Counsels on Future Life

Counsel #3 — When?

Picture: Counsel #3 — When? CFL 37.1

Matthew 24:29 states that immediately after the tribulation, startling signs in the natural world will precede the coming of Jesus. The tribulation of intense papal persecution ended in 1798 when Pope Pius VI was taken captive. A supernaturally “dark day” occurred on May 19, 1780, followed that night by unnatural moonlight. An intense meteor shower fell in New England on May 13, 1833. The powers of the heavens will be shaken when the heavenly bodies are moved out of their places by the power of the voice of God at the coming of Christ (Matthew 244:29b, Revelation 16:17-20, Isaiah 34:4, Revelation 6:14).^[32] CFL 37.2

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Matthew 24:36 NKJV CFL 37.3

“We are nearing the great day of God. The signs are fulfilling. And yet we have no message to tell us of the day and hour of Christ’s appearing. The Lord has wisely concealed this from us that we may always be in a state of expectancy and preparation for the second appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds of heaven.” Ellen White in Letter 28, 1897, par. 17 CFL 37.4

Reflect: Is it clear to you that those who predict the exact time of Jesus’ coming are false prophets? CFL 37.5