Christians who understand something of the dispensational dealings of God as revealed in His Word, know that this present period is a parenthesis in God's prophetic revelations concerning the earth. This is the time when God is visiting the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name-for heavenly glory (Acts 15:1414Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. (Acts 15:14)). When the Church has been completed and translated to heaven, then God's purposes and plans for this earth will begin to unfold. The prophetic clock has, as it were, been stopped while a heavenly people have been gathered; but as soon as the Lord takes them home, the clock will accurately and surely tick off the appointed times for the fulfillment of God's purposes for the earth. Men, save those who are in the current of God's thoughts, know not that God has a program which He will put into effect on earth. Christianity is not going to prepare the earth for the righteous rule of the Son of man; unparalleled troubles and direct judgments from God will do that. God has not forgotten the earth, nor what it did to His Son when He sent Him into it in grace. A day of reckoning is fast approaching.
This parenthesis began after the Lord Jesus rose from the dead and went back to heaven. He then sent the Holy Spirit down into this world, and He has been personally present ever since. As Abraham's servant went into a far country to secure a bride for the son who had been on the altar, so the Spirit is here seeking the heavenly bride for Christ. As the servant led the bride across a trackless wilderness to Isaac, so the Spirit is leading the bride home to the One of whom Isaac was but a type. The parenthesis has been more than 1900 years long—a vast space of time when we consider that God's prophetic disclosures for the earth deal with years, months, and even days. But let us ask how close we are to the closing of that great gap, that long parenthesis. Everything indicates that the moment which will complete it is almost here. It may happen at any instant now. There will be the shout, the call, the departure of every true believer in the Lord Jesus from the earth, and from the tomb, and the Holy Spirit's leaving with the Church; then the parenthesis will have closed. Our present position in regard to God's parenthesis might be illustrated by the placing of an X to indicate where we are; thus, ( X).
We are so connected with sight and sense that we are apt to forget how late it really is—much, much later than we think. If we realized our close proximity to the end, we would be daily, even hourly, expecting to hear that shout. And if we lived in such expectancy, our sense of relative values would be much altered. One real obstacle in the way of Christians' discerning this time is the unparalleled prosperity in the Western world. Never before in history has any people reached such a high level financially or attained to such an elevated standard of living. The mad scramble for material things is blinding the eyes of them that believe not, so that they rarely think of having to meet God in their sins. Even Christians who believe that the Lord is coming before long are being caught in the swirl, and seldom cry:
"Lord Jesus, come!
Nor let us longer roam
Afar from Thee and that bright place
Where we shall see Thee face to face.
Lord Jesus, come!
"Lord Jesus, come!
Thine absence here we mourn;
No joy we know apart from Thee,
No sorrow in Thy presence see.
Lord Jesus, come!"
Troubles tend to force our poor hearts out of the world, but attachment of heart to the Lord Jesus should continually draw them out under any circumstances. In John 20, Mary of Magdala is found with a bereaved heart. She had lost Him whom her soul loved, and nothing else mattered. She did not go away to her home like the two apostles; there was no rest for her troubled heart where He was not. Not even the sight of angels could enthrall a heart thus bereaved; she saw the angels but turned her back to them. O for a little of a kindred spirit!
At this point let us take a look at the world and see what its state is. Suppose our hopes and aspirations are here, rather than in heaven. What would we have? Where has the world drifted in just the last ten years? Apart from any thought of the sure judgment of God soon to break over this scene, what is the world's outlook?
The period of the last ten years is almost insignificant as a measure of time, but it is probably the most epochal decade out of thousands of years. In this brief moment of history Russia consolidated her hold on the Baltic states, East Germany, Hungary, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Poland, and Albania. She has absorbed much of the heartland of Europe and pushed her advantages beyond any hope of liberation for millions of people in the area.
In this same decade, the Red Chinese have attained absolute power over 600,000,000 Chinese. Has anything like that ever happened before in so short a time? Her rulers are absolute masters of China. Besides, they have taken over North Korea, North Vietnam, and gained footholds in Malaya and Indonesia, from which it is doubtful if they can be pried loose. They have taken Tibet and crushed resistance. They have gained much ground in other places on their periphery.
Today Russian-Chinese Communism controls the great land mass of Eurasia with almost one billion people to do its bidding. It was once said that he who controlled that great land area controlled the world, but sea power enabled smaller nations to contain great land powers. These advantages of maritime powers to confine land armies have about ceased to exist. Daily the Russian navy expands, especially in the great submarine fleet, and has access to ports in the Baltic, the Mediterranean, along the China coast, and can at will push on to the Persian Gulf from Iraq. While on the one hand the peripheral maritime powers are poorly united and often work at cross purposes, a handful of dedicated Communists in Moscow direct world strategy without restraint. Air power has been a deterrent of Russian control of the world, but this is no longer the prerogative of one side. Neither it nor sea power have the advantage of a decade ago.
If we look at the Middle East, we see the same deterioration of Western dominance and influence that has been witnessed in many quarters. Ten years ago Russia was an outsider in the Middle East, and she was not to be reckoned with; but today her voice is probably the loudest in the area. English and French influence dropped sharply while Russia moved in to fill the vacuum thus created. The United States sought to close the gap, but indecision hindered her success. The only bright spot in the area for the West today is the resurgence of the thriving nation of Israel. Often her cause was hindered, or at least not espoused by the West, for fear of offending the Arab nations which were of uncertain loyalty; and now many of them are virtually lost to the West.
In the same decade there have been great stirrings in the continent of Africa with its teeming millions and untold natural resources. Old alignments are being broken, and new untrained nations are emerging, all seeking a voice in world affairs. The condition is ripe for Russian subversion and intrigue, all to the detriment of the West. In fact, it is evident that the whole world is astir, and the statesmen are bewildered. None knows where to go from here. This reminds us of a story, supposedly with a comic twist, which was told to a college graduating class. The professor who addressed them told of the strange answers which were received by a man seeking directions on how to go to a certain place. The man who tried to answer him said to go one way, then changed his mind and the directions. This was done numerous times, and finally the seeker was told, "If I were you, I wouldn't even start from here." The present generation has been born to a bewilderment—they know they are in confusion, and do not know where they are going, or even how to start. "The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them?" Jer. 8:99The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them? (Jeremiah 8:9).
All the frantic efforts of Western leaders have failed to hold the line against Communist encroachments in one area after another. The last decade has been a period of tragic loss to the West. Nowhere on the horizon is there the least hope of reversing the trend, no, nor even of containing Russia and China at this point.
Western conceit has received some severe jolts in the last ten years. It was once thought that the Russians were too slow and backward to master the sciences, that they were too retarded to match the inventions and technological advancements of the West. Nevertheless, the Russians managed to set off an atomic explosion in 1949, and in 1957 sent the Sputnik aloft, beating all nations to the day of sending man-made satellites into orbit. In those years they also outran other nations in missile developments. When Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal, it was freely predicted that the canal would stagnate when once Western technicians were withdrawn. But it has continued operating under Egyptian control.
The West has been especially blessed by God. They have had the opportunity of the gospel and an open Bible. They were blessed with great natural resources and God-given intellects whereby they made use of His materials. But have they continued in God's goodness? (Rom. 11:2222Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. (Romans 11:22)). It is painfully evident that they have not. The Western world has been almost synonymous with Christendom, but cannot the arraignment of Rom. 322Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (Romans 3:22) be applied to them? Where are those who really seek after God? Where is the fear of God dominant? Man under the most favorable circumstances is living to himself, forgetful of his Creator. The West's day is fast running out. And when judgment comes, it will fall most severely on these most favored lands. "O that they were wise,... that they would consider their latter end." Deut. 32:2929O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! (Deuteronomy 32:29).
If the Russian march has not and cannot be stopped in the fields of intrigue, of subversion, and of military might, what of the latest threat? It is no secret that Russia and China today are bent on overtaking and surpassing the West economically and industrially. Let no man hide his head in the sand, ostrich-like, and pretend he cannot see such a possibility. The great Russian leader freely predicts that in another six years they will produce more than half of the goods in the world. Perhaps it is a fantastic boast, but their boasts have come true before. This man has also boasted that the Russian ruble will replace the dollar in the world of commerce. If there is anything that the Russo-Chinese combine needs to know to forge ahead, their espionage is fully capable of supplying all the necessary data. Then think what 850,000,000 people who are used to obeying strict discipline can do when directed by men dedicated to outrun and outmaneuver the West.
Russian gold and market manipulations could disrupt world currencies. Dictator Khrushchev is at work on economic and industrial incorporation of the satellite nations of Europe into a single working unit to further these goals. Perhaps the Soviet economic offensive will be more effective than any means yet used to accomplish world domination.
Time is on the side of the communistic world, and a crisis of unparalleled proportions is in the making. This is no new thing in history, for nations have risen and fallen, empires have come and gone during the centuries. Only a hopeless optimist can fail to read the signs of these times. The day is fast approaching when men's hearts will fail them for fear and looking forward to the things that are coming on the earth. There will be distress of nations, with perplexity (Luke 21:2525And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)).
Perhaps some readers will ask, Do you think that Russia will dominate the whole world? No, we do not, for Scripture is too plain for that. The point we make is that, but for God's intervention, it would be so, and that in the not-too-distant future. Our aim is to point up the significance of world conditions, showing that it is on the eve of great convulsions. If we survey Russo-Chinese advances in the last ten years, and would allow them a comparable advance in the next decade, they would either control the world or have that power within their easy grasp. If then God's decrees forbid that, the end is here. Let us not fear then, nor be distressed. Rather let us lift up our eyes in joyful anticipation of our Lord's imminent return. Sober reflection would make us marvel that we are still here so close to the end of this age. Shall we paraphrase a verse and say, "Now is our salvation much nearer than it was a short time back."
There are several reasons for understanding that Russian and Chinese world domination will be halted, by God's decree, short of full mastery:
1) The Word of God is clear that there will arise a beast with seven heads and ten horns (Dan. 7). This beast is the revived Roman Empire which will be a ten-kingdom federation, the most powerful force ever seen on earth. The man who will head this confederacy will be worshiped as one with whom no one can make war (Rev. 13:1-101And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. (Revelation 13:1‑10)). The Western world is soon to be headed by this man. A Communist world domination would preclude such an event.
This confederation will at first be linked in close affinity with the greatest exhibition of church unity ever seen on earth. This ecumenical church will be "Babylon the Great," and its headquarters will be in Rome. The revived Roman power will carry this great, false religious system, characterized in Scripture as a corrupt woman—a harlot (Rev. 17:1-71And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: 2With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. 3So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 5And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. 7And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. (Revelation 17:1‑7)). If Red Communism could master the world, there would be no church left in Rome to exert mastery over the soon-to-be-revived Roman Empire.
Israel is to have a dynamic head who will work hand-in-glove with the Roman beast (Dan. 11:36-3936And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. 37Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. 38But in his estate shall he honor the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. 39Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain. (Daniel 11:36‑39)). In fact, the Roman Empire under this head will give Israel a guaranteed protection treaty for seven years' duration (Dan. 9:2727And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (Daniel 9:27)). If Russia could take over the Middle East, and eliminate Israel, this would not happen; but God has decreed that it shall. Therefore, Russian world domination will be blocked by soon-to-be fulfilled events. We would not, however, rule out other happenings before the taking away of the Church.
If these three developments must come before Russia can enslave the world, and they will be fulfilled after the Church is taken to heaven, and they must come soon to forestall Russia, our departure from this world is an hourly probability. In view of that blessed hour, so soon to be realized, surely we can sing:
"It is not for us to be seeking our bliss, And building our hopes in a region like this; We look for a city which hands have not piled—We pant for a country by sin undefiled."
May the Lord grant us to be more heavenly-minded, and may we more earnestly lay up in heaven a treasure that faileth not. With the disintegration of all that man has set his heart on here coming apace, may we who have a hope that is sure and steadfast, and that cannot fail, have our hearts weaned from this poor world, and our thoughts, our hopes, and our aspirations set on the goal that is before us.