The coming of Christ will take place in the darkest period of earth’s history, when Satan will work “with all unrighteous deception.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10. We see his working in the many heresies and delusions of these days. His deceptions are even contaminating the professed churches of Christ. The great apostasy will develop into darkness deep as midnight. But out of that darkness God’s light will shine. To His people God says, “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1.RR 251.3

At Nazareth Christ said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18, 19. This was the work He commissioned His disciples to do, “to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out. ... Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.” Isaiah 58:7, 8.RR 251.4

Thus in the night of spiritual darkness God’s glory is to shine out through His church. All around us we hear the wails of a world’s sorrow. On every side we find the needy and distressed. We are called to help relieve life’s hardships and misery. If Christ is abiding in us, our hearts will be full of divine sympathy.RR 251.5

There are many who are without hope. Bring back the sunshine to them. Many have lost their courage. Pray for them. Read to them from the Word of God. Upon many there is a soul sickness that no physician can heal. Bring them to Jesus.RR 251.6

The whole earth, wrapped in darkness and pain, is to be lighted with the knowledge of God’s love. The light is to reach every class of people. No longer are the heathen to be wrapped in midnight darkness.RR 252.1

Christ has made every provision for His church to be a transformed body, every Christian surrounded with a spiritual atmosphere of light and peace. He wants us to reveal His own joy in our lives.RR 252.2

Christ is coming with power and great glory. While all the world is shrouded in darkness, there will be light in every home of God’s people. They will catch the first light of His second appearing. While the wicked run in panic, Christ’s followers will rejoice in His presence.RR 252.3

Then the redeemed will receive their promised inheritance. Here God’s design for Israel will meet its literal fulfillment. God’s plans have been moving steadily forward toward their accomplishment. This is how it was with Israel through the history of the divided monarchy, and it is this way with spiritual Israel today.RR 252.4

The apostle John testifies, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”RR 252.5

“He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 7:9, 10; 17:14.RR 252.6

The Assignment to Spiritual Israel

Visions of a Glorious Future