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 Bro.
Turner:
Please
explain "the sign of the Son of man" MAT.24:30,
"the day of visitation" 1PE.2:12, and "times of
restitution" ACT. 3:21.
Reply:
I'll
try to answer these questions if you will try to be a charitable
reader. The destruction of Jerusalem is the theme of MAT.24: and
I believe the "coming" of the Son of man refers to his
coming in vengeance -- not to his personal return at the end of
time. Some think the destruction of Jerusalem is under
consideration throughout the chapter, but it seems to me the
coming through vs. 34, is predictable, with exact
"signs" by which saints are warned to flee to the
mountains; and after vs. 34, the parables are given which teach
there will be no warning — hence, refer to the final coming
and judgement, from which none can flee.
On
this basis of interpretation, the "sign of the Son of
man" must be some clear indication of divine power that
made the wicked Jews realize, albeit too late, the folly of
their ways; and which unified and encouraged the
"elect". I know of no clues by which to hazard a guess
as to the particulars (see MAR.13:26; LUK.21:27).
The
"day of visitation" is the time that puts to test our
previous conduct. A like expression is used by the Lord
(LUK.19:44) with reference to the destruction of Jerusalem. That
was their "time of visitation". Note its use in
ISA.10:3. In 1PE.2:12 it simply says that right will out, and
there will come times when the good works of the
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Christians will have an
effect upon those who observe them. This is similar to Christ's
words, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in
heaven". This is not limited to one particular day; it may
come often.
I
believe "the times of restitution" of ACT.3:21 refers
to this Christian dispensation, when "whosoever will"
may receive the blessings that were promised through Moses, and
other prophets of old. The "remnant" of Israel may now
be redeemed, and the Gentile may also be saved (see
ISA.49:5-6-f.).
The
wording "restitution" may seem strange to us, but if
you will read the history of Israel, and then the promises of
Messiah, this becomes what we know as the blessings of this
Christian age (ISA.1:9, 9:1-7,11).
A
few words about such passages in general. Often expressions that
seem strange to us, are understood by use of a good concordance,
and effort to keep the whole picture of context before our
minds. If we select a part of a verse, or an isolated phrase,
and then begin to speculate as to its meaning, there is no
telling what we will conclude.
Comparative
reading of the American Standard, or other standard versions may
open new lights for us. Our own speech is filled with figurative
and idiomatic expressions — so that of the Bible. Study, and
pray.
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