FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:
THE SON OF MAN/SON OF GOD vs THE MAN OF SIN/SON OF PERDITION
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day [the second advent] shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God, sheweth himself that he is God.” 2 Thess. 2:3,4,KJV.
At the conclusion of the third angel’s message, John in vision specifically describes Jesus as SON Of MAN. coming for the final “harvest” of the earth.
“And I looked, and behold a white cloud [of angels], and upon the cloud sat like unto the SON OF MAN, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.” Rev. 14: 14.
Why is Christ at this point described as SON OF MAN instead of “Lamb of God,” “Lion of the tribe of Judah,” “King of kings and Lord of lords,” etc.? Obviously to re-emphasize the stark difference between the “man of sin” and the Son of man because the world that has rejected Christ has chosen “the man of sin,” an anti type of Barrabas in this instance, but specifically because the “man of sin” usurped the name, position, power, and authority of the Son of God on earth.
The reformatory Elijah and John the Baptist aspects of the Third angel’s message is to expose the man of sin while glorifying the Son of man. Hence God’s servants are clearly instructed as follows:
“By a variety of images the Lord Jesus presented to John the wicked character and seductive influence of those who have been distinguished for their persecution of God’s people.
“All need wisdom [such as Daniel, not Solomon, received] carefully to search out the MYSTERY OF INIQUITY that figures so largely in the winding up of this earth’s history.
“In the time in which we live, the Lord has called HIS PEOPLE and has given them a MESSAGE TO BEAR. [Here’s the antitypical combined Elijah-John the Baptist message]. He has called them to EXPOSE THE WICKEDNESS OF THE MAN OF SIN who has made the Sunday law a distinctive power, who has thought to change times and laws, and to oppress the people of God [since the Dark Ages and onward till the end] who stand firmly to honor Him [how?] by keeping only the TRUE Sabbath of creation, as holy unto the Lord.
“The perils of the last days are upon us, and in OUR WORK, we are to WARN the people of the danger they are in. Let not the SOLEMN SCENES which prophecy has revealed be left UNTOUCHED. [for personal, or fear to offend in the name of “love.” “charity,” “brotherly kindness,” “accommodation,” “inclusiveness,” “positivity,” “ecumenism,” “universalism,” and even “global unity,” etc.].
“If our people were HALF AWAKE, if they realized the NEARNESS of the events portrayed in Revelation, a REFORMATION [not merely a “revival”] would be wrought in our CHURCHES, and many more would believe the message.
“We have no time to lose: God calls upon us [those who minister God’s word] to watch for souls as they that must GIVE AN ACCOUNT. Advance new principles and CROWED IN the the clear-cut truth. It will be as a SWORD CUTTING BOTH WAYS. [Word of caution]: But be not too ready to take a CONTROVERSIAL attitude.
There will be times when we must STAND STILL and see the salvation of God. Let DANIEL speak, let the Revelation speak, and tell what is truth. But whatever phase of the subject is presented, UPLIFT JESUS as the center of all hope, the Root and Offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star.” – Testimonies to Ministers, p. 118. Bless all, NMF
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THE SON OF MAN/SON OF GOD vs THE MAN OF SIN/SON OF PERDITION
