The glorious second advent, the Adventists taught, is the focal point of all prophecy. It ushers in the last act in the divine drama of the ages, as the epochal events foretold by the prophets, to be fulfilled by the march of time, eventuate in this climactic point of all prophecy. That is why, they felt, the second advent has infinitely more meaning, purpose, and moving power to the Adventist than to one who looks upon it merely as a doctrine of vague comfort and assurance.PFF4 1171.2

Man’s honest attempts at prophetic interpretation, they believed, have been but the record of his quest for a sound understanding of prophetic truth and principle. And perception of prophecy’s fulfillment has been recognized as progressive over the centuries. It has unfolded slowly to the minds of men, in proportion as history has fulfilled each succeeding epoch or major event of prophecy. The established features have thus become the steadily enlarging platform of demonstrated prophetic principle and accomplished historical fulfillment. And no true principle, once perceived, has ever been permanently lost. Standing upon this firm platform, men are in position to recognize those remaining portions that are rapidly taking shape before their eyes. And this is all in conformity with the basic principle of prophetic interpretation enunciated by Christ—“Now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.”PFF4 1171.3

Just that, they asserted, has been the actual record of the centuries. As fast and as far as history has fulfilled the succeeding segments in the master outline of prophecy, men have been able to recognize with certainty the actual fulfillments as they have taken place, while they watch for further phases and coming fulfillments. This very process has given surety and confidence, along with balance and breadth, in grasping the vast prophetic panorama of the ages. Fulfillment is God’s certification of prophecy. Hence, man’s attempt to expound prophecy represents his outreach after those certainties of accomplishment that have become clear and established through time’s onward march of events. And it is simply the extension of this same perception and confidence that they are to hold today toward the final phases of prophecy now about to take place before the eyes of the world.PFF4 1172.1

Prophecy therefore adds meaning and depth to all doctrine and life. It brings the baffling events of history into sharp perspective, and clarifies the blur of uncertainty. It pushes back the horizons. It draws aside the curtain, so man can see the hand of God behind many otherwise baffling events of history, enabling him to glimpse the larger meaning of it all. It transforms the puzzle picture of the ages into a master portrait of God’s redemptive love and Christ’s redemptive acts for a lost race.PFF4 1172.2

Prophecy gives inspiring significance to the otherwise meaningless sweep of the centuries, and in and through it all discloses the principle of God’s dealings with nations, as well as with individuals. It changes the darksome path of history into the lighted way. It provides present light for the darkness of time’s last hour. It puts the day-star of hope into the bleak sky of despair. And it heralds the glorious sunrise that will end man’s night of bewildering separation and estrangement from God.PFF4 1173.1

Prophecy is therefore the rainbow of promise, painted by the fingers of God. It is a herald of hope in the dying storm of sin and catastrophe. It gives assurance of coming deliverance from the final cataclysm of the ages now bearing down upon the world. Prophecy brings the promise of God that the storm will soon end, and that there is hope for man, with eternal safety, peace, and salvation held out before the righteous. Rightly understood, prophecy results in an ever-radiant optimism. It assures mankind that the Paradise of Eden is soon to be restored, and that sin will not rise up the second time.PFF4 1173.2

Such was believed to be the larger meaning and message of Bible prophecy in the master plan of God. It was such a concept, grasped in varying degrees, that gave point, power, and purpose to the prophetic faith of our spiritual fathers throughout the centuries, making them His messengers in every age. And nothing short of this can prepare the church of God for deliverance when our Lord returns for His people. That was the recognized challenge of prophecy for time’s last hour. That was the prophetic faith of the Sabbatarian Adventists.PFF4 1173.3

VI. Prophecy Adds Depth and Meaning to Doctrine

Epilogue - Persistence of Premillennial Second Advent Emphasis in America and Britain, 1878-1952