Page 146 - Jesus is coming - Class version

OBJECTIONS CONSIDERED. 143
against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly
men." 2 Pet. 3:5-7.
We rejoice over every one of those, who, by believing
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the gospel, the good news of the coming kingdom, are
saved from this awful fate and made "joint heirs with
Christ" (Rom. 8:16-17) "to an inheritance ... re-
served in heaven for us," and "who are kept by the power
of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed
in the last tune," and who "hope to the end for the grace
that is to be brought unto" us "at the revelation of Jesus
Christ." 1 Pet. 1:4-5-13.
Surely this positive conviction of coming doom is a
mightier incentive to action than can be the quieting fal-
lacy that things are moving on prosperously and that EVEN
THE WORLD IS GETTING BETTER.
And this is clearly proved by the zeal and faithful work
of the ministers, evangelists and laymen, who hold and
proclaim this doctrine of the pre-millennial coming of
Christ.
It is true that they do not expect the conversion of the
world in this present evil age* (Gal. 1:4), but they do
believe that a millennial age of peace is coming, and they
do strive "in the midst of a crooked and perverse genera-
tion," to "shine as lights in the world holding forth the
word of life" (Phil. 2:15-16), that they may snatch some
brands from the burning (Mai. 4:1; 1 Cor. 3:13-15; Jude
23), to increase the godly company who shall be ready to
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welcome the Bridegroom.
*See the Greek.
and all that do wickedly, shall to continue in the faith, and
be stubble : and the day that that we must through much trib-
cometh shall burn them up, saith illation enter into the kingdom
the Lord of hosts, that it shall ef God.
leave them neither root nor (86) Mat. 25:10. And while
branch. they went to buy, the bridegroom
(85) Acts 14:21. And when came; and they that were ready
they had preached the gospel to went in with him to the mar*
that city, and had taught many, riage : and the door was shut,
they returned again to Lystra, 11. Afterward eame also the
and to Iconium, and Antioch, other virgins, saying, Lord,
22. Confirming the souls of Lord, open to us.
the disciples, and exhorting them 12. But he answered and said.