Page 180 - Jesus is coming - Class version

CHAPTER XVI.
The Study of Prophecy.
It may be you disapprove the study of prophecy, because
Jesus said: "But of that day and hour knoweth no man"
(Mat. 24:36), and, "It is not for you to know the times
or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own
power." Acts 1 :7.
Dear reader ! do not conceive that the study of prophecy
consists merely in the setting of dates or forecasting future
events. For wise reasons the Master has withheld from us
"the day and the hour" when He will come, but He called
the Pharisees hypocrites, because they could not discern the
signs of the times, and He has commanded us to WATCH,
and he has pronounced a blessing upon the study of proph-
1
ecy.
Peter exhorts us to GIVE HEED unto the sure word of
2
prophecy. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness." 2 Tim. 3:16.
The greater part of this Scripture consists of prophecy,
and if Christians would give more attention to it, they
would not find themselves distracted from present service,
but "they would find much light thrown on their present
path, much practical encouragement given to their minis-
try." Their faith would rest upon a broader and deeper
comprehension of God's character and ways, and their
spiritual horizon would stand out in clearer outline than
before.
(1) Rev. 1:3. Blessed is he Luke 11:28. But he said, Yea,
that readeth, and they that hear rather, blessed are they that hear
the words of this prophecy, and the word of God, and keep it.
keep those things which are writ- (2) 2 Pet. 1 :19. And we have
ten therein : for the time is at the word of prophecy made more
hand. sure ; whereunto ye do well that
Rev. 22 :7. Behold, I come ye take heed, as unto a lamp
quickly : blessed is he that keep- shining in a dark place, until
eth the sayings of the prophecy the day dawn, and the day-star
of this book. arise IB your hearts.
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