Lesson 10 · December 9, 1899
Signs of Christ's Second Coming
Mount of Olives, A. D. 31.
(; ; .)
- 1.Having foretold the overthrow of the temple, what did Jesus say would come next in order? . Side texts: .
- 2.How did the Lord say a remnant of His people would be saved from destruction under the persecution foretold? . See note 1.
- 3.What warning did He give against false christs and false prophets? . Side texts: .
- 4.How may we know that these local demonstrations are not the second coming of the Lord? Verse 27. See note 2.
- 5.What events were to begin to take place immediately after the cessation of persecution? Verse 29. See note 3. Side texts: .
- 6.Tell when each of these events took place, and under what circumstances. Side texts: ; .
- 7.What was to be the next sign in the heavens? What was to accompany it? Verse 30. Side texts: .
- 8.What will then take place? Verse 31. Side texts: .
- 9.What parable does the Saviour give to illustrate the subject? Relate the parable. Verse 32.
- 10.How near is the Lord's coming when the signs have been shown in the sun, moon, and stars? Verse 33. Side texts: .
- 11.What interest will that generation have in the Lord's coming, who witness the signs already noticed? . Side texts: .
- 12.Will any one know beforehand the exact time when probation will close? . See note 2. Side texts: .
- 13.In what condition will the world be just prior to Christ's second coming? Verses 37-39. Side texts: ; .
- 14.What is the duty of the faithful? Why? Verses 42-47. Side texts: .
- 15.If, on the other hand, some think that the Lord's coming is being delayed, what is sure to follow in their cases? Verses 48-51.
Notes
Reading.
chapter 69.
1. These days of persecution were predicted to be 1260 years in duration. . But, as foretold in the text, these days were shortened, lest all of God's people should be destroyed. In the providence of God various causes operated to stop the general persecution of God's people prior to the close of the 1260 years which began in 538 A. D. and ended in 1798. The enlightenment of Europe through the powerful influence of the Reformation resulted in a public sentiment which would not allow such persecutions as had been prevalent, and edicts of toleration were issued by ruling monarchs of Europe about 1775-76. Since the latter date there has been no general persecution. The student should note the exactness of the prophecy. In Matthew the record says, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light." In Mark it says, "In those days, after that tribulation." The darkening of the sun and moon, May 18, 1780, occurred "immediately after the tribulation of those days," and these events came "in those days after that tribulation." Any darkening of the sun and moon occurring on any date not included between 1776 and 1798 could not be the signs foretold by our Saviour.
2. "No man maketh known" is the sense of the text. Several translations render the text in this way. We have a parallel in , where Paul says, "I determined not to know," that is, I determined not to make known. The day and hour of Christ's coming will not be made known by man, angels, nor by the Son, but by the Father only. And certainly no man can make known the time till it is made known by the Father. As He has not revealed the time in the Scriptures, we know it has not yet been revealed.
Bible texts in this lesson
Matthew 24:21-51 · Mark 13:19-37 · Luke 21:25-36 · Matthew 24:21 · Daniel 9:26 · Daniel 9:27 · Daniel 7:25 · Daniel 7:22 · Daniel 7:23-26 · 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 · Luke 21:25 · Luke 21:26 · Joel 2:30 · Joel 2:31 · Revelation 6:12 · Revelation 6:13 · Joel 3:14-16 · 1 Thessalonians 4:16 · 1 Thessalonians 4:17 · Luke 21:28-31 · Luke 21:34 · Luke 21:35 · Luke 21:34-36 · Luke 21:36 · Mark 13:32 · Luke 17:26-30 · 2 Timothy 3:1-7 · 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 · 1 Corinthians 2:2
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