In respects to the chart above used in our study of the Jewish double and the Resurrection of the body of Christ we would note one discrepancy in the diagram and that is in respects to the timing of the end of the Gospel age harvest (highlighted in red). This particular chart was comprised early in the movement and at the time it was believed that the harvest would end in 1914 A.D., this of course was a mistake.
We likewise present this due to the fact that many brethren at one time (and some possibly even still today) believed that the harvest period was over, that spirit begettal had ended, that those being called now were being called in respects to matters concerning the earthly phase of the kingdom. This (false) idea has generally been propagated by our Jehovah’s Witness friends.
“The question of the length of the Harvest period is one of deep concern to all the saints at the present time. Some years ago, many of the brethren, including the Directors of our institute and the Editorial Staff of this journal (The Herald of Christ's Kingdom), were under the impression that the Harvest was a period of only 40 years, and that it would come to an end by or during the year 1914. The circumstances and events, however, as we have been carefully observing them, cause us to seriously doubt the truthfulness of that impression, indeed, convince us that WE WERE IN ERROR IN OUR CONCLUSION that the Harvest was 40 years long and ended in 1914.”
But it is asked, did not the Harvest truly end in that year? And are we not to think that the work since that time is of another kind and not to be considered a part of the Harvest?
Our reply is that we should require sound Bible reasons for all that we assume or believe. Looking for evidence that the Harvest ended years ago, we look in vain. We can find not the slightest ground for assuming or concluding that the Harvest work ended in 1914 or that it has yet come to a close. While it is true that the work has not continued upon as large a scale and not all the same methods or instrumentalities have been continued in operation, yet it is nevertheless a matter of fact that the Message of Truth has continued to go forth enlightening the faithful and calling the attention of these to the various entanglements of Babylon, which has meant of course that a gathering and a separating work has progressed unto this present time. Let him that reads understand!
NO NEW WORK AUTHORIZED
We consider the evidence wholly lacking that the Harvest has ended. Nor is there the slightest evidence that the Lord has instituted another and different work. We most earnestly urge upon the Lord's people to use moderation in their reasoning upon this subject as upon all subjects to use the spirit of a sound mind and to require positive evidence, a "THUS SAITH THE LORD," for every doctrine or thought that we accept. Whatever others may do, whatever changes in the work others may presume to institute without proper authority, let us not be affected by it, nor be alarmed, but let us look carefully to the Lord and His Word for guidance in this matter as in every affair of life. "The meek will He guide in judgment and the meek will He teach His way."
The Great Head of the Church is still our only Teacher and faithful Guide. There are no reasons whatever why we should institute some work different from that carried on by Pastor Russell. The Message has not changed the slightest. It is still the old, old story of Jesus and His love, the Message of the risen Christ and of our hope of joint-heirship with Him in His glorious Kingdom, in the turning of the curse away from the earth, and the blessing of humanity. The great commission given by the Savior to His followers was that they should bear this Message unto the very end of the Age. We conclude, therefore, that it is pleasing and acceptable to God that we continue bearing testimony to the Truth in simplicity and in love, and allow the work of separation -- the Harvest work -- to go on under the providence and supervision of the Great Chief Reaper, fully conscious that He is able to have that work discontinued at any moment it may please Him.
“As for the Harvest being a period of 40 years or as to how long this period is, this is a matter entirely proper for us to investigate and discuss and so we shall as we continue it our next post.
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