Prophesying the precise course of future events has been the penchant of some. Possessed of vivid imagination, they have made themselves—and, unfortunately, others—ridiculous by forecasting the detailed process of fulfillment in a general prophetic outline. It is infinitely better to interpret the events as they become fulfillments than to assume a role God has never committed to us. When an actual fulfillment occurs, it fits the divine prediction like a glove to the hand.
For example, in our interpretation of such prophecies as James 5, we naturally and unavoidably deal with economic conditions and trends. We trace from cause to effect, and draw conclusions, Let us, however, keep on safe and sane ground on all such questions. Ours is to interpret conditions, not to predict the precise course of fulfillment. It is easy to reach faulty conclusions, and to make sweeping statements. We must watch our step here.
A study of the history of prophetic interpretation would have a salutary influence upon us all, especially as we now face the final scenes. The divine word will never fail. But the Master's counsel is, "When ye shall see these things come to pass, know," or understand. Thus the pathway is identified, faith is confirmed, assurance is deepened, and we are strengthened to stand as adamant for God's final truth once and forever declared, and now approaching its consummation.
L. E. F.
Let There Be Light
If a belief or position is dependent for its adherence upon ignorance of some of the accessible facts, it is not a position with which a thoughtful man will wish to be identified. Unquestionably, all will agree upon this principle. Truth courts the light. It invites scrutiny, for it will unfailingly stand every legitimate test that can be placed upon it.
For example, take our historico-prophetic positions. Nothing the tomes of reliable history can uncover will disannul a single sound position we hold. Additional evidence will only buttress and confirm every right conclusion we have reached. None need be apprehensive lest reverent investigation will destroy confidence or imperil faith. It was by exhaustive research that the founders of this movement came to those major conclusions that have stood the test of time.
The pioneers were not afraid to delve into the pages of history, and to search closely the writings of their precursors in the field of prophetic interpretation. And this latter fact should be more fully and frankly recognized than has sometimes been the case. These memorable prophecies have been on record ever since the close of the canon of Scripture, and through the centuries attempts have been made to understand their meaning. Especially is this true from the time of the Protestant Reformation onward. But when we come to the "time of the end," a veritable flood of exposition burst forth from godly scholars who stood as Heaven's true representatives on earth ere the rise of this message.
Great light shone into the minds of the founding fathers of this movement as they builded our prophetic expositions. But God designs light on the prophecies and their fulfillment to shine more and more unto the perfect day, in harmony with the clear principles of the Word and the explicit statements of the Spirit of prophecy. As prophecies fulfill, we are to recognize and proclaim features before obscured. While we can forecast the general outline and the outcome, we are to recognize and interpret as events occur, rather than to predict the detailed steps by which a given prophecy will come to pass. Thank God for prophetic light.
May it shine on.
L. E. F.
Artificial Issues
Modernism continues its sinister inroads upon the Christian faith. Against these we should ever be on the watch. But let us be careful lest we manufacture issues where we fancy we ought to find them. There are ample genuine issues which are of fundamental and legitimate concern, without straying out after fancies that bring disgust to the discerning, conservative Christian scholars both outside and inside our ranks.
L. E. F.
Keep the Perspective Clear
But from the mountain top all is reversed. The value of the parts then assume their proper relationship to the rest of the landscape. The entire vista spread8 out before the eye. Inconsequential details are duly submerged in the picture that puts plain, valley, foothill, and towering peak each in its rightful place. The really big things are seen to be big, and small things blend their subordinate details into the background.
All of which is suggestive of a fundamental spiritual lesson. Ofttimes, toiling ardently in the valley of our daily routine, we become so engrossed in some immediate interest of relatively little importance that it seems to fill the horizon—all because we forget the element of perspective. Comparative molehills, or at least little foothills, of problems and interests, can easily loom so large as to distort our whole vision.
What we need is the rectifying, balancing vision of the mountain top that puts things into their right relation,—big things big and small things small,—and emphasizes the basic difference between them. May God give us all this largeness, this comprehensiveness of view. Let us get away with Him to the mountain tops through prayer, communion, and deliberate meditation. Such a viewpoint will prevent tangents, extremes, distortions. It will steady the soul ami the cares and responsibilities that press. It will restrain minutiae from absorbing the major place or attention in the life. It will put first things first.
Up on the mountain top, above the mists of the valley, in quiet communion with God, the confusing noises of the lowlands do not disturb, the distracting commotions do not annoy. Clarity of purpose and of understanding result. Such a viewpoint is increasingly needed in these bewildering times. Life for most of us is one intensive rush. The world is confused; the nominal church has lost its sense of values; even the remnant church is subject to increasing attacks from without and within. We must keep our perspective clear.
Such an attitude will confirm the foundational truths of our message, and vitalize our witness to the world.
L. E. F.
