Features of the Plan of God (1905)
Download: PDF — Features of the Plan of God (1905)
FEATURES
of the
PLAN OF GOD
Set forth in Exclusively Scripture Compilation
CONTENTS.
A HARMONIZED ARRANGEMENT OF SCRIPTURE TESTIMONY CONCERNING THE KINGDOM OF GOD ON EARTH.
"THE TIMES OF RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS SPOKEN."
The Dispensation of the "Fulness of Times," When God Will Gather in One All Things in Christ His King.
(1) His Pre-human Existence.
(2) His Humiliation and Suffering.
(3) His Exaltation to the Divine Nature.
(4) His Unity and Co-operation with Jehovah.
(5) His Relationship to the Church.
(6) His Priesthood.
The Day of His Preparation in the Overthrow of Present Forms of Government and Society in a "Time of Trouble Such as Never Was Since There Was a Nation."
(1) The Testimony of its Coming.
(2) Signs of its Near Approach.
(3) Its Severity.
(4) The Forces Used.
(5) Its Effect on Mankind.
His Kingdom and Reign on Earth in Wisdom, Justice, Love and Power.
Blessings to Mankind in General Through Christ's Kingdom and Reign.
Zion's Exaltation in the Kingdom.
Some of the Blessings, Stated in Brief, Which Will Come to Mankind in the Kingdom.
CONTRIBUTORS
J. T. D. Pyles
A. N. Pierson
W. R. Mitchell
G. G. Bolton
E. W. Williams
A. G. Wilbor
W. M. Wright
J. H. Giesey
E. H. Thomson
J. G. Kuehn
J. T. Johnson
M. W. Thompson
C. H. Anderson
NOTICE
THIS VOLUME COMES IN TWO STYLES
POCKET EDITION FOR MEN
SPECIAL EDITION FOR WOMEN FOREWORD
To our dear aged Brother Kirkland of Allegheny, Pa., belongs the credit of arranging this wonderful compilation of Scripture texts, as a result of many years devoted to Bible study in order to portray in exclusively Scripture language from God's Word the scope of Christ's redemptive work in God's Plan of the Ages.
In setting forth these Features of the Heavenly Father's Plan in this little volume, be it noted that nothing but Scripture texts are used. These the compiler consecutively connects—and without using any words of his own—so as to tell the "wonderful story" intelligently and forcefully from first to last, and withal in a most interesting and convincing manner, and in a way that no one shall dare dispute the fact that "God is his own interpreter, and He bath made it plain."
J. A. BOHNET, ALLEGHENY, PA. 1905.
HIS PRE-HUMAN EXISTENCE.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was (a) God. The same was in the beginning with God.—John 1:1, 2.
All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.—John 1:3.
By him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.—Col. 1:16.
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.— Col. 1:17.
The faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.—Rev. 3:14.
No man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man.—John 3:13.
What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?—John 6:62.
I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.—John 6:38.
Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of me. I delight to do thy will, O my God, yea thy law is written in my heart.—Psa. 40:7, 8.
I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world; again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.—John 16:28.
He that cometh from above is above all.—John 3:31.
Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?—John 10:36.
He that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone: for I do always those things that please him.—John 8:29.
I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.—John 7:29.
No man hath seen the Father at any time: the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. —John 1:18.
His commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.—John 12:50.
He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God—John 3:34.
I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which hath sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say.—John 12:49
I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.—John 8:18.
The Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me.—John 5:37.
I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. The same works that I do bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.John 5:32,36.
The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.—1 Cor. 15:47.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven.—John 6:51.
My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.—For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.—John 6:32, 33.
As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.—John 6:57.
He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.—John 7:18.
God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.—John 3:17.
I judge no man.—And yet if I judge my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.—John 8:15, 16.
Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.—John 6:46.
Jesus said unto them (the Jews), If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.—John 8:42.
Ye are from beneath; I am from above; ye are of this world, I am not of this world.—John 8:23.
Verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.—John 8:58.
The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.—Prov. 8:22.
I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.—Prov. 8:23.
When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth.Prov. 8:27.
When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water.—Prov. 8:24.
When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the fountains of the earth.—Prov. 8:29.
Then I was by him, as one brought up with him, I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him.Prov. 8:30.
Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.—Prov. 8:31.
O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these (my disciples), have known that thou hast sent me.—John 17:25.
I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. —John 17:8.
As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.—John 17:18.
The Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.—John 16:27.
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.—John 17:5.
HIS HUMILIATION AND SUFFERING, AND PURPOSE OF HIS FIRST PRESENCE.
THE ANGEL MESSAGE.
Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.—Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.—Luke 2:11, 12.
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.—He came unto his own, and his own received him not.—John 1:10, 11.
But denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer granted unto them.—Acts 3:14.
The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.—John 1:5.
Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.—2 Cor. 8:9.
Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath no where to lay his head.—Luke 9:58.
He took not on him the nature of angels: but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Even Christ pleased not himself; but as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell upon me.—Heb. 2:16, Rom. 15:3.
(He) made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.—Phil. 2:7, 8.
Jesus Christ, and him crucified.—Unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness.—1 Cor. 2:2; 1:23.
He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.—He was despised and we esteemed him not.—Isa. 53:3.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.—Isa. 53:6.
He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, and smitten of God, and afflicted.—Isa. 53:4.
He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.—Isa. 53:5.
He was oppressed, and was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before his shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. Isa. 53:7.
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his mind.—Isa. 53:10.
He shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. Isa. 53:2.
(The prophets) searched to see what manner of time the spirit which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.—1 Pet. 1:10.11.
Those things which God before had showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Acts 3:18.
O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?—Luke 24:25, 26.
Thus it was written, and thus it behooves Christ to suffer. Luke 24:46.
It became him for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through suffering.—Heb. 2:10.
Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.—Heb. 5:8.
The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain.—Luke 9:22.
Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself.—Heb. 12:3.
Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind.—1 Pet. 4:1.
When he was reviled he reviled not again; when he suffered he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.—1 Pet. 2:23.
There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.—1 Tim. 2:5, 6.
The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.—Mat. 20:28.
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.—Rom. 5:6.
We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man Heb.2:9.
God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.—Rom. 5:8.
Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice.—Eph. 5:2.
He was manifested to take away our sins, and in him is no sin, 1 John 3:5.
(We) were not redeemed with corruptable things, as silver and gold. But with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot: foreordained before the foundation of the world.1 Pet. 1:18, 20.
That he might sanctify the people with his own blood, (he) suffered without the gate.—Heb. 13:12.
Who his own self bear our sins in his own body on the tree. 1 Pet. 2:24.
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree.—Gal. 3:13.
In that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.—Rom. 6:10.
Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised for our justification.—Rom. 4:25.
Suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the spirit.—1 Pet. 3:18.
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.—Rom. 3:25.
For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.— Rom. 5:19.
As by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.—Rom. 5:18.
Justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.—Rom. 3:24.
To this end Christ both died and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.—Rom. 14:9.
Having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself.—And you that were sometimes alienated are enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death.
Col. 1:20, 22.
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.—Col. 2:15.
Gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. —Tit. 2:14.
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.—Col. 2:14.
Forasmuch as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.—Heb. 2:14.
The prophets and Moses did say that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should be raised from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. Acts 26:22, 23.
Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.—Heb. 6:9.
Rom.
The Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.—Luke 9:56.
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.—1 John 4:14.
HIS EXALTATION TO THE DIVINE NATURE.
God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.—Phil. 2:9-11.
His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.—Isa. 9:6.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest. Luke 1:32.
He (God) raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places; far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in the world which is to come; and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.—Eph. 1:20-22.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a prince and a savior for to give repentence to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.—Acts 5:31.
Who being in the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, and sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.—Heb. 1:3.
Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:36.
Who is gone into heaven and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. 1 Pet. 3:22.
When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto them.—Eph. 4:8.
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.—Eph. 4:10.
Being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the holy spirit, he hath shed forth this which ye see and hear.—Acts 2:33.
He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.—Col. 1:18, 19.
In him dwelleth all fulness of the god-head bodily.—Col. 2:9.
Who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature.—Col. 1:15.
The power of God, and the wisdom of God.—Col. 1:24.
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col. 2:3.
Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they: for to which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son.—Heb. 1:5.
To which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.—Heb. 1:13.
And again, when he bringeth in the first-begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.— Heb. 1:6.
Unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a ceptre of righteousness in the ceptre of my kingdom.—Heb. 1:8.
Thou lovest righteousness and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.—Psa. 45:7.
Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee forever.—Psa. 45:2.
The chiefest among ten thousand: his mouth is most sweet: yea he is altogether lovely.—Sol. 5:10, 16.
In thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.—Psa. 89:27.
The kings of Tarshish and of the Isles shall bring presents; the kings of Seba and Sheba shall offer gifts.—All kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.—Psa. 72:10.
He shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.—Isa. 52:13.
His seed will I make to endure forever, and his throne as the days of heaven.—Psa. 89:29.
I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee forever.—Psa. 45:17.
His name shall endure forever: it shall continue as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.—Psa. 72:17.
They shall come and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done it.—Psa. 22:31.
They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure throughout all generations.—Psa. 72:5.
To him shall be given the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually: and daily shall he be praised.— Psa. 72:15.
They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.—Psa. 72:9.
All they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and it shall be counted to the Lord for a generation.—Psa. 22:29, 30.
I (John) saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.—Rev. 19:11.
Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron. Rev. 19:15.
His eyes as a flame of fire, and on his head many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew but he himself. Rev. 19:12.
On his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, and LORD OF LORDS.—Rev. 19:16.
Clothed in a vesture dipped in blood, and his name is called The Word of God.—Rev. 19:13.
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive forever more, and have the keys of hell and of death.—Rev. 1:18.
I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.—Rev. 3:21.
The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.—Rev. 13.
The root and the off-spring of David, and the bright and morning star.—Rev. 22:16.
Behold he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him. Rev. 1:7.
I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.—Rev. 19:6, 7.
And I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.—Rev. 5:11, 12.
(God) hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.—Heb. 1:2.
HIS UNITY AND CO-OPERATION WITH JEHOVAH THE FATHER.
Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of me. I delight to do thy will, O my God: thy law is within my heart.—Psa. 40:7,8.
I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.—This is the Father's will which hath sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.—John 6:39, 40.
I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.—John 14:6.
Every man that hath heard and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.—John 6:45.
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whosoever the Son will reveal him.—Mat. 11:27.
Thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.—John 17:2.
Thine they were, and thou gavest them me.—John 17:6.
As the Father has life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.—John 5:26.
As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.—John 5:21.
As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, shall live by me.—John 6:57.
As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.—John 10:15.
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power (authority) to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. John 10:18.
The Father loveth me because I lay down my life that I might take it again, no man taketh it from me, I lay it down myself. John 10:17, 18.
The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hand.—John 3:35.
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.—John 16:15.
The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for whatsoever things he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise: for the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth.—John 5:19, 20.
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear I judge: and my judgment is just: because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.—John 5:30.
My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. -John 7:16.
He whom the Father hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him.—John 3:34.
If I honor myself, my honor is nothing: it is my Father that honoreth me.—I know him and keep his saying.—John 8:54, 55.
He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.—John 7:18.
I am one that beareth witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.—John 8:18.
He that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone: for I do always those things that please him.—John 8:29.
When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me.—John 8:28.
If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. John 10:37.
I and my Father are one.—John 10:30.
Men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent him.—John 5:23.
If a man love me he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.—John 14:23.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.—Ye are the branches.—John 15:1, 5.
(Father) I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world; thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.—John 17:6.
They have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.—John 17:7.
I have glorified thee on the earth; I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.—John 17:4.
WITNESS OF MEN.
He received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. This voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.—2 Pet. 1:17, 18.
Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man of God approved among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as you yourselves know. Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.—Acts 2:22-24.
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that he raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory.—1 Pet. 1:20-21.
We have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.—1 John 4:14.
THE WITNESS OF GOD.
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.—1 John 5:9-12.
Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord.—Zech. 6:12.
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.—Isa. 42:1.
He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne, and he shall be a priest upon his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.—Zech. 6:13
Having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; whether they be things in earth or things in heaven.—Col. 1:20.
And hath given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man.—John 5:27.
The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.—John 5:22.
HIS UNITY, RELATIONSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP WITH THE CHURCH, HIS BODY.
Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.—Eph. 5:25-27.
Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.—Tit. 2:14.
Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.—1 Cor. 1:30.
He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.—2 Cor. 5:21.
Complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.—Col. 2:10.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.—Eph. 1:3, 4.
Called with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.—2 Tim. 1:9.
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son.—1 Cor. 1:9.
Thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.—Col. 1:12-14.
If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; all things are become new, and all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ.—2 Cor. 5:17, 18.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.—Gal. 3:28.
For if while we were enemies,we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son,much more,being reconciled,we shall be saved by his life.—Rom.—5:10.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: no more children, but speaking the truth in love, grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.—Eph. 4:11-13.
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the spirit.—Eph. 2:21, 22.
The whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edification of itself in love.—Eph. 4:16.
By one spirit are we all baptized into one body.—1 Cor. 12:13.
Ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Cor. 12:27.
Many members, yet but one body.—1 Cor. 12:20.
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.—Gal. 3:13.
All that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.—Acts 13:39.
Ye are become dead to the law by the body of Christ, that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.— Rom. 7:4.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.—Rom. 5:1.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit; for the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made us free from the law of sin and death.—Rom. 8:1, 2.
Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness: but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1 Cor. 2:23, 24.
It is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious.—1 Pet. 2:6.
To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious. Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.—1 Pet 2:4, 5.
No more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.—Eph. 2:19, 20.
Raised up together, and made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.—Eph. 2:6.
If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1, 2.
Delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.—Rom. 4:25.
God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.—Rom. 5:8.
Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.—Rom. 5:21.
Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptised into Jesus Christ were baptised into his death? Buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also shall walk in newness of life.—Rom. 6:1-4.
For as many of you as have been baptised into Christ have put on Christ.—Gal. 3:27.
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.—Rom. 6:6.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. Rom. 6:5.
If we be dead with Christ,we believe we shall also live with him.—Rom. 6:8.
Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace: for the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.—John 1:16, 17.
(Jesus said) Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.—John 13:13.
I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.—John 15:15.
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth in me should not abide in darkness.—John 12:46.
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.—I know my sheep, and am known of mine.—John 10:11, 14.
I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.—John 10:10.
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.—John 10:9.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:27, 28.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?—I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor heights, nor depths, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.—Rom. 8:38, 39.
Who shall change our vile (humble) body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself.—Phil. 3:21.
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.—1 Pet. 1:8, 9.
Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.—Rev. 1:5.
The head of every man is Christ.—The head of Christ is God. 1 Cor. 11:3.
HIS PRIESTHOOD.
Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to-day have I begotten thee —Heb. 5:5.
The law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated forevermore.—Heb. 7:28.
Not without an oath he was made priest: Those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him who said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.—Heb. 7:20, 21.
Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful.—Heb. 3:2.
For this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.—Heb. 9:15.
If perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron.—Heb. 7:11.
Such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. Heb. 7:26.
Not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.—Heb. 4:15.
Who needed not daily as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins; and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.—Heb. 7:27.
Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.—Heb. 9:24.
The way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices.—Heb. 8:9.
Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands. Heb. 9:11.
A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not men.—Heb. 8:2.
They truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death; but this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.—Heb. 7:23, 24.
Those priests offered gifts according to the law: who served under the example and shadow of heavenly things.—Heb. 8:4, 5.
Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.—Heb. 8:10.
But now He hath obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.—Heb. 8:6.
It was therefore necessary that the pattern of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices.—Heb. 9:23.
Not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.—Heb. 9:12.
And being made perfect he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.—Heb. 5:9.
That he might sanctify the people with his own blood (he) suffered without the gate.—Heb. 13:12.
When he said, Sacrifice and offerings for sins thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein, which are offered by the law; then said He, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.—Heb. 8:8, 9.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.—Heb. 10:10.
If the blood of bulls and goats sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh; how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?— Heb. 9:14.
Nor yet that he should offer himself often: for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.—Heb. 9:25, 26, 28.
This man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. By one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.—Heb. 10:12, 14.
For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.—Heb. 2:11, 17.
To save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing that he ever liveth to make intercession for them.— Heb. 7:25.
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling consider the Apostle and high priest of our profession, Jesus. Heb. 3:1.
Seeing then that we have a high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Heb. 4:14.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart.—Heb. 10:19-22.
Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is sat on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.—Heb. 8:1.
THE DAY OF HIS PREPARATION FOR THE KINGDOM.
IN THE OVERTHROW OF ALL THE PRESENT FORMS OF GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY. THE CERTAINTY OF ITS COMING.
(Daniel) There shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation.—1:12.
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world, to this time, no, nor ever shall be.— Mat. 24:21.
Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand. A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains.—Joel 2:1, 2.
The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. When they shall say, Peace and safty; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, and they shall not escape.—1 Thes. 5:1, 2.
For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.—Luke 21:22.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; yet a little while and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations.—Hag. 2:6.
My determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation even all my fierce anger: for the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealously.—Zeph. 3:8.
Come near ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein, and all things that come forth of it: for the indignation of the Lord is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies, to deliver them to the slaughter.—Isa. 34:1, 2.
The Lord shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.—Jer. 25:30.
The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken it.—24:3.
This earth shall mourn, and the heavens above be black, because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it.—Jer. 4:28.
The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thes. 1:7, 8.
THE SIGNS OF ITS NEAR APPROACH.
In the last days perilous times shall come: for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having the form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.—2 Tim. 3:1-5, 7.
Will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables.—2 Tim. 4:3, 4.
Many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many.— Mat. 24:11.
False teachers, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies even denying the Lord that bought them.—2 Pet. 2:1.
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.—1 Tim. 4:2.
The spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.—1 Tim. 4:1.
Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.—2 Tim. 3:13.
There shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible they shall deceive the very elect.—Mat. 24:24.
Many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.—2 Pet. 2:2.
Scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise (evidence) of his coming (presence)? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.—2 Pet. 4:3, 4.
Iniquity shall abound, and the love of many shall wax cold. Mat. 24:12.
That day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. 2 Thes. 2:3.
And the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.—Mat. 24:14.
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come. Joel 2:31.
Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.—Mat. 24:29.
And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.—Joel 2:30.
There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity: the sea and the waves roaring.—Luke 21:25.
Then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory: and he shall send forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of earth to the other.—Mat. 24:30, 31.
And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet: for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
These are the beginning of sorrows.—Mat. 24:6, 7.
As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be: for as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.—Mat. 24:37-39.
Learn a parable of the fig tree: When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh.— Mat. 21:32.
So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.—Luke 21:31.
This generation (that sees this) shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.—Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.—Mat. 24:34, 42.
THE PURPOSE OF THE DAY OF TROUBLE.
The day cometh that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.—Mat. 4:1.
For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.—Isa. 26:21.
In that day the Lord shall punish the host of the high ones, and the kings of the earth.—Isa. 24:21.
The Lord of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth. Isa. 23:9.
A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the Lord hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword.—Jer. 25:31.
There shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people. Isa. 30:28.
The day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.—Isa. 13:9.
The day of the Lord's vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.—Isa. 34:8.
The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.—Isa. 24:20.
As tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them in a furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and nashing of teeth. Isa. 13:40-42.
I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.—Mat. 13:30.
ITS SEVERITY.
The name of the Lord cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire: the Lord shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.—Isa. 30:27, 30.
At his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.—Jer. 10:10.
The heavens and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger. Isa. 13:12.
And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.—Jer. 25:33.
Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the Lord shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.—Psa. 21:9.
Howl ye; for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.—Isa. 13:6.
A day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.—Zeph. 1:15, 16.
In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst: They shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.—Amos 8:12, 13.
I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like the dung. Zeph. 1:17.
Evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.—Jer. 25:32.
For by fire and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many. Isa. 66:16.
My sword shall be bathed in heaven; it shall come down on the people of my curse to judgment: their slain shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcasses, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood.—Isa. 34:5, 3.
For behold the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. Isa. 66:15.
Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.—Psa. 21:8.
Their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.—Isa. 34:7.
Everyone that is found shall be thrust through; and everyone that is joined unto them shall fall by the sword: their children shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished.—Isa.
13:15, 16.
The land shall be utterly emptied, and spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken.—Isa. 24:3.
He maketh the earth empty, maketh it waste, turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof: the curse devoureth the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate; the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left; utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved and moved exceedingly.—Isa. 24:1, 6, 19.
I beheld the earth, and lo, it was without form, and void, and the heavens had no light: I beheld the mountains, and lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved: the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the Lord, and by his fierce anger: the whole land shall be desolate, yet will I not make a full end.—Jer. 4:23-27.
The stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.—Isa. 13:10.
All the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll, and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.—Isa. 34:4.
Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealously: for he shall make a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.—Zeph. 1:18.
THE FORCES USED.
Behold the Lord hath a mighty and a strong one, which as a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand. Isa. 28:2.
A great people and a strong: there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it.—Joel 2:2.
They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the Lord and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.—Isa. 13:5.
Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness: the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?—Joel 2:6, 11.
The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together; the Lord of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. Isa. 13:4.
The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: the appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run: like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array: they shall run like mighty men: they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every man on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks: a fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. Joel 2:10, 4, 5, 7, 3.
THE EFFECT UPON MANKIND.
Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee. hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.—Isa. 26:20.
In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats: to go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord; when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.—Isa. 2:20, 21.
Fear, and the pit, and the snare are upon the inhabitants of the earth. And it shall come to pass that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.
They shall be gathered together as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.—In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction. There is a crying for wine in the street; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.—Isa. 24:18, 22, 12, 11.
The whole city shall flee for the noise of the horsemen and bowmen; they shall go into thickets, and climb upon the rocks: every city shall be forsaken, and not a man dwell therein. Jer. 4:29.
The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth, the haughty people do languish.—Isa. 24:4.
The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff on the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.—Isa. 17:13.
They shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness. Isa. 8:22.
Every man's heart shall melt, and they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrow shall take hold of them, and they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.—Isa. 13:7, 8.
They shall drink and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them.—Jer. 25:16.
And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender so with the borrower.—Isa. 24:2.
And it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God. Isa. 8:21.
The flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself: neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself: he that is courageous among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day, saith the Lord.—Amos 2:14-16.
I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.—Amos 8:11.
Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you: behold the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, cryeth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth: your riches are corrupted, and your garments motheaten; your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasures together for the last days.—Jas. 5:1, 4, 2, 3.
They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed; their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the days of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumbling block of their iniquity.—Ezek. 7:19.
The kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?—Rev. 6:15-17.
…