A DIALOGUE Between TRUTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS

(Continued from last number)

Righteousness: But as the signs of the times, such as we discussed with one another upon a former occasion, teach us, that the end of all things is drawing near with rapid strides, do you think that this long period of time is yet to come, or are you of the opinion that it already belongs to the past?

Truth: My opinion is that we are near the end of that period of time, and that soon will be fulfilled: “And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, and shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth; God and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breath of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them,” etc. These words show plainly that there is persecution in store for the church, such as has already commenced in certain countries.

Righteousness: But when do you think this period has commenced, by which certain writers have understood a future period of prosperity for the church?

Truth: We believe that this period commenced in the days of the Reformation, when after a bloody persecution the church had rest and peace. At that time Satan was no longer permitted to deceive the nations in order that they should blindly and cruelly persecute the church unto blood. Even as Saul of Tarsus was deceived by Satan to blindly and cruelly persecute the church of God, so for many years Satan was let loose to deceive the nations so that as his instruments they would endeavor to exterminate the church of God from the earth.

Righteousness: But we read nevertheless, that Satan would be bound and shut up in prison for a thousand years, by which the chiliasts understand that during all that time Satan would be unable to exercise any influence upon the people.

Truth: This is a supposition which has no foundation in the Holy Scriptures; which gives us sufficient evidence that as long as this sinful world shall exist, Satan will make his influence to be felt, and that he will go to and fro and walk up and down in the earth to the end, Job. 1:7. Only in this would he be bound and shut up as in a prison, if he could not deceive the nations and persecute the church of God as before. If Satan can’t do that, then in reality he is deprived of a great power and in this he is bound with a great chain. He who took a hellish delight in seeing so many of God’s children suffer for years in fetters and prisons would now himself be bound and locked up in prison by an angel of God for a long time, so that the Church of God could dwell in peace and safety in his dominion. Do not think, however, that this excludes the usual temptations to which God’s children, from his side are more or less subject.

Righteousness: Pray, friend Truth, proceed and show me just when you think Satan will be let loose.

Truth: I have already pointed out that it is my conviction, that we have about reached the end of this millennium. As Satan was not bound in one day, but gradually, whereby the persecutions ceased in the various countries, thus he will also be gradually released and let loose in the various countries where the Lord has His church. Then he, who is a bitter and cruel enemy of God and His people, will prepare himself with his armies to the last and terrible struggle which is alluded to in verses 8 & 9. But O, that that which we read in the 3rd verse may be to the comfort of Jesus’ little flock: “And after that he must be loosed a little season.” No, this season of anxious struggle and combat will not be of such long duration as the period of peace.

Righteousness: In our present day, and especially in some countries, we see the beginning of Satan let loose, and that he has already commenced to deceive the nations as before, by blindly, proudly, and cruelly oppressing the Lord’s heritage, and to persecute them unto blood.

Truth: Indeed, friend Righteousness, when we consider that and also the great apostasy in other countries, the indifference toward God’s word, pride, hatred, cruelty, etc., we then can see that not much more is needed to make the oppression and persecution of the Church a reality.

Only today I read the following, enunciated by a professor in the Netherlands:

“In the whole Bible there is not a book like “Revelations,” which speaks with such authority to arouse our interest, It casts light on the difficult things through which we have to struggle in these times; for it contains God’s answer, and besides it describes the great final struggle in which God will vindicate Himself in this His world; that world which is releasing itself from God.

Two principles appear in this case: Whether we must be delivered, or whether we are to deliver ourselves. The coming oppression will become international: all nations will share in it. If God is expelled, then the desired diversity of the nations becomes the sure cause of war and world revolution. On the other hand to have the world look up unto God would mean to acknowledge sin and also redemption by God. Such a view the world does not tolerate. Therefore the conflict will eventually be carried on by these two opposing parties, namely; world and Church. Events of such magnitude, in comparison to which the world war of 1914 is but child’s play, appear on the horizon. And our country? It has not departed from sin, but has hardened itself against all warnings. Therefore history here also shall be written in the blood of men.

The oppression comes upon the Church. There is no room for the children of God in the State-Universal, because their principles are contrary to that since they aim at the glory of God. However, let the people stick to the old fashioned Bible and the old approved paths, no matter how severe the conflict may become. We speak of modernism and of heathenism, but it is nothing else than accursed pride. We refuse to become sinner, and have no need of salvation.

Blessed are they who are kept to cleave to the cross, though it would cost them their lives. Everything now points to world-revolution, confusion, oppression, and annihilation. God’s church is being led into the fiery furnace of affliction.

However, God will reserve unto Himself a poor and needy people, that will trust in His name. God’s Spirit is withdrawing Himself. That which is of the universal redemption idea will disappear, and only that which is of the beast will remain. Then the true contra-distinction will be seen, and the church will come forth as the purified Bride of Christ. Let go therefore all props, wherein is not the Spirit of God. Through tribulation God brings about the International of the Cross, because they have washed their garments white in the blood of the Lamb.

The Bride church comes out of great tribulation. In the midst of all this world turbulence God reveals His power. God vindicated Himself on His world through the blood of the Cross. The world’s history is of a theological character, God’s glory is involved in it. One day Christ will come with majesty to convey His people into eternal glory.”

Righteousness: How highly privileged are they who, in such straitened and oppressive times, have the Lord as their refuge and strength. The Davids will then surely encourage themselves in the Lord their God, and raise their heads because their redemption is nigh.

Truth: We would be able to speak about many more things that we read in Rev. 20, in connection with the millenium, but I for myself consider this less advisable at the present time.

Let us close our profitable discussion with singing the following verses of Psalter No. 87: (2 & 3).

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