Eugene L. Garner

       But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (Dan 12:4 KJV)
      But, what kind of knowledge shall be increased? Though details are not given, the scriptures indicate a vast increase of both general and scientific knowledge in the last days. It will be fully utilized by the antichrist and his forces of evil.
      What a marvelous list of discoveries and inventions have appeared during the past 100 years! Telephone, radio, television, satellites, computers, trains, automobiles, airplanes, rockets and space ships! There has been a multiplication of educational institutions, the devotion of multitudes to specialized fields of iniquity, and an astounding increase in "the making of books", of which there seems no end. Thus, there has been a rapid spread of knowledge in every field.
      There has even been an astounding mass production and distribution of the Word of God, in many versions and languages: plus an almost endless array of publications related to, and designed to interpret, the Scriptures for the unlearned.
      Unsanctified knowledge does not assure that truth, justice and equity will prevail: in fact, the intellectually elite have taken upon themselves the responsibility of debunking everything that will not cater to a humanistic, self-centered promotion of modern psychology and psychiatry -- while ridiculing and deliberately misrepresenting everything that is truly "Christian"! But, specifically, the increase of knowledge that Daniel was told would come involves a clearer understanding of the prophetic Scriptures on the part of God's own people -- an understanding of His Holy Plan and purpose that is about to be consummated! [A definite article before the word "knowledge" requires that it be interpreted of the kind of knowledge Daniel was seeking.]
      There is abundant evidence that this is being fulfilled before our very eyes. Never, in the history of the world, has there been such widespread interest in the prophetic word! Never, since the first century, has there been such conviction, preaching, praying and longing expectancy concerning the nearness of our Lord's return! Though not nearly so widespread and intense as it ought to be, it has been developing so rapidly during the past 40 years that it may also be regarded as a definite "sign" that the consummation of this age, and of Christ's return, is very near!
      Understanding or prophetic truth requires a careful comparison of scripture with Scripture -- including the whole Bible! One must carefully search after truth if he would obey the command: - "Whoso readeth, let him understand"! (Matt. 24:15).
       "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law," (Duet. 29:29). But we must search the Scriptures with a heart and mind that are open and responsive to the Holy Spirit.
      Due to their intense interest and concern for the future of Israel, as related to His Holy Purpose, God gave to both Moses and Daniel a widened perspective and clearer vision of things to come. But, he did not give them the details! The time had not yet arrived when that was needful. Nor had the need arisen in the days of Augustine, or Whitby! Unwilling to await clearer illumination, they "manufactured" a theory of eschatology that many are now following toward spiritual suicide!
      In order that His people may be instructed, enlightened, encouraged and challenged, in the view of the rising flood, God still raises up men who, like the men of Isaachar in David's day, - "had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" (1 Chron. 12:23). Progressive revelation, in the sense of timely illumination, is the method God has always employed for the benefit of His covenant people.
      Having had enough of King Saul, the Benjaminite; the men of Isaachar could see that it was time, - "according to the word of the Lord" that the kingdom be turned over to David -- who had already been anointed to the office, (See: 1 Sam. 16:1-13). Six hundred years earlier Jacob had prophecies that the scepter should belong to Judah, and that it should not depart from that tribe, (Gen. 49:10).
      As the Lord's return draws near, those who have loved and saturated themselves in His Word, to the end that they may walk in His way, will - "know that it is near, even at the door," (Matt. 24:33). Understanding the "signs", they will BE ABLE TO look up -- knowing that their redemption draws near, (Lk. 21:28).
      Should it, then, be surprising that Biblical prophecy is one of the main areas where Satan is doing his utmost to "lead" respected churchmen into such perversion of the Holy Scriptures as will deceive multitudes into believing there is still PLENTY OF TIME -- thus, lulling them into an attitude of safe complacency? God wants men alerted to the SERIOUSNESS of the crisis-times that lie just ahead! He wants His people motivated to commit the care and keeping of our souls, unreservedly, into His hands; our lives wholeheartedly into His service. He wants to draw us nearer to Himself -- conforming us to the likeness of His dear Son!
      Now is the time of opportunity! Ours is the glorious privilege of heralding the Everlasting Gospel of His coming Kingdom, of inescapable judgment and of the eternal punishment awaiting those who REFUSE "the riches of His grace" in the refusal to "repent and believe the Gospel"! May He grant us grace to BE FAITHFUL!

The Clarion Herald
December 15, 1992
Eugene L. Garner, Editor
Rockford, Illinois