04.05. The Divine Origin of Christianity (Concluded)

THE DIVINE ORIGIN OF
CHRISTIANITY.

(CONCLUDED.)

"For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21). To demonstrate that men were enabled to make known future events will, we think, convince any reasonable man that they were inspired in such utterances by the Supreme Intelligence. Prophecies and their fulfillment furnish a line of evidence which any one may learn, and which increases in force as the years go by. Many of these great prophecies were so contrary to what would naturally be expected that no one could even imagine that such things would ever be; and yet, in the light of developments, prophecies became accurate history. Prophecy said that certain powerful kingdoms would be overthrown never to be re-established, and so they were, and that certain magnificent cities would be destroyed never to be rebuilt, and so they were. Each prophecy fulfilled furnishes a new argument, and the continued desolation of such cities as Babylon, Nineveh, and Tyre furnishes a new argument every day. Many other prophecies might be considered, but we have space for only a few more.

NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DREAM (Daniel 2:1-45). The Dream Made Known. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream which troubled him, but he was not able to recall it, and the wise men of the kingdom could not make known to him the dream. Only Daniel, a prophet of Jehovah, was able to make known to Nebuchadnezzar his dream.

"Thou, O king, sawest, and, behold, a great image. This image, which was mighty, and whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the aspect thereof was terrible. As for this image, its head was of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of brass, its legs of iron, its feet part of iron, and part of clay. Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon its feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them in pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, the gold, broken in pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing-floors; and the wind carried them away, so that no place was found for them; and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth" (Daniel 2:31-35). The Dream Interpreted by Daniel."Thou, O king, art king of kings, unto whom the God of heaven hath given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory; and wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the birds of the heavens hath he given into thy hand, and hath made thee to rule over them all: thou art the head of gold. And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee; and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, for as much as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things; and as iron that crusheth all these, shall it break in pieces and crush. And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but there shall be in it the strength of iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. And whereas thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men; but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron does not mingle with clay. And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that a stone was cut out of the mountains without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter; and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure" (Daniel 2:37-45).

Five universal kingdoms are mentioned in this prophecy, and several centuries of history are accurately outlined.

1. Nebuchadnezzar’s Kingdom is the First, and is represented in the image by the "head of gold." Babylon, his capitol city, was a wonderfully fortified city, and Chaldea, Arabia, and Palestine were included in his dominions. But even during the lifetime of Daniel Babylon fell, and its vast domains passed under the rule of the next universal empire.

2. The Medo-Persian. Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, removed the king of Media, and united the two kingdoms under his rule (550 B. C.). He subdued the kingdom of Lydia in Asia Minor (645 B. C.) Then Babylon was conquered (B. C. 538), and

Medo-Persia became the second universal empire of Daniel’s prophecy. This kingdom was the "breast and arms" of the image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.

3. The Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander the Great, who inherited the small kingdom of Macedonia from his father Philip, soon rose to world power by rapid conquest of territories belonging to the Medo-Persian kingdom. In rapid succession he overran Asia. Minor (B. C. 334), Syria (333 B. C..) and Egypt (332 B. C.) He then turned his course towards the heart of the Persian Empire. In the decisive battle of Arbela he routed the Persian king (331 B. C.), and became master of all the countries ruled by the Medo-Persian kings. After his death (323 B. C.) his world empire soon fell to pieces. The Macedonian kingdom was represented by the belly and thighs of the image of Nebuchadnez­zar.

At first glance the student may fail to see how the "little stone" could destroy all these kingdoms by striking the image on its feet after three of the kingdoms had passed away. A little reflection will clear the matter up. In his dream Nebuchadnezzar saw the image of a man, and this image represented these world empires. As in a human being, so in this image, one spirit animates the entire body, and gives it personality. Herein is found the personal identity of the image, for the same spirit moved and controlled every kingdom represented in this image—all were moved by the spirit of pride, selfish greed, and worldly ambition. Nothing else could have led them through such hardships and hazards in their search for universal dominion. This spirit adopts the principle that "Might makes right." Between such spirit and the kingdom of God there is no compatibility, but continual and uncompromising warfare; and to the extent that the kingdom of God influences men the spirit of universal worldly empire is destroyed. The Golden Rule, "All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them," cannot be a part of the program of greed for universal worldly dominion. The kingdom of Christ, the "little stone," smote the spirit as exemplified in the Roman government and destroyed it, never to rise again. A few men have since been filled with such spirit, but not enough at one time to give it universal power. Charlemagne, Napoleon, and others tried it, but failed. The recent efforts of the Emperor of Germany at world empire is another illustration to the same effect.

It is remarkable that Daniel, at a time when universal empire was in vogue, should accurately outline the rise and fall of one universal kingdom after another till there should rise a kingdom; small in beginning, so impregnated with a spirit diverse from these and would so influence men that it would destroy from the face of the earth such a monster.

Study the image and Daniel’s interpretation, and see with what precision Daniel made known the history of the nations, and the beginning of the kingdom of Christ. There is only one explanation: Daniel was an inspired prophet—the Bible is true.

CHRIST’S PROPHECY CONCERNING JERUSALEM AND THE JEWS.

(Matthew 24:1-28; Mark 13:3-23; Luke 21:5-24.)

Here we have recorded our Lord’s remarkable prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the calamities to befall the Jews. The student should carefully read these passages, and note carefully each item of the prophecy. In connection with this prophecy Jesus also mentioned his second coming, and some superficial readers get the two mixed. It can safely be said that all the things recorded in Matthew 24:4-28 relates to the destruction of Jerusalem and the calamities to befall the Jews in that connection. Every one who has any knowledge of ancient history knows that in A. D. 70 Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman armies, but not every one has investigated carefully to see how completely every detail of our Lord’s prophecy was fulfilled. It will strengthen your faith to look carefully into these matters. Josephus was an eyewitness to much that took place, being a participant in the war. We know of no other war and siege of which we have on record such minute details and vivid descriptions, as we have of the Roman invasion of Palestine and their siege of Jerusalem, given by Josephus in his Wars of the Jews. This history was endorsed by Vespasian and many of the Romans who took part in the war and siege; also by Chalsis, and Agrippa. Titus the commander of the Roman armies in that memorable war, placed his name to the history in attestation of its truthfulness. In reading Josephus’ account of these matters, did we not know he was a Jew and an unbeliever in Christ, we might think he was fully bent on showing that every detail of the Lord’s prophecy was fulfilled.

SIGNS OF APPROACHING DESOLATION. To protect his disciples from these calamities Jesus pointed out certain signs which would warn them of the near approach of the coming doom.

Wars and Rumors of Wars. "And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled: for these things must needs come to pass; but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" (Matthew 24:6-7). The end here referred to is the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and the wars and rumors of wars are those that in some way would affect the Jewish people. This is evident from the fact that Jesus admonished his disciples to "be not troubled," and the further fact that the things which would affect the Jewish people was the subject under consideration. The near approach of such calamities as Jesus here foretells would not be thought of as a possibility by any of those then living, for the Jews were at peace among themselves and with the nations around them. But some years before the destruction of Jerusalem trouble arose in all the cities in which there were Jews. At Caesarea 20,000 Jews were killed and from that trouble spread through the country generally; "so that the disorders in all Syria were terrible, and every city was divided into two armies encamped one against another, and the preservation of the one party was in the destruction of the other; so the day­time was spent in shedding of blood, and the night in fear, which was of the two the more terrible; for when the Syrians thought they had ruined the Jews, they had the Judaizers in suspicion also; and as each side did not care to slay those whom they only suspected on the other, so did they greatly fear them when they mingled with the other, as if they were foreigners" (Wars of the Jews, book 2, ch. 18, Sec. 1, 2).

Famines and Earthquakes. "And there shall be famines and earthquakes in divers places." Famines did come, at least one of which was very severe. See Antiquities of the Jews, b. 3, ch. 15, sec. 3; also b. 20, ch. 2, sec. 5, and the many references in The Acts and Paul’s letters. Historians mention various earthquakes. Josephus mentions one in particular which occurred in Jerusalem (Wars of Jews, 4, 4, 5).

Signs from Heaven. "And there shall be terrors and great signs from heaven" (Luke 21:11). The following from Josephus proves that these things did occur before the destruction of Jerusalem: "There was a star resembling a sword, which stood over the city, and a comet, that continued a whole year. Thus also before the Jews’ rebellion, ... so great a light shone round the altar and the holy house, that it appeared to be bright day-time; which lasted for half an hour. . . . Moreover, the eastern gate of the inner (court of the) temple, which was of brass, and vastly heavy, and had been with difficulty shut by twenty men, . . . was seen to open of its own accord about the sixth hour of the night. . . . Besides these, a few days after the feast (Passover), ... a certain prodigious and incredible phenomenon appeared: . . . for, before sunsetting, chariots and troops of soldiers in their armor were seen running about among the clouds, and surrounding the cities. Moreover, at that feast which we call Pentecost, as the priests were going by night into the inner (court of the) temple, as their custom was, to perform their second ministrations, they said, in the first place they felt a quaking, and heard a great noise, and after that they heard a sound as of a multitude, saying, ’Let us remove hence.’" Four years before the war a certain man from the country, "when the city was in very peace and prosperity," entered the city, and "began on a sudden to cry aloud, ’A voice from the east, a voice from the west, a voice from the four winds, a voice against Jerusalem and the holy house, a voice against the bridegrooms and the brides, a voice against the whole people.’ This was his cry, as he went about by day and by night, in all the lanes of the city." The severest punishments often inflicted upon him did not cause him to cease, nor utter any words good or bad except that one cry. Even after the siege began, as he went around on the walls of the city uttering his familiar cry, he was killed by the enemy as he cried, "We, we to myself also." See Wars of the Jews, b. 6, c. 6, s. 3.

Disciples to be Persecuted. "Then shall they deliver you up unto tribulation, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all the nations for my name’s sake." This was to come before the destruction of Jerusalem, and did come, as is shown by Luke’s record in Acts and by other historians.

Gospel to be Preached to all the World. "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come." Humanly speaking, it seems impossible, that, beginning with a mere handfull of disciples, the gospel should be so soon spread over the then-known world, but so it was. See Romans 1:8; Romans 10:18; Colossians 1:23.

Desolation at Hand. "But when ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that her desolation is at hand" (Luke 21:20). The Roman armies spoken of in Luke is the same thing as the "abomination of desolation" spoken of in Matthew 24:15. "The Romans, being Gentiles, were an abomination to the Jews; and because the Roman armies had images on their banners the Jews would specially abominate them. And they made the country desolate; hence, appropriately called "the abomination of desolation." And when the Roman armies planted their banners around Jerusalem they literally stood on holy ground.

Then Flee. "Then let them that are in Judea flee unto the mountains." The admonition indicates that they were to flee in haste, and that they would have an opportunity to escape even after the city was surrounded by the Roman legions. This opportunity came. The Siege. Cestius Gallus, after some success in other parts of Palestine, led his army against Jerusalem, and laid siege to the city. After taking the outer parts of the city and setting fire to some of it, he pitched his camp over against the royal palace. Josephus says that at this time he could have entered the city by force, and won it, had he only made the attempt. Many of the principal men of the city, seeing the hopelessness of the situation, invited Cestius to enter the city, but, fearing treachery, he declined. Then the Romans attacked the walls for five days, and the first, second, and third lines rested their shields against the walls. Again the Jews were about to open the gates to Cestius, but Cestius knew not this; "and so he recalled his soldiers from the place, and by despairing of any expectation of taking it, without having received any disgrace, he retired from the city without any reason in the world." See Wars of the Jews, b. 2, c. 19, s. 4, 5, 6, 7. While Cestius knew of no reason for giving up the siege and marching away, God had a reason for his doing so; for it gave the Christians an opportunity to escape to the mountains, as Jesus had told them to do. That great numbers did flee to the mountains is stated by Josephus and Eusebius. The Final Siege. A. D. 70. After the siege of Cestius, war and preparation for war continued in other parts of Palestine. Then again the Roman armies laid siege to Jerusalem, this time under the leadership of Titus. Then began the real miseries of the Jews in Jerusalem. "For those days shall be tribulation, such as there hath not been the like from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never shall be" (Mark 13:19). Of these sufferings Josephus says: "It appears to me, that the misfortunes of all men, from the beginning of the world, if they be compared to these of the Jews, are not so considerable as they were." (Preface to Wars of Jews, Sec. 4.) "Neither did any other city ever suffer such miseries" (Wars, b. 5, c. 10, s. 5). It is singular that this unbeliever in Christ, in recording the history of the siege, should use almost the same words used by Christ in his prophecy. It was in this siege that the delicate woman mentioned in the preceding lesson ate her own child. The Destruction Complete. Of the temple Jesus said, "There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." "For the days shall come upon thee, when thine enemies shall cast up a bank about thee, and compass thee round about, and keep thee in on every side, and shall dash thee to the ground, and thy children with thee; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation" (Luke 19:43). Is it possible to think of prophecies which would seem more improbable of fulfillment? Jerusalem was so situated as to be, in a large measure, a natural fortress, and surrounded by walls thought to be impregnable. And yet every vestage of defense would be leveled to the ground. And the magnificence of the temple was beyond comparison. Not one stone of it was to be left upon another. What an enormous task, and how useless, such destruction would seem to be! And it was the custom of the Romans to preserve art and things useful and magnificent. Titus tried faithfully to save the temple from harm. Notwithstanding all this, not one stone was left upon another. Every student of this prophecy should read the fifth and sixth books of Wars of the Jews, by Josephus.

Continued Fulfillment. "And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." (Luke 21:24). More than a million Jews perished in Jerusalem, besides the untold thousands who perished in other cities, and thousands were carried captive to Rome. Thus the religious and civil polity of the Jews came to an end, and the Jews have since remained scattered throughout the world, never again to have a government of their own.

Out of the many prophecies which we do not have space to discuss we merely call attention to the following:

Jesus pronounced woes upon Bethsaida, Chorazin, and Capernaum (Matthew 11:21-23). Only heaps of ruins The country of Moab was to be laid waste (Isaiah 15:1-9, Isaiah 16:1-14; Jeremiah 48:1-47). Edom was to be brought to desolation (Isaiah 34:5-17; Isaiah 49:7-20; Ezekiel 25:8-24).

After traveling through these countries whose desolation was foretold by Jesus and the prophets, Volney, a celebrated French infidel, said:

"And the history of former times revive in my mind; I remembered those ancient ages when many illustrious nations inhabited these countries; I figured to myself the Assyrians on the banks of the Tygris, the Chaldeans on the banks of the Euphrates, the Persian reigning from the Indus to the Mediterraneou. I enumerated the kingdoms of Damascus and Idumea, of Jerusalem and Samaria, the warlike states of the Philistines, and the commercial republics of Phoenicia. This Syria, said I, now so depopulated, then contained a hundred flourishing cities, and abounded with towns, villages, and hamlets. In all parts were seen cultivated fields, frequented roads, and crowded habitations. Ah! whither have flown those ages of life and abundance? —whither vanished those brilliant creations of human industry? Where are those ramparts of Nineveh, those walls of Babylon, those palaces of Persepolis, those temples of Balbec and of Jerusalem? Where are those fleets of Tyre, those dockyards of Arad, those workshops of Sidon, and the multitude of sailors, of pilots, of merchants, and of soldiers? Where those husbandmen, harvests, flocks, and all the creation of living beings in which the face of the earth rejoices? Alas! I have passed over this desolate land! I have visited the palaces, once the scene of so much splendor, and I beheld nothing but solitude and desolation. I sought the ancient inhabitants and their works, and found nothing but a trace, like the footprints of a traveler over the sand. The temples are fallen, the palaces overthrown, the ports filled up, the cities destroyed; and the earth, stripped of inhabitants, has become a place of sepulchers. Great God! whence proceeded such fatal revolutions? What causes have so changed the fortunes of these centuries? Wherefore are so many cities destroyed? Why has not this ancient population been reproduced and perpetuated?"—The Ruin of Empires, by Volney, pp. 6, 7.

TOPICS FOR INVESTIGATION AND DISCUSSION.

QUESTIONS.