Joseph S. Johnston (1843-1933)
Christ Victorious Over All
“Joseph S. Johnston has given us a volume of studies on eschatology which denies the orthodox theory of ‘Satan Victorious over the Majority’ and seeks to place the crown of universal conquest on the head of Christ, where it rightfully belongs.
“The first chapter is entitled “He Humbled Himself.” The second deals with “The Personal Equation.” Then a chapter is devoted to “Things that Differ,” such as heaven and earth, the dispensations, the gospels, the resurrections, etc.
“The ‘Five Eons of Progressive Revelation’ brings in many nations which have been entertained as to the eons and their duration. Then follows a discussion of ‘Natural Religion,’ and a chapter of some length proving ‘Sin’s Penalty Paid Once for All.’ The question ‘Punishment or Discipline?’ is decided in favor of the latter. ‘Heaven, Hades, Gehenna, etc.’ is followed by a chapter on ‘Free-Will, or Self-Determination,’ which, as usual, brings in the opinions of men and contrasts them with the truth. The closing chapters are composed of ‘Miscellaneous Quotations’ and the ‘Scripture Passages’ which are usually referred to as bearing on the subject.
“Earlier writers on this theme who are freely quoted throughout the book, lacked the only key to its solution—the doctrine of the eons. Hence this work must be classed among those which really prove the great truth of the ultimate victory of Christ over all evil. It is hoped that the free use of ridicule and sarcasm will not offend those who believe in eternal torment or those against whom it is directed.” – Unsearchable Riches (Volume 12, 1921)
The inexorable hand of death has again been laid upon one of the faithful servants of God in the person of Brother Joseph Sturge Johnston of Pasadena, long recognized as a gifted teacher of God’s holy Word and an exemplar of holy living.
Brother Johnston was born at the corner of State and Lake streets, Chicago, Illinois, February 2, 1843, and died at his home in Pasadena, California, November 10, 1933, aged ninety years and nine months. His parents came from Scotland to Canada in their childhood, and afterwards moved to Chicago. His father belonged to the “underground railroad” in prewar days. On the tombstone of his parents is inscribed the significant words: “Believers in Christ and friends of the needy and the oppressed,” from which it is seen that Brother Johnston inherited the spirit of self-sacrifice which characterized his life.
From early life he suffered from defective vision, which added hardship to his school days and which was not corrected by spectacles until the days of the civil war. In April, 1861, he joined the Zouaves and was later transferred to the Nineteenth Regiment of Illinois Infantry, Company I, with the rank of Sergeant. In September, 1863, at the battle of Lookout Mountain, he received a wound from a bullet which passed through his lungs, narrowly missing an artery. While in the army he organized a chess team, which, with music, furnished his favorite entertainment. After the war he became an architect and designed school and county buildings still standing in Chicago, and later devoted himself to the construction of grain elevators. His work had public approval because of its solidity and the honesty with which it was accomplished.
On September 10, 1868, he was married to Harriet May Paine, of Connecticut, to which union were born two sons and two daughters. A daughter and a daughter-in-law survive him.
From early years Brother Johnston was an earnest Bible student, devoting much of his time to teaching Sunday school classes and conducting cottage Bible meetings. He also wrote and published many religious works, among which may be mentioned “Two Natures,” “Bible Studies,” “The First Epistle of John,” “The Letter of Titus,” “Christ Victorious Over All,” and many tracts. Ten years after the book, “Christ Victorious,” was published, and after he had completely lost his sight, the book was read to him, and his comment was: “I would change nothing.” Many letters were received testifying to the comfort and satisfaction derived from this exposition of Scripture.
Brother and Sister Johnston lived to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in 1918. She passed away in 1924, two years after removing from Chicago to Pasadena. He was laid to rest in the family plot in Oakwoods Cemetery, Chicago. Brother Johnston was a Christian gentleman, marked by an uncompromising loyalty to what he recognized as truth. He taught Bible classes in Chicago and Pasadena for many years.
