STUDY I -- SPECIAL TIMES AND SEASONS DIVINELY APPOINTED
1. What features of the Divine Program are treated in Volume II of "Scripture
Studies"? Pg. 13, par. 1
The features that are treated in this volume are that
God's Plan has definite appointed times and seasons; that it has progressed
and accomplished that which God set out to do, and also, that the time is now
at hand for the culmination of the blessings to the world of mankind.
2. What exhortation is now due to the still loyal though drowsy children of
the Kingdom? Pg. 13, par. 2
The words of the Apostle Paul in Rom. 13:11 exhorting
them to awake out of sleep because their salvation is very near and the Millennial
day is now at hand.
3. Why is a thorough understanding of the Plan of the Ages a pre-requisite to
an appreciation of the Divinely appointed times and seasons? Pg. 14, par.1
If we do not thoroughly understand God's Plan we will
not be prepared for the Truth we are about to receive.
4. Why should we expect more truth to be revealed in the Harvest of this Age
than in times past? Pg. 14, par. 2
Because the prophets informed us that in "the time of
the end" God's plan would be due to be uncovered to those watching and waiting.
5. What is the proper method of interpreting prophecy? Pg. 15, par. 1
The proper method is by keeping close to the fountain
of divine truth and discarding all human inventions.
6. What is the character of the Scriptural testimony respecting the times and
seasons, and what impression does this knowledge make upon the studious and
reverent inquirer? Pg. 15, par. 2
The chain of prophetic testimony is so strong in pointing
out God's times and seasons in such a way as to clearly manifest the length
and breadth of God's wisdom in His plan that the studious and reverent inquirer
can see that this plan cannot be of human origin.
7. What do we find respecting the length of the Gospel "harvest," and what are
some of the many great and wonderful events that will transpire during this
period? Pg. 15, par. 3
We find that the length of the Gospel harvest is a period
of forty years and that during this period of time the rays of prophetic testimony
are specially concentrated. We should expect to see the great time of trouble,
the overthrow of Antichrist and the fall of Great Babylon, favor returning to
the Jew and our Lord's Second Advent which will usher in the Millennial blessings.
8. What attitude of mind and heart is necessary in order to receive the testimony
of the prophecies, as set forth in this volume? And what is evidently the object
for which these now unfolding prophecies are designed? Pg. 16, par. 1
The heart and mind of the reader must be willing to have
an ear to hear and must remove any preconceived opinions they once had regarding
God's word. If this is done, the reader will be greatly blessed and will thus
become separate from the world (tares) and ripened as wheat, ready for the garner.
9. Why should those who have been permitted to view God's chart of the ages
be especially anxious to learn whatever has been revealed concerning the times
and seasons? Pg. 17, par. 1
We should be anxious to learn whatever God may be pleased
to reveal to us of His plan because we are living in a time when these things
are being revealed which has never been shown in ages past.
10. Is such interest displeasing to God? If not, why did He not gratify the
desires of the Prophets and Apostles along these lines? Pg. 17, par. 2
God is very pleased to see our interest and to be devoid
of such desires indicates a lack of interest in, and appreciation of, God's
plans. God did not gratify the desires of the Prophets and Apostles to any considerable
extent, because the due time had not yet come.
11. Should a desire to understand the prophecies be considered an improper prying
into God's secrets? What is the only safe ground to take with respect to interpreting
prophecy? What has been God's method of revealing His Plan, both in detail and
in general outline? Pg. 17, par. 3
The desires to better understand God's Plan should not
be considered improper prying because God wants us to "search the Scriptures,"
and "take heed to the sure word of prophecy," and to be in that proper, waiting
attitude which will quickly discern the truth as it becomes due. We should not
idly speculate regarding God's Plan but should have the heart desire to know
and better understand it, and these "secrets" will be revealed in God's due
time. In due time and order every recorded feature of the divine plan, and its
time and season, is manifested to those watching.
12. What were our Lord's replies to the disciples who inquired of Him respecting
the time for the setting up of the Kingdom? Pg. 18, par. 1
Our Lord answered the inquiries of the disciples telling
them that it was not for them to know the times or the seasons which the Father
had appointed but that they needed to watch and pray so they would be aware
of these things when the due time came for them to be understood.
13. What is the popular but erroneous interpretation of Mark 13:32, 33, 37?
And how should these words be explained? Pg. 18, par. 2
The erroneous interpretation of the above referenced Mark
scripture is that none but the Father will ever know of His times and seasons.
The correct interpretation is that we are living in the dawning of the Millennial
Day when knowledge has been increased and we are privileged to clearly discern
the prophecy which is unfolding before our eyes.
14. What do these words of the Lord indicate respecting the Father's method
of executing His great work? Pg. 19, par. 1
Our Lord's words indicate that God is not executing various
parts of His plan in a haphazard manner but that He has fixed times and seasons
for every feature of His great work.
15. Should we understand from Jesus' replies to His disciples that He rebuked
them and forbade all interest in and investigation of these subjects? What was
the significance of His exhortation to "take heed" and to "watch"? Pg. 19, par.
2
No, Jesus did not rebuke their interest or inquiries.
His words clearly show that though the times and seasons were not yet give to
them to know, they would be very important some time, and would then be revealed
to those watching. His exhortation was urging them to "take heed," and not to
allow indifference to come over them, but to "watch" continually, that they
might know when the due time should come.
16. What was the experience of those who watched all down the age, and what
will be the portion of those who will be living in the "due time" and watching?
What does neglecting to watch indicate? Pg. 19, par. 3
Those who watched down through the age were greatly blessed
and kept separate from the world, by so doing, even though they did not see
all that they watched for. Those that having been living in the due time and
watching are greatly blessed also in that they shall know, shall see, and shall
understand and not be in ignorance. If some neglect to watch, they will lose
a blessing and prove they are blinded by Satan, overcharged with the cares of
this life, and neglectful in their vow of full consecration to the Lord.
17. How does St. Peter call attention to the times and seasons, and to what
does he refer in 2 Pet. 1:16? What is his exhortation in 2 Pet. 1:19? Pg. 20,
par. 1
St. Peter calls attention to the times and seasons by
pointing out that we mustn't follow cunningly devised fables and expresses the
"vision" he beheld on the mount of transfiguration of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus
which represented the foreshadowing of the kingdom blessings to follow. His
exhortation in 2 Peter 1:19 is to the prophetic testimony that could not be
fully understand at that time but urged a watching attitude on the part of the
saints for the fulfillment of all that God had spoken by the Holy prophets regarding
the restitution blessings.
18. What is the declaration of St. Paul regarding the times and seasons? 1 Thess.
5:1-4; pg. 20, par. 2
St. Paul reminds us that the Day of the Lord will come
as a thief in the night being unobserved by those not in the watchful, waiting
attitude.
19. What advantage with respect to the times and seasons have the Lord's people
enjoyed in contrast with the world? Cite Scriptural instances. Pg. 21, par.
1
We have been assured that we will not be left in darkness
but will always have the truth supplied as meat in due season if we keep the
proper attitude as faithful, meek, and humble students of the Word. Please reference
Gen. 18:17; Luke 2:25-38; Matt. 2:2; Luke 3:15 for examples of God not leaving
His people ignorant of His Truths.
20. What assurance is given us in Amos 3:7? Pg. 22, par. 1
We are promised that we will not be left in darkness when
the day of the Lord comes if we are in a watchful condition, we will receive
the promised light then due.
21. Why does St. Paul so positively declare that "ye brethren" will know of
the times and seasons when due? Pg. 22, par. 2
St. Paul positively declares that we "are all the children
of light and the children of the day," begotten of the truth and developed by
the truth, and we will not be left in darkness.
22. What is the significance of "ye" and "they," as used by the Apostle in this
connection? Pg. 22, par. 3
These pronouns distinguish the classes being referred
to-the saints from the world. The saints ("ye," "you") will have the necessary
knowledge in the day of the Lord while the world ("they," "them") will be ignorant
of the transpiring events.
23. What does ignorance of the times and seasons indicate? Pg. 23, par. 1
Ignorance of the times and seasons indicates that the
child of God is more concerned with the cares of this life and the spirit of
the world, neglecting to be in a watchful condition, instead of having the Word
of God in his heart and mind.
24. Did the Prophets understand the full import of their prophecies? What is
their testimony on this point? Pg. 23, par. 2
No. They fully confessed their ignorance of the import
of the prophecies to which they gave expression.
25. How does a Combination Time-Lock aptly illustrate the Divine arrangement
of the time-prophecies? And how does the Lord Jesus "open" to us the time features
of the Divine Plan? Pg. 23, par. 3; Pg. 24, par. 1
As with combination time-lock that cannot be unlocked
until a fixed hour and by the one with the right combination to unlock it, so
with the Divine Plan. The time features were locked up until the appointed time-the
morning of the great day of restitution. It could only be opened by Jehovah's
Anointed, Jesus, and by his opening, he gives us the necessary information to
understand the time prophecies now due to be understood.
26. How does this illustration of the Time-Lock fit the entire Plan of God?
Pg. 24, par. 2
Each feature of truth and prophecy is but a part of the
one grand combination, which we may now open because it is morning. Once opened,
it discloses fully and grandly the boundless treasures of divine wisdom, justice,
love, and power.
27. How has the Divine wisdom been manifested in keeping hidden in the past
the times and seasons, and revealing them in this "time of the end"? Pg. 25,
par. 1
The times and seasons were hidden in the past, through
God's wisdom, knowing that the saints would have been very discouraged if they
knew how long before the fulfillment of the prophecies. But as the time draws
near for the consummation of the plan, it is the privilege of the saints to
know these things and rejoice in knowing our deliverance draweth nigh.
28. What Scriptures indicate that our God is a God of Order? Pg. 25, par. 2
Gal. 4:4; Mark 1:15, Rom. 5:6, 1 Cor. 15:4; and John 7:30.
All these scriptures show God's order and His appointed times and seasons of
His plan.
29. Why were time-prophecies given? Pg. 25, par. 3
They were given to enable the serious student of God's
Word to recognize the foretold events when due. Through study we can see the
various dates and chronological references which are links in a wonderful chain
of events.
30. Is the fact that the majority of Christians are indifferent regarding the
study of time-prophecies any reason why those who "love His appearing" should
drop into similar lukewarmness? Pg. 26, par. 1
No. If we desire to be approved by Him we will continually
study to understand all of God's plans and time prophecies.
31. What is the significance of the Prophet Isaiah's declaration respecting
"both the houses of Israel"? Pg. 26, par. 2
The Prophet Isaiah wanted to impress upon us the fact
that there would be those from "both the houses of Israel" with a lukewarm love
for God and that these would stumble and fall. Yet "a remnant" in the harvest
period would be prepared to receive and appreciate the truths then due, and
would be blessed in the dawning dispensation and the special privileges afforded
then.
32. What are the chief essentials to the proper understanding of prophecy and
the signs of the times? Pg. 27, par. 1
A knowledge of the Lord's coming and appearing is very
necessary. But along with this knowledge must lay holiness, humility, and an
earnest, consecrated heart.
33. What was the contrast in the attitudes of the "Israelites indeed" and the
Pharisees in the "harvest" of the Jewish age? Pg. 27, par. 2
The Israelites indeed were in a condition of expectancy
and were ready to hear and examine the truth when they came in contact with
it. The Pharisees, on the other hand, were quite proud and self-satisfied and
not in a heart condition of hearing or understanding what the Lord had to say.
34. How do these find their parallels in the end of the Gospel age? Pg. 28,
par. 1
The parallels in the end of the Gospel age are that those
that are humble and earnest Truth seekers will be led to a knowledge of the
truth which is due. They will be strengthened and enlightened but the mass of
nominal Christians will be in the lukewarm, self-satisfied condition and will
reject the truths, due to their heart condition.
35. What is the great importance of a knowledge of times and seasons? Pg. 28,
par. 2
Knowledge is of great importance. It enables us to discern
the truth and appreciate the dispensational changes as they take place.
36. Why does a special odium attach
to the study of prophetic time? Pg. 29, par. 1
Because of the misapplications of the study of prophetic
time features in the past and the consequent failures to realize the events
expected to occur at stated times. This has hindered all but the class for whom
it was intended, thus the worldly-wise see but do not understand God's Word.
37. What was the common cause of failure in the case of both the First and Second
Adventists? Pg. 29, par. 2; pg. 30, par. 1
The common cause of failure was that both were blinded
by false expectations. They do not recognize or understand the manner and the
object of our Lord's return as taught in the Scriptures; thus they have not
been expecting to "see him as his is," but as he was.
38. Were time-prophecies designed to alarm or convert the world? If not, what
was evidently the Lord's purpose in giving them? Pg. 30, par. 2; Pg. 31, par.
1
Time prophecies were not given to alarm or convert the
world but they were given to those that are truly consecrated to God. He wants
us to be thoroughly furnished with the present truth to understand and appreciate
His plans and seasons.
39. What was the error of the Second Adventists, which led to their disappointment?
And what was the primary cause of their failure to understand the prophecies?
Pg. 31, par. 2
They erred by looking for the wrong thing at the right
time. However, the primary cause of their not understanding the prophecies was
that it was not yet time for a clear understanding except for the those that
were in the right heart condition to see and understand.
40. In their attempt to force all prophetic periods to one common day of termination,
how did the Adventists handle the time-prophecies? On the contrary, what method
is pursued in our present study of the times and seasons? Pg. 32, par. 1
They did much violence to these time prophecies by trying
to force them all into a 24 hour period. Our method is to examine all the leading
prophecies and carefully trace each period to its termination, and then weave
together the plan as indicated by God.