Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 3) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 3 (Second advent) by reading up to the heading '6. Antichrist'.
My summary
Now Hodge begins to discuss the second advent of Christ.
Firstly he asserts the personal advent of Christ will be visible and glorious.
Secondly Hodge discusses the calling of the Gentiles prior to Christ's advent.
Thirdly he teaches us that there is to be a national conversion of the Jews.
What grabbed me
I appreciated Hodge's hesitancy in discussing the second advent of Christ, given humanity's misinterpretation of prophecy in the past: 'It follows, from what has been said, that prophecy makes a general impression with regard to future events, which is reliable and salutary, while the details remain in obscurity. The Jews were not disappointed in the general impression made on their minds by the predictions relating to the Messiah. It was only in the explanation of details that they failed. The Messiah was a king ; He did sit upon the throne of David, but not in the way in which they expected ; He is to subdue all nations, not by the sword, as they supposed, but by truth and love ; He was to make his people priests and kings, but not worldly princes and satraps. The utter failure of the Old Testament Church in interpreting the prophecies relating to the first advent of Christ, should teach us to be modest and diffident in explaining those which relate to his second coming. We should be satisfied with the great truths which those prophecies unfold, and leave the details to be explained by the event.'
Wise counsel!
Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 3 (Second advent).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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