I have one final observation to make on this whole debacle.
When those who profess to be Bible-believing Christians with bold face claim to be able to decipher the time of Christ’s coming, we are apt to assume that the Bible must not be clear about this issue. If so many professing Christians over so many centuries have predicted the time of Christ’s return, and if so many well-meaning Christians have listened to them, then the Bible must not be clear on this. The Bible must open the door to it.
But let me ask you a question, Is the Bible clear that no one can and no one ought to attempt to predict of the time of Christ’s return? Yes. Then what is the problem? Is the problem with the Bible? Is the problem with the clarity of Scripture? Is the problem with the sufficiency of Scripture? May we conclude that the Bible is an inadequate guide on this matter? That is the way men are apt to argue. That is what men are apt to conclude. But all such suspicions are wrong. The problem is not with the Bible. The Bible is clear, and it is sufficient!
The problem is with us. The problem is that we human beings are not very good listeners. The problem is that we are like that rude person who incessantly presumes to finish our sentences for us. Let me end this message with a simple plea. I will address it to myself, but you make the application to yourself. Sam, would just shut up and let God finish what He is saying? Sam, would you just be quiet and listen. Sam, would you stop trying to finish God’s sentences for Him and listen—really listen—to what He has to say!
Dr. Sam Waldron is the Academic Dean of CBTS and professor of Systematic Theology. He is also one of the pastors of Grace Reformed Baptist Church in Owensboro, KY. Dr. Waldron received a B.A. from Cornerstone University, an M.Div. from Trinity Ministerial Academy, a Th.M. from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. From 1977 to 2001 he was a pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Waldron is the author of numerous books including A Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, The End Times Made Simple, Baptist Roots in America, To Be Continued?, and MacArthur’s Millennial Manifesto: A Friendly Response.
