The Sovereign Prerogatives of God. Part [16] 12/29/2024 (Morning thought)

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36 But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Thus, in His wisdom God has chosen to withhold the top secret, classified information pertaining to the exact day of His return. In the fullness of time, when it becomes necessary, He will make that information known to His people, but for now, just as it was with the plan of salvation it remains highly classified info. And, for good reason, for whenever in retrospect we observe what took place in 1844, we discover God’s wisdom in not making the day of His coming known to mortals as yet.

Here are just a few snippets of the doings of persons, in relation to what they believed was an exact date for Christ’s second coming.  [The Great Controversy pp 396>374] [1] Sinners inquired with weeping, “What must I do to be saved?” Those whose lives had been marked  with dishonesty were anxious to make restitution. [2] The hearts of parents were turned to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents. [3] Heart-felt confessions were made, and members of the household labored for the salvation of those who were nearest and dearest.

 [4] Everywhere were souls in deep anguish, pleading  with God. [5] Many wrestled all night in prayer for the assurance that their sins were pardoned. [6] For some weeks preceding the time, worldly business was for the most part laid aside. [7] The sincere believers carefully examined every thought and emotion of their hearts as if upon their death-beds and in a few hours to close their eyes upon earthly scenes. [8] There were among them many who had been actuated by no higher motive than fear.

Matthew 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be you also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man cometh.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!

The Sovereign Prerogatives of God. Part [15] 12/29/2024 (Evening thought)

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

The secrets about the plan of salvation were not to be made known up front, but at the time when they would be needed. If Christ had revealed the plan of salvation up front to our first parents, with all of the gory details, their obedience, and freedom of choice might have been motivated by the knowledge of consequences, and not by love, and loyalty to the Creator. The same is true of other good secrets, which God retains the prerogative to keep to Himself. Here are just a few examples:  

[1] If Christ were to let Moses know of His plan to translate him to heaven, without him seeing death, Moses’ behavior could have been affected by the knowledge of his imminent translation. [2] If Christ were to let us know up front that the former president would win against all odds, very many persons may, or may not have stayed home, and not done what they would have naturally done, through their freedom of choice.

[3] Again, if God were to reveal up front the day and the hour of His coming a lot of people might behave themselves very well, or even differently as they see the time drawing near, and no doubt, almost every person would straighten up, the night, just before Christ appeared. Then again, our behaviors could be affected by the foreknowledge of the exact day of His coming, and thus, our freedom of choice would not be exercised entirely free of bias, in the truest sense of the word.

Matthew 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go you out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

May God add His blessing o the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!