Chapter IX: String 8: Our Lord's Return (3)

Will the ruler of those new heavens, the Messiah, be visible or invisible? ¶ 370.

Is there any reason for us to expect human beings to see the Lord? ¶ 370.

Is it always proper to use the word "coming" with reference to our Lord's second appearance? If not, what other word is properly used? ¶ 371.

Quote a number of Scriptures in which the word "coming" is properly translated "presence". ¶¶ 372-382.

When Jesus ascended on high, what did the angels standing by advise his disciples as to the manner of his return? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 383.

What does this suggest as to the manner of his return? ¶ 383.

What is meant by coming as a thief in the night? and how does this illustrate the second coming of the Lord? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 383.

What does the night illustrate? ¶ 383.

What did the Lord say concerning those who would report his return in the desert or in the secret chambers? ¶ 384.

Explain the Lord's statement of his second appearing wherein he said, "As the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so shall the presence of the Son of man be". ¶ 384.

What heavenly planet or body is used to picture the second appearing of the Lord? ¶ 385.

Why is it important to keep in mind that the Lord's second appearing will be invisible to human eyes? ¶ 386.

Is the time of his coming important to Christians? ¶ 387.

State the various opinions expressed by some concerning the Lord's second coming. ¶ 387.

Why do some of these desire him not to come? ¶ 387.

Are we justified in assuming that no one could ever know the time of his second appearing? and if not, why not? ¶ 388.

Is it reasonable to suppose that Jesus himself would know some time before? ¶ 388.

Why would he tell his disciples to watch if they would never know of his coming? ¶ 388.

When Jesus arose from the dead, what did he say about the power committed to him? ¶ 388.

Is it reasonable to conclude that he then knew of his second appearing and when it would take place? ¶ 388.

Should we expect the angels in heaven to know when that great event takes place? ¶ 388.

Did the Lord promise the disciples that after they received the holy spirit they might know concerning his second coming? ¶ 389.

What Scriptural promise is given the Christian that he shall have revealed to him these things in due time? ¶ 389.

What did St. Paul, after he had received the holy spirit, writing under inspiration to the Thessalonians, say about the times and seasons and the second coming of the Lord? ¶ 389.

Should we expect the watching Christians to be in darkness as to the time of the Lord's appearing? ¶ 389.

How did Jesus speak concerning his second coming? ¶ 390.

What is the meaning of prophecy as relating to the Lord's presence? ¶ 390.

Does the fulfillment of prophecy enable the watcher to determine about the Lord's presence? ¶ 390.

In what way did Jesus use the natural harvest to illustrate his second coming? ¶ 391.

Repeat the parable of the wheat and the tares, and give the Scriptural interpretation of it. ¶¶ 391, 392.

What definite conclusion must be drawn from this statement of the Lord relative to his second presence? ¶ 393.

Would it be necessary for the Lord to be present before the harvest? ¶ 393.

Would it be necessary for him to be present some time before the end of the age or world? ¶ 393.

What great historical facts were written prophetically by the prophet Daniel? ¶ 394.

Could these statements of the prophet Daniel leading up to the "time of the end" be understood by him? ¶ 394.

What did Daniel himself say about understanding his prophecy? ¶ 394.

Who did he say would understand in due time? ¶ 394.

What is meant by the term "time of the end"? ¶ 394.

What did the prophet Daniel definitely state would take place at the "time of the end"? Quote the Scripture. ¶ 394.

State the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy (11:40,41). ¶ 395.

In connection with Napoleon's campaign, who was meant in this prophecy by the "king of the south" and by the "king of the north"? ¶ 395.

When did Napoleon's campaign end as in this prophecy described? ¶ 395.

How is the "time of the end" definitely fixed and stated? ¶ 395.

From what time in the world's history have governments been pictured by beasts? ¶ 396.

What did the prophet Daniel say about a fourth beast? ¶ 396.

What constitutes the three principal component parts of the "beast"? ¶ 396.

Give the historical date of the beginning of this great "beast". ¶ 396.

Quote Daniel's words in Daniel 12:5-7. ¶ 397.

In Biblical symbology, what is meant by a "time"? ¶ 397.

How much time was indicated by the prophet Daniel in this prophecy as elapsing from the beginning of this beastly order to the "time of the end"? ¶ 397.

How is the beginning of the "time of the end" definitely fixed at 1799 A.D.? ¶ 397.

What other periods of time does the prophet Daniel mention in the twelfth chapter? ¶ 398.

From what date must these prophetic days be counted, as shown by the foregoing facts? ¶ 398.

What was the most important thing to which the Prophet pointed? ¶ 398.

Applying the above rule, a day for a year, when would the 1,335 days of Daniel's prophecy end? ¶ 398.

What should be expected at that date? ¶ 398.

If we are correct in reaching this date of 1874, should we expect corroborative evidence of the Lord's presence? ¶ 398.

Why is fulfilled prophecy conclusive proof concerning the question at issue? ¶ 399.

What is the value of physical facts in examining any question? ¶ 399.

Is there a difference between the date of the beginning of the "time of the end" and the presence of the Lord? ¶ 400.

What period of time is covered by the "time of the end"? ¶ 400.

From what time does the Lord's second presence date? and during what period of the "time of the end" does his presence occur? ¶ 400.

Was there any reason why these important dates should be concealed for a time? Give Scriptural reason. ¶ 401.

Is it reasonable to expect that Jehovah would indicate something by which the event could be determined in the future? ¶ 401.

For what did he tell Daniel to look as evidence of the "time of the end"? ¶ 402.

If 1799 marks the beginning of the "time of the end", should we expect a specific fulfillment of this prophecy of Daniel shortly thereafter? ¶ 402.

Who had access to the Bible prior to 1799? ¶ 402.

What penalties were attached to common people for having a Bible in possession? ¶ 402.

What happened in 1799 that caused a change of conditions? ¶ 402.

Who had taught the doctrine of the divine right of kings and the divine right of the clergy? ¶ 402.

What historical event occurred to open the minds of the people to the truth concerning these doctrines? ¶ 402.

How did this mark a beginning of the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy? ¶ 402.

State when and how soon after 1799, the beginning of the "time of the end", the great Bible societies were organized. ¶ 403.

Give approximately the number of Bibles that were distributed amongst the people thereafter. ¶ 403.

Did the Papal system gladly participate in distributing the Bible amongst the people? ¶ 403.

When did the people begin to learn that God makes no distinction between persons, whether they are priests or of the common herd? ¶ 403.

Relate something concerning the increase of knowledge generally since 1800 A.D. ¶ 404.

Prior to 1799, what was the means of travel through the countries? ¶ 405.

Was there any increase of travel shortly after 1799 A.D.? ¶ 405.

When was the steam locomotive put in operation? and how have means of rapid transit increased since that time? ¶ 405.

What is meant by the "day of God's preparation"? ¶ 406.

What prophet describes a railway train? Quote the prophecy. ¶ 406.

When was the telegraph invented? and what other means of communication have followed since? ¶ 407.

Can there be any doubt about these physical facts marking a fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy concerning the "time of the end"? ¶ 408.

What did Jesus say concerning the latter part of the "time of the end" and in what way it would be indicated? ¶ 409.

Did the apostle Paul indicate that greater light would come to the people at the "time of the end"? ¶ 409.

What other evidence have we of increasing light at that time? ¶ 410.

What class of people have been trodden down for centuries? and when did they begin to get their eyes opened as to their privileges? ¶ 410.

When was the first labor organization formed in the world? ¶ 410.

Enumerate some of the great inventions and discoveries since 1874, marking the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy, and the Lord's presence, and the "time of the end". ¶ 410.

What do the Scriptures disclose concerning a parallel between the gospel and the Jewish ages? ¶ 411.

When did the Jewish harvest begin? ¶ 411.

What is meant by the term "harvest"? ¶ 411.

Did Jesus state that there would be a harvest at the end of the world, during his second presence? ¶ 411.

Describe the parallel between the Jewish and the gospel-age harvests. ¶ 411.

The natural harvest of the Jews was used to illustrate what? ¶ 412.

What was the custom following the reaping of the grain by the Jews? ¶ 412.

What would this indicate that we might expect from 1878 to 1918, and following that period? ¶ 412.

In answer to the disciples' question as to when he would be present, what did Jesus say about the harvest and the sending of messengers? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 413.

In Jesus' statement of Matthew 24:31, what is meant by the word "trumpet"? ¶ 415.

Explain the term "angels" as used in this text. ¶ 416.

Would it be reasonable to expect some special messenger to be used of the Lord during the time of this harvest? ¶ 416.

What did Jesus promise about providing such a messenger? Quote Matthew 24:45-47. ¶ 416.

From 1870 A.D. forward, what evidence do we have in fulfillment of this prophetic statement of the Lord? ¶ 417.

What publication has for some forty years consistently announced the Lord's second presence? ¶ 417.

From 1878 forward, what evidence has there been of a gathering of Christians, regardless of denominations? ¶ 418.

Describe some of the work done by the special messenger of the Lord. ¶ 418.

Quote the words of the publication _The Continent_ concerning Pastor Russell. ¶ 419.

What society was incorporated in 1884? and what has been its work in connection with the harvest of this age? ¶ 421.

What has been and is the purpose of this society? ¶ 421.

Are these Christians who are thus gathered together followers of any man? ¶ 422.

Quote Matthew 24:28, and give its meaning. ¶ 423.

Jesus likened the true children of God to wheat. What did he use to illustrate imitation Christians? Quote Matthew 13:30. ¶ 424.

What has been the tendency of so-called Christian denominations since 1878? ¶ 425.

Since that time, how has the Lord's message in Revelation 18:4 applied to Christians? ¶ 425.

What did the Lord through the Prophet say concerning the gathering of his people at this time? Quote Psalm 50:5. ¶ 425.

What does this prove concerning the Lord's second presence? ¶ 425.

Do we find the clergy of various denominations anxious to tell of the Lord's second presence? and if not, why not? ¶ 426.

Why do these distinguished gentlemen scoff and jeer at those who teach the Lord is now present? ¶ 426.

Did the Lord foretell this? Quote the Apostle's language with reference to it. ¶ 426.

Why did the disciples want to know what would be the proof of the Lord's presence and of the end of the world? ¶ 427.

Repeat the question that they propounded to Jesus on the Mount of Olives. ¶ 427.

Will the physical earth ever be destroyed? Give Scriptural proof for answer. ¶ 427.

What is meant, then, by the end of the world? ¶ 428.

What became of the first world? ¶ 428.

How many persons were carried over from the first world to that designated as the present evil world? ¶ 428.

What period of time is designated in the Scriptures as the present evil world? ¶ 428.

What Scriptural proof is there as to how the present evil world shall pass away? ¶ 428.

In what world and what part of that world did God make the promise to Abraham that in his seed all the families of the earth should be blessed? ¶ 429.

What was God's declaration to Zedekiah, the king of Israel? Repeat it. ¶ 429.

When was Zedekiah overthrown? ¶ 430.

Who established the universal gentile empire then? ¶ 430.

When did the "gentile times" begin? and how long must that period last? ¶ 430.

Who is the one spoken of by the Prophet here as "he whose right it is"? ¶ 430.

Would it be reasonable, then, to expect the presence of this mighty One before the overthrow of the old order or present evil world? ¶ 430.

Why was the year 1914 A.D. an important date? ¶ 430.

What would be reasonably expected to be the conduct of the gentile nations after 1914 with reference to continuing in power? ¶ 431.

What does the Revelator say would be the condition of these nations at that time? Quote the Scripture. ¶ 431.

What did Jesus say would mark the beginning of the end of the world? Quote his answer to the question. ¶ 432.

What fulfillment of this prophecy began in 1914? ¶ 432.

How does the fulfillment of this prophecy also mark the fulfillment of the prophecy of Daniel (2:44)? ¶ 433.

Why are these kingdoms of earth being broken to pieces? ¶ 433.

Quote the words of Jesus given by various evangelists concerning the persecution of his followers at the end of the world. ¶ 434.

What fulfillment of these prophetic utterances of the Master took place in 1917, 1918, and 1919? ¶ 434.

Give some instances of the Lord's protecting care of his followers during this period of persecution. ¶ 435-437.

Why should Christians not complain but rejoice because of these trying experiences? ¶ 437.

Quote the Master's words in Matthew 24:14, in answer to the question propounded to him. ¶ 438.

What evidence is there of a fulfillment of these prophetic words? ¶ 438.

What did Jesus say relative to the regathering of Israel to Palestine as evidence of his second presence? ¶ 439.

What did Jesus tell his followers to do when they should see these things coming to pass, and why? ¶ 439.

How is the Lord's presence and the end of the world shown by the reaping of the "vine of the earth"? ¶ 440.

Why would Jesus admonish his followers to watch for his second coming? ¶ 442.

Suppose it were true that 'no man knows the day nor the hour' of the Lord's appearing, what difference would it now make? ¶ 443.

Is there any reason why a Christian should be in darkness concerning the times and seasons of the Lord's presence? ¶ 443.

Should we waste our time to quibble about dates, or days, or hours? ¶ 443.

What do fulfilled prophecy and the physical facts establish relative to this question? ¶ 443.

What words are upon the lips of the true watchers in view of this overwhelming evidence? ¶ 443.

How does the prophet Isaiah describe this class of faithful watchers? Quote his words. ¶ 443.

Describe those who now have the harp of God; and what are they singing? ¶ 444.

Give the three primary purposes of the Lord's presence. ¶ 445.

Some have thought that the Lord's second presence would be for the purpose of destroying the earth. What proof have we that this is erroneous? ¶ 446.

What is the proper explanation of St. Peter's words in 2 Peter 3:10-12? ¶ 447.

What did the Apostle mean when he said that 'we look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness'? ¶ 448.

What evidence is there that the fire is now burning? ¶ 449.

How long will it continue to burn? ¶ 449.

What bearing has this on the presence of the Lord? ¶ 449.

What Scriptural explanation is given for the distress of nations and perplexity of business men on earth at this time? Quote the Scripture and analyze it. ¶ 450.

Describe the actions of the employing and the laboring classes. ¶ 451.

How are all these perplexed? ¶ 451.

To what is this disturbed condition leading? ¶ 452.

Is there greater trouble just ahead? and if so, what proof have we? Quote the Scriptures. ¶ 453.

What will follow this general shaking of the nations? ¶ 453.

How is the Lord's presence revealing the hidden things? Quote the Scriptural authority for your answer. ¶ 453.

What effect is this light having upon Satan and his kingdom? ¶ 454.

What effect is the Lord's presence having upon the nations of the earth? ¶ 454.

Quote the prophecies of Isaiah 34:1-4 and 51:6, and explain. ¶ 454.

How will this trouble bring to the minds of the people the presence of the Lord? ¶ 454.

What is meant by the "day of God's vengeance"? and what did the Lord say he would do with the nations at this time? ¶ 454.

What is meant by the Bridegroom and bride? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 455.

Give the picture of Abraham, Isaac, and Rebekah, stating what each typified, and what the whole picture shows. ¶ 455.

In this picture, what did Eliezer represent? ¶ 456.

Quote the words of the Master with reference to sending a comforter to his followers. ¶ 456.

What was pictured by the ten camels which Eliezer took with him? ¶ 456.

What was pictured by the golden ornaments presented to Rebekah? ¶ 456.

Quote the words of the Psalmist inviting the church to become the bride of Christ. ¶ 457.

What do the ones called do, in response to the call? ¶ 457.

What did Sarah picture with respect to the covenants? and what did her death represent? ¶ 457.

What is pictured by Isaac receiving Rebekah and making her his wife after the death of his mother Sarah? ¶ 457.

During what period of time has the Lord been preparing the bride of Christ? ¶ 458.

What did Jesus say about preparing a special place for these, and his return to receive his bride? Quote his words. ¶ 458.

What do his words show with reference to one of the principal reasons for his second coming? ¶ 459.

Explain the parable of the virgins.--Matthew 25:1-13. ¶ 460.

Explain the meaning of the lamp and the oil in the lamp. ¶ 460.

Define virgin; and what does a virgin picture here? ¶ 460.

What is meant by keeping their lamps trimmed and burning? ¶ 460.

How has knowledge of the Lord's presence affected the wise virgin class? ¶ 460.

What proof is this that his presence is one of the strings of the harp of God? ¶ 460.

Do the Scriptures indicate how many will be in the bride class? If so, give the proof. ¶ 460.

What do the Scriptures show the Lord does for the faithful saints who died long ago when he first returns? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 461.

What is meant in the Scriptures by a great shout? ¶ 462.

State how this has been fulfilled. ¶ 462.

What is meant by the voice of the archangel? ¶ 462.

Should we expect the resurrection of the saints during this time? ¶ 463.

How is he gathering unto himself the saints who are still on earth during his presence? ¶ 463.

Give some Scriptural promises concerning the church being forever with the Lord. ¶ 463.

What is meant by the kingdom of God? ¶ 464.

Who constitute the royal family of heaven? Quote the apostle Peter's words relating to this. ¶ 464.

What promise did Jesus make to this class concerning a kingdom? ¶ 465.

Where will these be associated with the Lord Jesus in his kingdom? ¶ 465.

For what kingdom did the Lord teach his disciples to pray? and is it the same spoken of by the prophets of old? ¶ 465.

Who have enjoyed and are enjoying the blessedness spoken of by Daniel the Prophet in Daniel 12:12? ¶ 466.

As these appreciate this string of the harp, what song is appropriate to them? ¶ 466.

While the saints thus rejoice, for what do they patiently wait? and to what do they look forward? ¶ 467.