The Problem of Crime

All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, 

just as He is pure. 

1 John 3:3

"And what of the relation of the vices of men's hearts to the doctrine of the Second Advent? 

Certainly all the schemes that the wise of this world have devised, have failed to provide any solution for the steadily growing problem of crime and moral corruption. 

Q: Does the objector wish us to spend our time on some crime

commission or social research committee rather than on the preaching of the Advent? 

Q: If so, which committee would he suggest and what proof would he offer that our time would be well spent?

Men can devise ways of chaining the body but not of changing the heart, and the prisoner goes forth from the jail ready to repeat his offense, or to commit a worse one. 

The fear of the law may hold back a wicked man from the outward act of violence, but he is nevertheless a criminal at heart, and awaits only the favorable opportunity to carry out his evil desires.

But when the mighty doctrine of the personal and literal return of Christ is preached to men, there is brought home to their sin-dulled senses with a vividness not otherwise possible the tremendous fact that they must meet God face to face and give an account for their deeds. 

And that mighty truth, driven home by the Holy Spirit, will prove the means of arousing them to cry out for spiritual help that they might be ready for that day." 

F.D. Nichol