the Turks from the land. As in the crusades of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the idea will be to rescue the Holy Land from the Mohammedans, and make Jerusalem the center of a glorious kingdom, with Christ as king. The Papacy itself, it is thought by some, will at this time remove its seat to Jerusalem, and issue a great peace proclamation, directing the nations to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning-hooks, and calling upon all to come up to the mountain of the Lord, as described in Isa. 2:2-5 and Micah 4:1-5. Infatuated by the doctrine of a temporal millennium, many nations will join in the call, and say, "For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." Isa. 2:3. But this will be but the signal for the battle of Armageddon and the "sudden destruction" that is to overtake the world and bring to an end the present order of things. See Rev. 19:17-21; Eze. 38:14-23; 39:17-22. Toward this consummation passing events all indicate we are rapidly hastening.
________________________________________
Watchman on the walls of Zion,
What, O tell us, of the night?
Is the day-star now arising?
Will the morn soon greet our sight?
O'er your vision shine there now some rays of light?
Tell, O tell us, are the landmarks
On our voyage all passed by?
Are we nearing now the haven?
Can we e'en the land descry?
Do we truly see the heavenly kingdom nigh?
Copyright © 2003-2008
www.preparingforeternity.com
All rights reserved.
The Eastern Question
1. WHAT, briefly stated, is the Eastern question?
The driving out of Turkey from Europe, and the final extinction of the Turkish Empire, with the world-embracing events that follow. It has been otherwise described as "the driving of the Turk into Asia, and a scramble for his territory."
2. What scriptures are devoted to the Turkish power?
Dan. 11:40-45; Revelation 9; and Rev. 16:12.
NOTE.-In the eleventh chapter of Daniel Turkey is dealt with under the title of the "king of the north;" in Revelation 9, under the Bounding of the fifth and sixth " trumpets; " and in Revelation 16, under the symbol of the drying up of the water of the chief river of the Turkish Asiatic possessions, "the great river Euphrates." The actual drying up of the river Euphrates was the signal for the overthrow of ancient Babylon.
3. When did Turkey take Constantinople, and thus the northern division of ancient Greece and Rome?
In A.D. 1453, under Mohammed II. See chapter 64.
NOTE.-After the death of Alexander the Great the Grecian Empire was divided by his four leading generals, Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy, into four parts,- east, west, north, and south,-the first three of which were shortly afterward absorbed into one kingdom, the kingdom of the north, Egypt remaining the king, or kingdom, of the south. In the breaking up of the Roman Empire the Turks gained possession of the Holy Land in A. D. 1058, and finally of Constantinople, and considerable portions of eastern Europe,-the kingdom of the north,-in 1453, to which, with varying fortunes and shrinking geographical boundaries, it as held ever since.
4. How has Turkey been regarded by European nations?
"The Turks have ever remained quite insensible to the influences of European civilization, and their government has been a perfect blight and curse to the countries subject to their rule. They have always been looked upon as intruders in Europe; and their presence there has led to several of the most sanguinary wars of modern times. Gradually they have been pushed out, from their European possessions, and the time is probably not very far distant when they will be driven back across the Bosporus."-Myers's "General History," edition 1902, page 463.
5. When did the independence of Turkey cease?
In 1840, at the close of a two years' war between Turkey and Egypt, when the fate of Turkey was placed in the hands of four great powers of Europe,-England, Russia, Austria, and Prussia. See reading in Chapter 64. of this book.
6. What is one of the last predictions of the prophecy of Daniel concerning the king of the north?
"But _____________________________________ him : therefore _____________-__________________________________." Dan. 11:44.
NOTE.-Upon this, Dr. Adam Clarke, writing in 1825, said: "If the Turkish power be understood, as in the preceding verses, it may mean that the Persians on the east and the Russians on the north will at some time greatly embarrass the Ottoman government." Such indeed was the case, and these conditions brought on the Crimean war of 1853-56: between Russia and Turkey. In this war England and France came to the help of Turkey, and prevented Russia from grasping Constantinople, her coveted prize, and thus gaining access to the Dardanelles and the Mediterranean Sea, and so possessing herself of the gateway of commerce between Europe and Asia. Without an outlet to the sea, Russia cannot be a strong naval power. In his celebrated will, Peter the Great of Russia (1672-1725) admonished his countrymen thus: "Take every possible means of gaining Constantinople and the Indies, for," said he, "he who rules there will be the true sovereign of the world; excite war continually in Turkey and Persia; . . . get control of the sea by degrees; . . . advance to the Indies, which are the great depot of the world. Once there, we can do without the gold of England." The authenticity of this will has been questioned, but it outlines a policy which Russia has quite faithfully pursued.
7. What since 1840 has saved Turkey from complete overthrow?
The help and interference of various European powers.
NOTE.-"It is not too much to say that England has twice saved Turkey from complete subjection since 1853. It is largely-mainly-due to our action that she now exists at all as an independent power. On both these occasions we dragged the powers of Europe along with us in maintaining the Ottoman government."-Duke of Argyle (1895), in " The Turkish-Armemian Question," page 17.
8. Why have these powers thus helped Turkey?
Not from love for Turkey, but for fear of the international complications that its downfall might entail.
NOTES.-In his Mansion House speech, Nov. 9., 1895, Lord Salisbury, responding to a wide-spread demand for the overthrow of the Turkish power, said: "Turkey is in that remarkable condition that it has now stood for half a century, mainly because the great powers of the world have resolved that for the peace of Christendom it is necessary that the Ottoman Empire should stand. They came to that conclusion nearly half a century ago. I do not think they have altered it now. The danger, if the Ottoman Empire fall, would not merely be the danger that would threaten the territories of which that empire consists; it would be the danger that the fire there lit should spread to other nations, and should involve all that is most powerful and civilized in Europe in a dangerous and calamitous contest. That was a danger that was present to the minds of our fathers when they resolved to make the integrity and independence of the Ottoman Empire a matter of European treaty, and that is a danger WHICH HAS NOT PASSED AWAY."
"The Balkan, or Near Eastern, question has been one of the most complicated political problems of the world's history for half a century. . . . For four centuries and a half, or ever since the conquering Turk crossed the Bosporus and took Constantinople, the grim contest has been on to dislodge him by war and diplomacy."-American Review of Reviews, November, 1912.
Nearly a century ago, Napoleon, while a prisoner on St. Helena, explained that when emperor of France, he would not consent for Alexander, the czar of Russia, to have Constantinople.. "foreseeing that the equilibrium of Europe would be destroyed."
9. What is the divine prediction regarding the future and final downfall of the king of the north?
"And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas _______________ mountain: _________________________________________." Dan. 11:45.
NOTE.-It would seem natural that the Ottoman government should make its last stand at Jerusalem. Around the city of the Holy Sepulcher and the tombs of the "saints" has been waged for long years a war between the followers of Islam and the believers in the Christian religion. In this place, many Bible students believe, Turkey will come to her end in fulfillment of this scripture.
10. Under which of the seven last plagues is the water of the Euphrates (Turkey) to be dried up, and for what purpose?
"And ________________ poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was ________________________________________." Rev. 16:12.
NOTE.-For years the drying-up process of the Turkish Empire has been in progress, as may be seen from the following:-
(1) In 1783 Turkey was compelled to surrender to Russia the territory of the Crimea, including all the countries east of the Caspian Sea.
(2) In 1828 Greece secured her independence.
(3) In 1830 Algeria was ceded to France.
(4) In 1867 Turkey was forced to recognize the independence of Egypt.
(5) In the same year Turkey lost possession of Servia and Bosnia.
(6) In 1878 the Treaty of Berlin granted autonomous government to Bulgaria, and independence to Roumelia, Roumania, and Montenegro.
(7) n 1912 Tripoli was taken over by Italy.
(8) In 1912 and 1913 the Balkan States and Greece dispossessed Turkey of nearly all of her remaining territory in Europe.
11. Under this plague, what incites the nations to war?
"And I saw _____________________ like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are ___________________, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, ____________________________________." Verses 13,14.
12. At this time, what event is near at hand?
"__________________. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." Verse 15.
13. To what place will the nations be gathered for battle?
"And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue ______________________." Verse 16.
NOTE.-Armageddon consists of a great triangular plain in northern Palestine, twelve by fifteen by eighteen miles, extending southeast from Mt. Carmel, otherwise known as the plain of Esdraelon, or valley of Jezreel. It has been the scene of many great battles, such as that of Gideon's overthrow of the Midianites (Judges 6,7), when "the Lord set every man's sword against his fellow;' of Saul's defeat by the Philistines (1 Sam. 29:1; 1 Chronicles 10) ; and of Josiah's defeat by Pharaoh Necho (2 Kings 23:29,30; 2 Chron. 35:20-24): and, as this scripture indicates, it is the place where, under the influence of evil spirits just preceding Christ's second coming, the great armies of the world will be gathered for their final struggle and utter destruction under the seventh plague.
14. When the king of the north comes to his end, what, according to the prophecy, is to take place?
"And _______________________, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and _______________________________ even to that same time: and at ______________________________, every one that shall be found written in the book." Dan. 12:1.
NOTE.-The expression "stand up" occurs eight times in this line of prophecy (Daniel 11 and 12), and in each case means to reign. See Dan. 11:2,3,4,7,14,20,21; 12:1. Michael is Christ, as will be seen by comparing Jude 9, 1 Thess. 4:16, and John 5:25. When the Turkish Empire is brought to an end, therefore, the time will have come for Christ to receive His kingdom (Luke 19:11-15), and begin His reign. This great change will be ushered in by the downfall, not only of Turkey, but of all nations (Rev. 11:15); by the time of trouble here spoken of; by the seven last plagues described in Revelation 16; and by the deliverance of all God's people,-those whose names are found written in the book of life (Rev. 3:5; 20:12),-which shows that probation and the investigative judgment will then be past.
15. What will take place at this time?
"And ___________________________________________________." Verse 2.
NOTES.-At the resurrection of Christ there was a special resurrection, when many of the saints were raised from the dead, were seen of many, and were taken to heaven with Christ at His ascension. Matt. 27:52,53; Eph. 4:8. So, just prior to Christ's second coming and the general resurrection of the righteous, many of the sleeping saints, and some colossal sinners (those that "pierced Him," Rev. 1:7), it seems, will be raised to witness His coming, and hear God's covenant of peace with His people.
This line of prophecy, therefore, brings us down to the resurrection of the righteous, which takes place at the second advent.
16. What false message will go forth before destruction comes upon those unprepared for Christ's coming and kingdom?
"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. ______________________________________, . . . and they shall not escape." 1 Thess. 5:2,3.
NOTE.-The so-called Christian nations will not go to Palestine merely to expel the Turks from the land. As in the crusades of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the idea will be to rescue the Holy Land from the Mohammedans, and make Jerusalem the center of a glorious kingdom, with Christ as king. The Papacy itself, it is thought by some, will at this time remove its seat to Jerusalem, and issue a great peace proclamation, directing the nations to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning-hooks, and calling upon all to come up to the mountain of the Lord, as described in Isa. 2:2-5 and Micah 4:1-5. Infatuated by the doctrine of a temporal millennium, many nations will join in the call, and say, "For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." Isa. 2:3. But this will be but the signal for the battle of Armageddon and the "sudden destruction" that is to overtake the world and bring to an end the present order of things. See Rev. 19:17-21; Eze. 38:14-23; 39:17-22. Toward this consummation passing events all indicate we are rapidly hastening.
________________________________________
Watchman on the walls of Zion,
What, O tell us, of the night?
Is the day-star now arising?
Will the morn soon greet our sight?
O'er your vision shine there now some rays of light?
Tell, O tell us, are the landmarks
On our voyage all passed by?
Are we nearing now the haven?
Can we e'en the land descry?
Do we truly see the heavenly kingdom nigh?
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