“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” – Prov. 4:18
This text could hardly be referring to a steadily increasing light of truth all through the Gospel Age.
In Jesus’ day it was already shining brightly: “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness.” – John 8:12
Soon after the apostles fell asleep, the truth became mixed with error in the great falling away. History shows that during the “Dark Ages” error held sway. Certainly the truth was not shining more brightly than in Jesus’ day.
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” – 2 Thess. 2:3
This text refers not to a continual changing of what constitutes the truth but to an increasing appreciation of the truth in our own individual lives as we study it and live by it.
The text may also have reference to a clearer understanding of Bible prophecies as they are being fulfilled more completely before us.
Restoration of Truth.
Meat in due season was provided by means of a faithful and wise servant.
“And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season.” – Luke 12:42
The truth was restored at the Lord’s second presence.
“Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” – Luke 12:43
Brother Charles Taze Russell was the servant, or as pictured in Revelation, the special messenger to the seventh period of the church, just as other individuals such as Luther were used in former periods of the church’s history.
“The seven stars are the angels (Greek AGGELOS, “messengers”) of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” –
The servant received all the basic doctrines of truth from the Lord, while former messengers received only certain phases of truth. Thus he would need no successors.
“He will make him ruler over all that he hath.” – Luke 12:44
Both the faithful and wise servant and the evil servant are individuals, not organizations, since their work is in connection with fellow-servants, who also are individuals.
“If that evil servant shall say in his heart, my lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellowservants.” – Matt. 24:46,49
The “meat in due season” consisted of:
A restoration of the doctrines taught by Jesus and the apostles which had been contaminated as the church fell away. Jude 3 – Ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
An understanding of certain time features of God’s plan which were not to be revealed until then.
“Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end … None of he wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” – Dan. 12:9, 10
Doctrines are not to be continually changing.
What was truth in 1916 is still truth; or else we would have to say that the “truth movement” was an “error movement” at one time. Once doctrine has been proved by the Word of God, it is truth and is not to be cast off a few years later.
1 Thess. 5:21 – Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Acts 2:42 – And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.
Eph. 4:14 – That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.
Rom. 16:17 – Brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned.
Heb. 13:9 – Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace.
Col. 1:21-23 – And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled … to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel.
Mal. 3:6 – For I am the Lord, I change not.
So-called “new light” has not clarified the truth.
It has merely resulted in going back to the old error of restricting the love and mercy of God