The Time is at Hand

STUDIES I - V

BEREAN QUESTIONS

STUDY I

SPECIAL TIMES AND SEASONS DIVINELY APPOINTED

1. What features of the Divine Program are treated in Volume 2 of "Scripture Studies"? P. 13, ¶ 1.

2. What exhortation is now due to the still loyal though drowsy children of the Kingdom? P. 13, ¶ 2.

3. Why is a thorough understanding of the Plan of the Ages a pre-requisite to an appreciation of the Divinely appointed times and seasons? P. 14, ¶ 1.

4. Why should we expect more truth to be revealed in the Harvest of this Age than in times past? P. 14, ¶ 2.

5. What is the proper method of interpreting prophecy? P. 15, ¶1.

6. What is the character of the Scriptural testimony respecting the times and seasons, and what impression does this knowledge make upon the studious and reverent inquirer? P. 15, ¶ 2.

7. What do we find respecting the length of the Gospel "harvest," and what are some of the many great and wonderful events that will transpire during this period? P. 15, ¶ 3.

8. What attitude of mind and heart is necessary in order to receive the testimony of the prophecies, as set forth in this volume? And what is evidently the object for which these now unfolding prophecies are designed? P. 16, ¶1.

9. Why should those who have been permitted to view God's chart of the ages be especially anxious to learn

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whatever has been revealed concerning the times and seasons? P. 17, ¶ 1.

10. Is such interest displeasing to God? If not, why did He not gratify the desires of the Prophets and Apostles along these lines? P. 17, ¶ 2.

11. Should a desire to understand the prophecies be considered an improper prying into God's secrets? What is the only safe ground to take with respect to interpreting prophecy? What has been God's method of revealing His Plan, both in detail and in general outline? P. 17, ¶ 3.

12. What were our Lord's replies to the disciples who inquired of Him respecting the time for the setting up of the Kingdom? P. 18, ¶ 1.

13. What is the popular but erroneous interpretation of Mark 13:32, 33, 37? And how should these words be explained? P. 18, ¶ 2.

14. What do these words of the Lord indicate respecting the Father's method of executing His great work? P. 19, ¶ 1.

15. Should we understand from Jesus' replies to His disciples that He rebuked them and forbade all interest in and investigation of these subjects? What was the significance of His exhortation to "take heed" and to "watch"? P. 19, ¶ 2.

16. What was the experience of those who watched all down the age, and what will be the portion of those who will be living in the "due time" and watching? What does neglecting to watch indicate? P. 19, ¶ 3.

17. How does St. Peter call attention to the times and seasons, and to what does he refer in 2 Pet. 1:16? What is his exhortation in 2 Pet. 1:19? P. 20, ¶ 1.

18. What is the declaration of St. Paul regarding the times and seasons? 1 Thes. 5:1-4; P. 20, ¶ 2.

19. What advantage with respect to the times and seasons have the Lord's people enjoyed in contrast with the world? Cite Scriptural instances. P. 21, ¶ 1.

20. What assurance is given us in Amos 3:7? P. 22, ¶1.

21. Why does St. Paul so positively declare that "ye brethren" will know of the times and seasons when due? 1 Thes. 5:5; P. 22, ¶ 2.

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22. What is the significance of "ye" and "they," as used by the Apostle in this connection? P. 22, ¶ 3.

23. What does ignorance of the times and seasons indicate? P. 23, ¶ 1.

24. Did the Prophets understand the full import of their prophecies? What is their testimony on this point? P. 23, ¶ 2.

25. How does a Combination Time-Lock aptly illustrate the Divine arrangement of the time-prophecies? And how does the Lord Jesus "open" to us the time features of the Divine Plan? P. 23, ¶ 3; P. 24, ¶ 1.

26. How does this illustration of the Time-Lock fit the entire Plan of God? P. 24, ¶2.

27. How has the Divine wisdom been manifested in keeping hidden in the past the times and seasons, and revealing them in this "time of the end"? P. 25, ¶ 1.

28. What Scriptures indicate that our God is a God of order? P. 25, ¶ 2.

29. Why were time-prophecies given? P. 25, ¶ 3.

30. Is the fact that the majority of Christians are indifferent regarding the study of time-prophecies any reason why those who "love His appearing" should drop into similar lukewarmness? P. 26, ¶ 1.

31. What is the significance of the Prophet Isaiah's declaration respecting "both the houses of Israel"? Isa. 8:14; P. 26, ¶ 2.

32. What are the chief essentials to the proper understanding of prophecy and the signs of the times? P. 27, ¶ 1.

33. What was the contrast in the attitudes of the "Israelites indeed" and the Pharisees in the "harvest" of the Jewish Age? P. 27, ¶ 2.

34. How do these find their parallels in the end of the Gospel Age? P. 28, ¶1.

35. What is the great importance of a knowledge of the times and seasons? P. 28, ¶ 2.

36. Why does a special odium attach to the study of prophetic time? P. 29, ¶ 1.

37. What was the common cause of failure in the case of both the First and Second Adventists? P. 29, ¶ 2; P. 30, ¶ 1.

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38. Were time-prophecies designed to alarm or convert the world? If not, what was evidently the Lord's purpose in giving them? P. 30, ¶ 2; P. 31, ¶ 1.

39. What was the error of the Second Adventists which led to their disappointment? And what was the primary cause of their failure to understand the prophecies? P. 31, ¶ 2.

40. In their attempt to force all prophetic periods to one common day of termination, how did the Adventists handle the time-prophecies? On the contrary, what method is pursued in our present study of the times and seasons? P. 32, ¶ 1.

STUDY II

BIBLE CHRONOLOGY

1. What does the date 1872 A.D mark? And why is a knowledge of chronology the necessary basis for the study of prophetic periods? P. 33, ¶ 1, 2.

2. How has the length of time since the creation of man been variously estimated? And what has been the method of scientific (?) calculations? P. 33, ¶ 3; P. 34, ¶ 1.

3. Why do such calculations appear very unreliable to an unscientific mind? P. 34, ¶ 2; P. 35, ¶ 1.

4. What information does purely human history afford us on this subject of chronology? And where only can be found any connected and reasonable account of the first three thousand years of man on the earth? P. 35, ¶ 2.

5. Aside from the Bible, what means has the world for tracing its chronology, and what is the earliest recorded date? P. 36, ¶ 1.

6. With the exception of the Hebrews, what is the condition of chronological records among the ancient nations? P. 36, ¶ 2; P. 37, ¶ 1.

7. What remarkable contrast is presented by the history contained in the Hebrew Scriptures? P. 37, ¶ 2.

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8. Describe the character of Bible Chronology. Where does it end? What is "the chart of all history"? P. 37, ¶ 3.

9. What, therefore, should we expect of the Bible with respect to chronology? P. 38, ¶ 1.

10. Are God's times and seasons stated in clear and unmistakable language? If not, in what manner are they given, and what class alone can appreciate them? P. 38, ¶ 2.

11. What is the difference between the Septuagint and Hebrew versions of the Old Testament, and why is the Hebrew preferable as an authority? P. 39, ¶ 1.

12. Does the Bible directly state that the seventh thousand years will be the period of Christ's reign on earth? If not, what reasonable and Scriptural grounds are there for such belief? P. 39, ¶ 2.

13. What have we previously learned respecting the term day, and how does this apply to the "Day of the Lord"? P. 40, ¶ 1.

14. What have we learned from Scripture regarding the character of the dawn of the Millennium, or Day of the Lord? P. 40, ¶ 2.

15. What is the general condition of the world, especially since 1873, and how does this state of affairs correspond with the prophecies? P. 41, ¶ 1.

16. Is chronology of value only in pointing out the seventh epoch or Millennium? What is the relation between chronology and prophecy? P. 41, ¶ 2.

17. Why is our study of chronology termed Bible Chronology? And what evidence of Divine oversight is manifested in this Bible Chronology? P. 42, ¶ 1.

18. Give a condensed statement of chronology from the creation of Adam to the year of the world 6000, otherwise A.D 1872. P. 42, ¶2.

19. Is the Bible Chronology of the Old Testament without a break? P. 42, ¶ 3.

20. Verify, with Bible in hand, the chronology from the creation of Adam to the day the Noahic flood was dried up, a period of 1656 years. P. 43.

21. Examine and prove the chronology from the flood

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to the Covenant with Abraham, a period of 427 years. P. 44, ¶ 1.

22. What difficulty is encountered in tracing the chronology from the Covenant with Abraham to the giving of the Law, and how has this chasm been Divinely bridged? P. 44, ¶ 2.

23. How is the date of the Covenant with Abraham established as a starting point for this period? P. 44, ¶ 3.

24. When did the Lord Jehovah propose the Covenant to Abraham, and what was the stipulation demanded before the Covenant could be actually made? What date, therefore, is fixed by Terah's death? What was the first feature of the Mosaic Law; and when was it instituted? P. 45, ¶ 1.

25. What Scriptures give the date of the Exodus of the Children of Israel from Egypt? P. 46, ¶ 1.

26. Harmonize the apparent contradiction in the statements of Moses and St. Paul regarding the period from the Covenant with Abraham to the Exodus and giving of the Law, as noted in Ex. 12:40-42 and Gal. 3:17. P. 46, ¶ 2; P. 47, ¶ 1, 2.

27. How do we find the period from the Exodus to the Division of the Land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel? P. 47, ¶ 3, and P. 48, footnote.

28. Why is the period of the Judges the most difficult in Bible Chronology, and how has the problem been Divinely solved? P. 49, ¶ 1 to 3.

29. Trace the period of the Kings, 513 years. P. 50.

30. How long did the Desolation of the Land continue? And where does Bible Chronology cease? P. 51, ¶ 1.

31. What is the length of the period from the Restoration of the Jews to Jerusalem under Cyrus to A.D. 1? P. 51, ¶ 2.

32. How many years from the Creation to the beginning of the Christian Era? How many more are necessary to complete 6,000 years, and what year A.D is thus marked? P. 51, ¶ 3.

33. Briefly, how does the foregoing chronology differ from that of Bishop Usher, given in the margin of our Common Version Bibles? P. 51, ¶ 4.

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34. Where does Usher make a mistake of 18 years? P. 52, ¶ 1.

35. How does Usher's difference of 4 years occur? P. 52, ¶ 2.

36. Where is the difference of 2 years found? P. 52, ¶ 3.

37. How can these differences be accounted for? P. 52, ¶ 4.

38. What error in I Kings 6:1 led Usher into a mistake of 100 years? P. 52, ¶ 5.

39. How has the Lord overruled such errors? P. 53, ¶ 1.

40. So then, where Usher gives A.D 1 as the year 4005 from the creation of Adam, what year should it be, according to Bible Chronology? P. 53, ¶ 2.

41. In conclusion, where do we find ourselves on the stream of time? P. 54, ¶ 1.

42. When did the Church begin to reckon time from the birth of Christ? And how would this date, if incorrectly placed, affect our Bible Chronology? Give illustration of this point. P. 54, ¶ 2; P. 55, ¶ 1.

43. What error with respect to our Lord's birth is commonly accepted by scholars? And what say the Scriptures on this point? P. 55, ¶ 2.

44. What reason is given for the claim that our Lord was born four years before the commonly accepted date A.D? P. 55, ¶ 3; P. 56, ¶ 1.

45. Under what conditions only would an eclipse of the moon prove valuable in determining a date? P. 56, ¶ 2.

46. What were the facts in regard to eclipses of the moon in B.C. 4 and B.C. 1, respectively? P. 57, ¶ 1.

47. What is the conflict of opinion among scholars as to the date of Herod's death, and what does this signify? P. 57, ¶ 2, 3.

48. What are the first steps to be taken in seeking the date of our Lord's birth from Scriptural evidences? P. 58, ¶ 1, 2.

49. How much older than Jesus was John the Baptist? And when did John begin his ministry, according to Luke 3:1? P. 58, ¶ 3.

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50. To what straits are those driven who place the date of Jesus' birth at B.C. 4, in their efforts to harmonize it with Luke's statement regarding the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar? And what are the historical facts regarding the dates of Tiberius' reign? P. 58, ¶ 4 to P. 60, ¶ 1.

51. What, therefore, is our conclusion respecting the date of Luke 3:1, and how does this definitely and unequivocally fix the date of Jesus' birth? P. 60, ¶ 2.

52. What is the evidence that Jesus was crucified on Friday, April 3, A.D 33? And how do Usher's dates prove that he was forced to admit A.D 33 as the date of the crucifixion? P. 60, ¶ 3.

53. How is the date of Jesus' birth proven, by the date of His crucifixion and the length of His ministry, to have been about October 1, B.C. 2? P. 61, ¶ 1.

STUDY III

THE FULFILMENT OF TIME-PROPHECY AT THE FIRST ADVENT OF CHRIST.

1. In whose prophecy are the "seventy weeks" mentioned? Read and paraphrase Daniel 9:23-27. P. 63, ¶ 1, 2.

2. What part of the Jewish Age is specially marked by this prophecy? P. 64, ¶ 1.

3. What is the peculiarity of this prophecy, and why is it essential that we clearly establish its fulfillment? P. 64, ¶ 2.

4. What had been the character of Daniel's previous visions, described in Chapters 2, 4, 7 and 8? And why was he specially solicitous about Israel at the time referred to in Chapter 9? P. 64, ¶ 3.

5. How was the starting point of the "seventy weeks" indicated? And what events were to transpire during this period? P. 65, ¶ 1, 2.

6. What principle of prophetic time was established in the fulfillment of the 70 weeks or 490 days? And of what value is this principle in studying time prophecies? P. 65, ¶ 3.

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7. To what event did the 69 symbolic weeks reach? At what date A.D did they end? P. 66, ¶ 1.

8. From what event have most writers on this subject begun to count the 70 weeks? And wherein have they erred? What apparent objection is there to counting this period from the 20th year of Artaxerxes, and how may it be answered? P. 66, ¶ 2.

9. What date is commonly attributed to Nehemiah's commission, and what is the true date? P. 67, ¶ 1.

10. What is the proof that 454 B.C. is the proper date from which to count the 70 weeks? P. 67, ¶ 2.

11. How was the date of Messiah's crucifixion indicated in this prophecy? P. 68, ¶ 1.

12. What is signified by the statement, "He (Messiah) shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease"? P. 68, ¶ 2.

13. How did Messiah fulfill the statements of Daniel 9:24? And did this prophecy indicate how much time would be given to the fulfillment of these things? P. 68, ¶ 3; P. 69, ¶1.

14. Did this prophecy show that the mass of the people would be cast off in the midst of the "week"? What one and only feature of the prophecy (Dan. 9:24) was not fulfilled within the half-week (3½ years) of Jesus' ministry? P. 69, ¶ 2.

15. Did God promise 70 weeks to the nation of Israel and actually give them only 69 weeks, as the foregoing would seem to indicate? How harmonize? P. 70, ¶ 1.

16. What were the characteristic features of the last 3½ years, as regards Israel? P. 70, ¶ 2.

17. In harmony with this, what was Jesus' commission to His disciples with respect to their work during the 3½ years immediately following His death? P. 71, ¶ 1.

18. What was probably the date of Cornelius' conversion, and what fact was appropriately marked by this incident? P. 71, ¶ 2.

19. In what manner were the distress and trouble prophesied in Dan. 9:26 and 27 fulfilled? P. 71, ¶ 3.

20. Why is a careful re-reading and study of Dan. 9:23-27 advisable? P. 72.

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STUDY IV

THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES

1. Where does the expression, "Times of the Gentiles," occur in Scripture, and to what period does it apply? P. 73, ¶ 1 to 3.

2. To whom was the dominion of the earth originally given? How did he exercise this dominion, and to whom was it given subsequent to Adam's disobedience? What declaration of Jehovah's purpose was made to Abraham after the flood? P. 73, ¶ 4.

3. What was the earliest suggestion from God regarding a national universal dominion over the earth? And what did this imply? P. 74, ¶ 1.

4. What was the effect of Israel's hope upon other nations? P. 74, ¶ 2.

5. When God was about to remove the crown from Israel's last king, what was His determination with respect to Gentile Kingdoms? P. 75, ¶ 1.

6. Since the Kingdom of Israel was in some respects typical of the Kingdom of Christ, what course of action was appropriate on God's part when Israel had proven themselves unfit for universal dominion? P. 75, ¶ 2.

7. How has this overturning of dominion been accomplished? What will be the Fifth Universal Empire of Earth? P. 76, ¶ 1.

8. What date will mark the end of Gentile lease of dominion? If this date can be accurately fixed, what will it prove regarding the Kingdom of God? P. 76, ¶ 2; P. 77, ¶ 1.

9. What will this date prove respecting Earth's new Ruler? P. 77, ¶ 2.

10. What will this date prove with regard to the last member of the Body of Christ? P. 77, ¶ 3.

11. Fourthly, what will it prove as respects Jerusalem and its relation to the Gentiles? P. 77 4.

12. Fifthly, what will it prove respecting Israel's "blindness"? P. 77, ¶ 5.

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13. What will the fixing of this date prove with respect to the great "Time of Trouble"? P. 77, ¶ 6.

14. What will this date prove regarding the relation between God's Kingdom and the "powers that be"? P. 78, ¶ 1.

15. What do our Lord's words, "Until the Times of the Gentiles be fulfilled," imply? P. 78, ¶ 2.

16. Does the Bible locate the beginning of Gentile Times and also furnish the length of this period? In what manner? P. 79, ¶ 1.

17. What is the Scriptural evidence as to length of this period and the date of its beginning? P. 79, ¶ 2.

18. Briefly, what has been the history of the Jewish nation since the crown was taken from Zedekiah? P. 79, ¶ 3.

19. Give in detail the method of arriving at the date for the beginning of Gentile Times. P. 79, ¶ 4.

20. Recognizing God's lease of power to the Gentile Kingdoms, is it reasonable to believe that the Kingdom of God was set up at Pentecost? What is the truth about "Christendom's" claims? P. 80, ¶ 1.

21. What has been the position of the Kingdom of Christ during the Gospel Age, and how long will its humiliation continue? What should be the attitude of the true Church toward "the Kingdoms of this world"? P. 80, ¶ 2.

22. When will fleshly Israel come into their promised inheritance? P. 81, ¶ 1.

23. How did the removal of the crown from Zedekiah affect the promise, "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, etc."? (Gen. 49:10). P. 81, ¶ 2.

24. How did Moses seem to fulfill the promise of a great deliverer, and what was his prophetic declaration on this point? To what tribe did the promise finally narrow down? P. 82, ¶ 1.

25. What were Israel's expectations during David's and Solomon's reigns? P. 82, ¶ 2.

26. How were their hopes destroyed? P. 83, ¶ 1.

27. When the crown was removed from the last King

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of Israel, was the sceptre also taken away? How was this pointed out in the decree against Zedekiah? P. 83, ¶ 2.

28. In what manner did the Law Covenant restrict the Abrahamic Covenant? And how did this lead to the formation of the sect of the Pharisees? P. 83, ¶ 3.

29. What was Jesus' teaching with respect to the ability of any man to keep the perfect Law of God? Did Jesus censure the Pharisees for attempting or failing to keep the Law fully, or for what did He blame them? P. 84, ¶ 1.

30. What did Jesus declare to be the full import of the Law? And how did He illustrate it in His own life? P. 84, ¶ 2.

31. Through His perfect obedience to the Law, what things were accomplished by our Lord Jesus? P. 85, ¶ 1.

32. How was the Law Covenant affected by Jesus' acquisition of the "sceptre"? P. 85, ¶ 2.

33. What did the "Prince of Peace" thus secure for His subjects? And how did He fulfill the prophecy of Gen. 49:10? P. 85, ¶ 3.

34. Why did those who "waited for the consolation of Israel" return after the seventy years' captivity, gathering about the tribe of Judah, and yet reject the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" when He came? P. 86, ¶ 1.

35. "Shiloh" having received the sceptre and "all power" at His resurrection, what has been His subsequent work during the Gospel Age? When will He, "whose right it is" to rule, receive the crown, or great power, and begin His glorious reign? P. 86, ¶ 2.

36. What do we expect to prove (in this study) regarding the length of the Times of the Gentiles? P. 87, ¶ 1.

37. Shall we find this evidence clearly stated in so many words, or in what manner? P. 87, ¶ 2.

38. What do our Lord's words, "Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the Times of the Gentiles be fulfilled," suggest? P. 87, ¶ 3.

39. What suggestions do we receive from Leviticus 26:17, 18, 24, 28? P. 87, ¶ 4.

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40. How often is this threat of "seven times" mentioned? What do the various punishments previously mentioned refer to? These having failed, how was the threat of "seven times" applied? P. 88, ¶ 1.

41. What does the connection indicate regarding the corrective effect of these "seven times" upon the people of Israel? P. 88, ¶ 2.

42. At what time would the lesser captivities be due to give place to the final chastisement of "seven times"? P. 88, ¶ 3.

43. How is the term, "time," Scripturally used? And how is a symbolic "year," as used in prophecy, reckoned? P. 89, ¶ 1.

44. Were the "seven times" of Israel's punishment literal or symbolic? In what manner do we decide this matter? P. 89, ¶ 2.

45. How do we know that Nebuchadnezzar's "seven times" were seven literal years, and that Israel's "seven times" were symbolic years? P. 90, ¶ 1.

46. What other name is Scripturally applied to the "seven times" of Israel's punishment? P. 90, ¶ 2.

47. Show by diagram the length of Israel's "seven times," when they began, and when they will end. P. 90, ¶ 3.

48. Cite several instances which prove that "a day for a year" is Bible usage in symbolic prophecy. What specially marked fulfillment of prophecy has established the principle upon which the "seven times" of Gentile rule are reckoned? P. 91.

49. Had Israel's "seven times" been fulfilled in seven literal years, what result would have immediately followed? P. 92, ¶ 1.

50. Was the restoration of Israel by Cyrus a release from Gentile rule? If not, when should we expect this release to take place, and are there any significant indications among the Jews at the present time? P. 92, ¶ 2.

51. Where is another view of Gentile Times presented in Scripture? P. 93, ¶ 1, 2.

52. What is the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream? P. 94, ¶ 1, 2; P. 95, ¶ 1.

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53. How was this dream fulfilled in Nebuchadnezzar's experiences? And what is the evident object in this so carefully narrated and interpreted dream of a heathen king? P. 95, ¶ 2.

54. Why was this dream specially appropriate to Nebuchadnezzar? What language was used by him after he had learned the intended lesson? P. 96, ¶ 1, 2.

55. Of what was Nebuchadnezzar's degradation typical? P. 96, ¶ 3.

56. Why were the Gentile governments portrayed as wild beasts, and how was the Ruler of God's Kingdom represented to Daniel in a vision? P. 97, ¶ 1.

57. What three facts show the fitness of Nebuchadnezzar's seven literal years as an illustration of the seven symbolic years of Gentile Times? P. 97, ¶ 2.

58. Is a knowledge of the exact date of Nebuchadnezzar's degradation essential to the foregoing argument? P. 97, ¶ 3.

59. What is the refreshing prospect brought to view after the close of Gentile Times? P. 98, ¶ 1, 2.

60. Are there any present indications of reason returning to mankind? What final experience will be necessary before they come to a full recognition of Jehovah and His rightful sovereignty over all? P. 98, ¶ 3.

61. What agencies for the undermining of earthly empires have been rapidly developing during the past few years? P. 98, ¶ 4.

62. In view of the Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, what may be considered an established truth? P. 99, ¶ 1.

63. At what time was the Kingdom of God set up, as recorded in Nebuchadnezzar's dream? And how does this correspond with the history of the setting up of the beastly governments? P. 99, ¶ 2.

64. What will be the immediate cause of the great time of trouble and the breaking to pieces of present kingdoms? P. 100, ¶ 1.

65. Since we have noted a great difference in character between the Kingdom of God and the Gentile kingdoms, what difference should we expect in their modes of

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warfare? Should we look for a peaceable transfer of dominion? P. 100, ¶ 2.

66. Briefly, at what time is the Kingdom of God due to begin the exercise of power? And when will the "battle of the great day of God Almighty" end? P. 101, ¶ 1.

67. What is the character of the events due to take place during the "Day of the Lord"? And what is the "sword that is wounding the heads over many nations"? P. 101, ¶ 2, 3.

68. Why and how will all finally accept the Kingdom of God as the "desire of all nations"? P. 102.

STUDY V

THE MANNER OF OUR LORD'S RETURN AND APPEARING

1. Why is the interest of the Church of Christ centered in the closing years of the Gentile Times? P. 103, ¶ 1.

2. What two features of the Lord's Second Advent must be clearly kept in mind in order to appreciate the prophetic teachings on this subject. And how are these two features related to each other? P. 103, ¶ 2.

3. How does the work of the Second Advent stand related to that of the First Advent of Christ? P. 104, ¶ 1.

4. What must be the first work of our Lord at His Second Advent? How and when will this be accomplished? P. 104, ¶ 2.

5. How can we harmonize the apparently conflicting statements of our Lord, "Lo, I am with you always, etc.," and "I will come again"? (Matt. 28:20; John 14:2, 3) P. 105, ¶ 1.

6. Since the work of the Second Advent covers a thousand years, should we expect to find more or less space given to it, in prophecy, than to the First Advent? P. 105, ¶ 2; P. 106, ¶ 1.

7. In our study of the Second Advent, should we expect to find all prophecies marking one particular event or moment of the Lord's arrival? Was this the case at the First Advent? What is the most important thought in considering the Second Advent? P. 106, ¶ 2.

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8. Why is it essential to keep in mind our Lord's change of nature at His resurrection, when studying the Second Advent? P. 107, ¶ 1, 2.

9. Contrast the conditions of His First and Second Advents. P. 108, ¶ 1, and footnote.

10. What methods characterized the Lord's manifestations of Himself to His disciples after His resurrection, as well as previously? And what may we, therefore, expect at His Second Advent? P. 109, ¶ 1.

11. What two facts were necessary to be clearly demonstrated by our Lord in His manifestations after His resurrection? And what were the peculiarities of these manifestations? P. 109, ¶ 2.

12. What was the method of the Lord's teaching regarding the Kingdom? And why were His disciples unable to arm themselves against the disappointment of their hopes? P. 110, ¶ 1, 2.

13. Realizing His disciples' sorrow and perplexity, what was the Master's chief concern and work after His resurrection? P. 111, ¶ 1.

14. Briefly, in what manner did He break to them the news of His resurrection? To whom was His resurrection first declared? P. 111, 2.

15. To whom did Jesus first appear, and what was His message to them? P. 112, ¶ 1.

16. What were the experiences of Peter and John, and Mary Magdalene, respectively? P. 112, ¶ 2; P. 113, ¶ 1.

17. In what manner did He next reveal Himself to the two disciples on their way to Emmaus? P. 113, ¶ 2; P. 114, ¶ 1.

18. Why did these disciples not recognize the Lord until He had taken bread and broken it? P. 115, ¶ 1.

19. What did these two disciples do immediately after they realized what had happened? How was this first informal "love feast" on the first day of the week afterwards commemorated? P. 115, ¶ 2.

20. How was the disciples' joy still further increased while they were relating their several experiences in this little meeting? And what were the peculiarities of this manifestation by their risen Lord? P. 115, ¶ 3.

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21. What period of time intervened until the next manifestation? And what was Thomas' experience at this time? P. 116, ¶ 1.

22. After this manifestation by their Lord, what were probably the experiences of the disciples for some time, and what were their perplexities? P. 116, ¶ 2; P. 117, ¶ 1.

23. What was doubtless the attitude of their risen Lord during this period? P. 117, ¶ 2.

24. What was Jesus' next manifestation and miracle? (Luke 5:4-11) P. 118, ¶ 1, 2.

25. What was the Lord's injunction to His disciples at this time? What question did they ask of the Master, and what was His prophetic reply? P. 119, P. 120, top, and footnote.

26. After our Lord's ascension, what deeper insight into the Divine Plan, what clearer understanding of the Kingdom and the King, was given to the disciples? P. 120.

27. What course was next followed by the disciples, according to their Lord's injunction? P. 121, ¶ 1.

28. Will the Lord manifest Himself in exactly the same manner at His Second Advent? P. 121, ¶ 2.

29. Would it be impossible for Christ to appear in human form at His Second Advent? Why would such manifestations be out of harmony with the general tenor of the Divine Plan? P. 122, ¶ 1.

30. Is knowledge obtainable in no other way than by hearing with the natural ear and seeing with the natural eye? P. 122, ¶ 2.

31. What was the necessity for our Lord's appearing as He did to His disciples, and does such necessity now exist? P. 123, ¶ 1.

32. Although Jesus removed the natural obstacles to their faith, by assuming human form, etc., what was His most effectual method of convincing His disciples and making them witnesses of His resurrection? P. 123, ¶ 2.

33. Our Lord might have appeared to His disciples as a flame of fire, but what would such manifestation have accomplished? P. 124, ¶ 1.

34. Had He appeared in the glory of the spirit form,

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as the Angel did to Daniel, what would have been the result? P. 124, ¶ 2.

35. During the forty days between His resurrection and ascension, how much of the time was the Lord visibly manifest to His disciples? And what conclusion suggests itself regarding His condition the rest of the time? P. 125, ¶ 1, first ten lines.

36. How many times did Jesus manifest Himself in exactly the same form so familiar to His disciples during the three years of their intimacy with Him? Why was this so, and how did He manifest Himself at other times? P. 125, ¶ 1, eleventh line, to ¶ 3.

37. What facts did Jesus thus prove to His disciples? P. 126, ¶ 1, and footnote.*

38. What unquestionable proofs were given by the Lord that He was no longer a human being? P. 126, ¶ 2, to P. 127, ¶ 2.

39. Is the foregoing in harmony with the teachings of Spiritism, Swedenborgianism, etc.? If not, what is the difference? P. 126, footnote.†

40. Have there been other similar manifestations on special occasions for special communications from Jehovah? Cite some instances. P. 127, ¶ 3.

41. What proof is there that the bodies assumed by these spirit beings were not their glorious spirit bodies? P. 127, ¶ 4.

42. How do we know that the bodies in which our Lord appeared were real, human bodies, and not mere delusions? P. 128, ¶ 1.

43. What absurd deductions have been drawn from our Lord's statement, "A spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have"? P. 128, ¶ 2.

44. To what erroneous conclusions would we be led by the popular idea that our Lord's resurrected body is the same body in which He was crucified? P. 128, ¶ 3.

45. Is it any more reasonable to suppose our Lord's spirit body since His resurrection is human than to suppose that His spirit body previous to His being made flesh was human? P. 129, ¶ 1.

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46. What became of our Lord's human body, and why was it thus disposed of? P. 129, ¶ 2.

47. If our Lord's glorious resurrection body was a body of flesh, how can we account for His appearances and disappearances, and the various forms of His manifestations? P. 130, ¶ 1.

48. May we take the position that these were merely miracles? P. 130, ¶ 2.

49. What difference specially characterized our Lord's manner toward His disciples after His resurrection, and why did this seem expedient? P. 131, ¶ 1.

50. What thoughts respecting Jehovah's personality will help us to appreciate our Lord's condition since His resurrection? What say the Scriptures as to man's ability to see God? Do the angels see God? P. 131, ¶ 2.

51. If our Lord Jesus, since His resurrection, is still the man Christ Jesus, how harmonize with the Scriptural declaration of His exaltation? Could Jesus see God, if still a human being? If Jesus took again His human nature at His resurrection, what would be His physical appearance throughout eternity? And, if "we shall be like Him," what appearance would be presented by the martyrs? Why is this view unscriptural, as well as most unreasonable? P. 132, ¶ 1.

52. What experience was necessary for Paul in order to become an Apostle? What was our Lord's object in appearing to Paul in His glorified body, as He is, instead of as He was? How will the Church see Christ? P. 133, ¶ 1.

53. What did Moses typify when he came down from the Mount? And what was the significance of his veil? P. 134, ¶ 1.

54. As we give the manner of our Lord's manifestations after His resurrection more careful study, what are our conclusions? And, recognizing His great exaltation, what should be our expectations regarding His revelation at His second advent? P. 135, ¶ 1.

55. If the Lord were to manifest Himself in glory to the world, what would be the result? What would be the effect, were He to appear as a man? P. 135, ¶ 2.

56. How was "God manifest in the flesh" of Jesus?

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How, therefore, should we expect the Christ to be manifest in the flesh? P. 136, ¶ 1.

57. At the very beginning of the Millennium, how will Christ be "manifested in the flesh"? And how may all mankind become images of God and of Christ? P. 136, ¶ 2.

58. What will be the condition of the perfect man, as respects the Holy Spirit and Word of God? What methods of communication and instruction will probably be used between the Spiritual Kingdom and its earthly representatives? P. 136, ¶ 3.

59. Does anything in reason or Scripture demand that Christ shall appear in various bodies of flesh and bones at His second advent? How does Satan's kingdom operate and how is he manifest in the flesh? P. 137, ¶ 1.

60. How will The Christ, "changed," operate in similar manner, but with opposite results? P. 137, ¶ 2.

61. How will the Lord's presence be manifested to the world, and recognized by mankind in general? P. 137, ¶ 3.

62. What has long been the popular idea with respect to the relation between evil doers and distress and trouble? What have been the facts in the past as regards this principle? How will the Day of Wrath change these matters? What Psalms especially depict the operations of the new Government? P. 137, ¶ 4.

63. Will the presence of the new King of earth be suddenly revealed? P. 138, ¶ 1.

64. As the great trouble increases, what efforts will mankind put forth towards protecting themselves? P. 139, ¶ 1, and footnote.

65. What will become of the idolatry of money in that day? Quote the Scriptures on this point. P. 139, ¶ 2.

66. Will the world recognize the cause of the trouble in the beginning of the Day of Wrath? P. 139, ¶ 3.

67. From whom and through whom will the retribution of the Time of Trouble come upon the unrighteous? How might the trouble be greatly lessened? P. 140, ¶ 1.

68. When will the world fully realize the true state

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of matters and the part they took in the "battle of the great day of God Almighty"? P. 140, ¶ 2.

69. Why will some learn the significance of the trouble more quickly than others? Will the Lord at this time leave Himself without witnesses as to the cause of the trouble? P. 141, ¶ 1.

70. How will the position of the Church differ from that of the world at the Lord's Second Advent, and why? What is the mission of the "feet" or last members of the Church of Christ at this time? P. 141, ¶ 2.

71. Are there statements of Scripture concerning the Lord's second advent which seemingly conflict? P. 142, ¶ 1.

72. What Scriptures plainly state and clearly illustrate the manner of the Second Advent? P. 142, ¶ 2.

73. What is the correspondence between "the days of Noah" and "the days of the Son of Man"? P. 143, ¶ 1.

74. On the other hand, what Scriptures apparently conflict with the foregoing? P. 143, ¶ 2.

75. As truth-seekers, shall we accept some of these statements and reject others? What principle must always be followed in seeking the truth on these matters? P. 143, ¶ 3.

76. What two other illustrations are given respecting the manner of the Lord's coming? P. 144, ¶ 1.

77. When endeavoring to interpret these apparently conflicting texts, what principle must be applied in order to harmonize the figurative with the literal statements? P. 144, ¶ 2.

78. How does the Apostle in 1 Thes. 4:16 describe the manner of the Second Advent? With what other Scriptures does this description correspond? P. 145, ¶ 1, 2.

79. What is the significance of the expression, "With a shout," and how does this apply to present conditions in the world? P. 146, ¶ 1, 2.

80. Explain the symbol, "The Voice of the Archangel." What other Scriptural expressions apply to this same thought? P. 147, ¶ 1, 2.

81. What does "The Trump of God" signify? Why do we consider this a figurative rather than a literal statement? P. 147, ¶ 3.

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82. What is the evidence that we are now living in the days of the "Seventh Trumpet"? P. 148, ¶ 1.

83. What is the particular point to be noticed in the prophecies of Daniel, Paul and John the Revelator, as respects the presence of the Lord? P. 149, ¶ 1.

84. What purpose has been served by "the Shout," "the Voice of the Archangel" and "the Trump of God" in the Harvest of the Gospel Age? P. 149, ¶ 2.

85. What is the first work of the Chief Reaper in the Harvest of the Gospel Age? And what is the length of the Harvest period? P. 150, ¶ 1.

86. What is the meaning of the symbol, "in flaming fire," in connection with the Lord's Second Advent? P. 150, ¶ 2; P. 151, ¶ 1.

87. How is the term, "Mighty Angels," applied? P. 151, ¶ 2.

88. How will the Lord be revealed to the world "in flaming fire"? What will be the contrasting experiences of the wicked and the righteous in the Day of the Lord? P. 151, ¶ 3.

89. Will there be any excuse for ignorance or inability to obey the Truth in that day? P. 152, ¶ 1.

90. What is the significance of the symbolic statement, "in power and great glory"? Why do many recognize the glory and power of earth's great Ruler, yet fail to recognize the King Himself? P. 152, ¶ 2, 3.

91. What is the application of the Scripture, "Behold, He cometh with clouds"? And how does this statement agree with the foregoing symbolic descriptions as to the manner of His coming? P. 153, ¶ 1, 2.

92. Is the expression, "In like manner" (Acts 1:11), out of harmony with the foregoing? What erroneous thought has been read into this text? What was the manner of His going away, and what may we, therefore, expect in the manner of His coming again? P. 153, ¶ 3, 4.

93. Why did the angel lay emphasis upon the expression, "this same Jesus'? What encouragement and inspiration does this thought convey to our minds and hearts? P. 154, ¶ 1.

94. What beautiful illustration of His coming again was given by our Lord Himself in Matt. 24:27? And

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what is the proper translation and interpretation of the Greek word "astrape" in this text? P. 155, ¶ 1.

95. What is the significance of the Greek word parousia in this text? What is the marginal reading in the Revised Version? P. 156, ¶ 1.

96. What words of caution were spoken by our Lord to guard against two prominent, erroneous teachings, which would be promulgated about the time of His Second Advent? P. 157, ¶ 1, 2.

97. What peculiarity of the Greek language enhances its value in giving exact expression to truth? For example, how many different Greek words have been rendered "come" in our English translation? P. 158, ¶ 1.

98. How many times does the word Parousia occur in the Greek Testament, and how many times is it correctly translated presence in the English Common Version? P. 159, ¶ 1, and footnote.

99. What is the correct thought in connection with the parousia of our Lord? Does parousia necessarily imply sight? How may this be proven? P. 159, ¶ 2.

100.Why were Jesus' disciples especially anxious to know the signs of the Second Advent? And why did our Lord give them so detailed an account of events intervening between the first and second advents? P. 159, ¶ 3; P. 160, ¶ 1.

101. To what period do Jesus' words in Matt. 24:1 to 14 apply? How are verses 15 and 22 applicable? What warning is contained in verses 23 to 26? How should verse 27 be interpreted? P. 160, ¶ 2.

102.How did Jesus use Noah's experience as a type of His Second Advent? What is the special point of comparison referred to by the Lord? P. 160, ¶ 3; P. 161, ¶ 1.

103. How does St. Luke describe the same conditions? P. 162, ¶ 1.

104. What is the similarity between the flood of Noah's day and the fire of the Day of the Lord? P. 162, ¶ 2.

105.Do the Scriptures indicate any difference between the world and the Church, as regards knowledge of the Second Advent? P. 163, ¶ 1, 2.

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106.What special encouragement was given by our Lord in Matt. 24:45-47? P. 163, ¶ 3.

107.What warning is expressed in Matt. 24:48-51? P. 163, ¶ 4.

108.What is clearly taught by the foregoing Scriptures with regard to two classes in the end of this age? P. 164, ¶ 1.

109.What is signified by "His goods" in Matt. 24:47? P. 164, ¶ 2.

110.Why will "the elect" not be disheartened nor deceived by present-day delusions? P. 165, ¶ 1.

111.In view of the foregoing, what is the Lord's glorious message to His Church at this time? P. 166, ¶ 1, 2.

112.What has evidently been the object in this particularity of instruction respecting the manner of the Lord's Second Advent? P. 166, ¶ 3.

113.What prophetic statement is made by St. Peter with respect to "scoffing" in the end of the Gospel Age? Are these scoffers in the world or in the Church? P. 167, ¶ 1, 2.

114.How does St. Peter use Noah's flood as an illustration of the overwhelming flood of trouble in the Day of the Lord? P. 168, ¶ 1.

115.What is St. Peter's exhortation to the saints in this day? 2 Pet. 3:10; P. 168, ¶ 2.

116.What assurance is given by the Apostle Paul that the faithful will not be left in darkness? Why is the symbolic storm of Rev. 7:1, 2 being held back? P. 168, ¶ 3.

117.What argument can be presented against taking literally St. Peter's and St. John's statements respecting "the heavens being on fire," and "rolled together as a scroll"? P. 169, ¶ 1.

118.Contrast the relative positions of the "little flock" and the world in the "harvest" of the Gospel Age. P. 169, ¶ 2; P. 170, ¶ 1.

119.What is the connection between the closing of Gentile Times and the setting up of Christ's Kingdom? Do we see about us any evidences of preparation for the establishing of the Kingdom? P. 170, ¶ 2.

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120.How has the Lord fulfilled His promise to "gird Himself" and to make His faithful, watching servants "sit down to meat"? Luke 12:37 P. 170, ¶ 3.

121.To what class only has the Lord revealed His purposes? And what should be the real truth-seeker's course with respect to every statement of "present truth"? P. 171, ¶ 1; P. 172.