“ Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”
(Matt. 24:26-27)
Beware of teachers with their prophetic novelty doctrines. These are not only found among the apostates and heretics, but also in the Evangelical and Fundamental movements. I can understand a novice falling for these novelty foretellings, but not a seasoned saint. Yet, to my chagrin, many do.
As I have mentioned a number of times, much of today's literature on prophecy should be placed in the fictional section of Christian bookstores, not on the prophetical shelves. Novelty has replaced orthodoxy.
These prophetic imposters are not difficult to spot: they emphasize a kingdom over its King; their affection is more on earth than Heaven; and signs are more important than to Whom they point. Those Christians who are duped by their jargon put down their books or go away from their meetings without being changed, in spite of the fact that each time, in his writings, that Paul mentions Christ coming, holy living is in the context. These prophetic pretenders take the blessing out of the Blessed Hope!
It cannot be contended, prophecy is an essential doctrine in the Word of God; but it is not a basis for fellowship. Those who argue the opposite end up producing more friction than light. It is of utmost importance that students of the Bible keep in mind many passages of scripture which promise or foretell the Lord’s return, have in them an element of obscurity. When on earth Jesus foretold certain happenings, He gave this warning to His followers, “Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he” (Jn. 13:19). The implication is that they would understand the full significance of the prophecy only after it had been fulfilled.
“I care little about the luggage, friends, or means of transportation connected with His Coming; I’m excited about seeing HIM!”
(rds)
An Old Disciple
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