Keep the Blessed Hope Burning

• This article was published in ‘The Symbolic Code, Vol. 2022, No. 5 – 8 on page 56.

It is of great importance that as Present Truth believers we hold on to the blessed hope, the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, as it will help us stand firm and strong in times of discouragement, tribulation, and persecution. As we long for that exceedingly glorious day, what better way to keep the hope alive than to sing it in our sacred hymns?

“A little longer, and we shall see the King in His beauty. A little longer, and He will wipe all tears from our eyes. A little longer, and He will present us “… faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.” Jude 24. ”

Manuscript Release p. 87.3.

As the sweet Shepherd’s Rod message now unfolds, more and more light has been and is being shed on the subject of the coming of Christ. We should bear in mind that we can “hasten the coming” of our dear Lord by wasting no time but wholeheartedly turning to the Lord.

“Christ is coming… But while probation continues, Christ is ever willing to help us to resist evil…. May God help each one of us to do his whole duty and get ready for what is before us, is my prayer.”

Ibid. 87.3.

The most perplexing issue that makes the holy angels mourn is that the people to whom this solemn truth is committed are actually not preparing for that 10th day of the first month in the year 20_ _ (blank blank).

“The Master… distinctly states the suddenness of His coming. He does not measure the time, lest we shall neglect a momentary preparation, and in our indolence look ahead to the time when we think He will come, and defer the preparation. “Watch ye therefore: for ye know not.” … Those not found waiting and watching are finally surprised in their unfaithfulness. The Master comes, and instead of their being ready to open unto Him immediately, they are locked in worldly slumber, and are lost at last.”

Testimonies for the Church Vol. 2, p. 191.2.

Indeed, the Lord will announce the date of His coming for the purification of the S.D.A. church as we approach that day. If He does not announce, —

“… we would have no present truth while the judgment for the living is in session, … no present truth in the time of the last seal; neither could there be justice in such secrecy, nor could such judgment be legal.”

Shepherd’s Rod Vol. 2 p.164.1; p. 220.3.

We therefore urge all present truth believers to cease from man, study the Rod, and obey all Its requirements so that that announcement (unrolling of the scroll) will profit us all.

“May we, as Noah, be zealous in the building of the ark” while we keep the blessed hope alive and burning in our hearts with sweet sacred hymns. “… while our professed brethren in the message question and criticize the work and position of others — retard the progress of the message — and while others make fun of us …” may we zealously heed the truth and prepare to see the Chariot of our Lord as it glides the earth’s troposphere. “… May we never say: The Lord delayeth His coming; …” (Symbolic Code Vol. 5, No. 1-5 p. 9.2.2) but focus on getting ready and helping our brethren to get ready too.

We hope and pray that the following hymn, together with other hymns, will ignite this blessed hope and have it forever in your “… heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones …” Jer. 20:9.