When Will Jesus Return?
by David Vaughn Elliott
Matthew 24 is difficult: both difficult to interpret, and difficult to ignore. Although some details puzzle me (and I welcome your feedback), I am convinced that many people greatly abuse the clear parts. How can futurists justifiably push it all into our future? How can full preterists justifiably push it all into our past?
Jesus is talking about two totally separate events. Consider the contrasts He provides. Regarding the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus foretold a clear sign of impending doom. As for the end of heaven and earth, Jesus said nobody knows when it will be.
The sign of Jerusalem's end was "the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel," to which the Holy Spirit adds, "(whoever reads, let him understand)" (Matthew 24:15). Luke offers the understanding: "When you shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judea flee" (21:20,21). Escape was offered.
In sharp contrast, Jesus said: "Heaven and earth shall pass away... but of that day and hour knows no man" (Matthew 24:35,36). I believe that both preterists and futurists empty these words of meaning. Preterists say the general time of Jerusalem's destruction was known, but not the exact day. Futurists say we know roughly when Jesus will return; we just don't know the exact day. They both miss how Jesus was contrasting two events.
Jesus gave them a precise sign so they would know exactly when to run for their lives to escape Jerusalem's doom. In contrast, no warning sign will be given of Jesus' return. "In such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes" (Matthew 24:44). From Matthew 24:35 thru 25:13, Jesus' theme is that we must always be ready because there is no way to know when He will return. No sign will allow unbelievers to quickly repent and escape doom.
No one knows when Jesus will return, either roughly or precisely.
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Wouldn't it prove to be easier to suggest we are all part of the unfolding future (what is True)? That to suggest we each somehow participate (or Not)in the revelation of The Christ?
ReplyDeleteAs The apostle of Christ (Paul) also suggest that we (men) can do nothing against the Truth, but ONLY for the truth?
That Truth being that which will survive as it moves forward into the realm we today TRY to define as the everlasting whom is also the "Christ"? As if a Place, and that place being "In Christ"?
"Thy will be done on earth as it is IN heaven" or "I only do as I SEE the Father doing" only describing the more precise presence of the Lord?
Granted many are hopefully also growing as they supposedly are preaching, yet if preaching were to be viewed as how little each truly understand of the things of God, how much harm forever gets REALIZED as the result of everything that's been broadcast (preached)?
God speaks and then another comes afterwards with their own commentary? Remind you of another eventful day we're now seeing as an "Unjust" part the past we've also been shown?
Have we who do suggest we HAVE believed the words of Go also been told that we will judge angels and the world, yet how does that affect our own Judgment capabilities?
Do you truly think the angels who disobeyed did NOT know or did not SEE the presence of God before they sinned against Him?
Try NOW to view the same thing from the other end of the "Scope" and try to hit your target?
And why would the children of WISDOM consider it an honor and the GLORY of the one who has spoken such wisdom?
Why does God INFORM and choose to sire those who have willingly believed by way of the seed of His words?
And the end result if Not the indwelling of His Holy Spirit?