The Return of Jesus Christ to this earth

Any method of interpretation carried to the extreme can lead to error. Any method used should be applied to a minimal degree with integrity, legerity and simplicity and without preconceived opinions regarding the meaning of the text. The Bible is the living word of the living God so care and caution should be exercised.

It is my firm belief that God gave the scriptures for us to understand so we could comprehend his grace and glory thereby enabling us to believe in Christ and worship and enjoy him forever. God’s word was not written for scholars who use human wisdom to interpret and then proffer as valid their view of what it means.

Prerequisites to understanding scripture are receiving Christ and prayerful reliance upon the Holy Spirit. Using a consistent method of interpretation throughout the entire Bible and relying solely upon the Holy Spirit achieves the best result.

Hermeneutics is a system of interpretation created by human wisdom. It is a fallible exercise because humans are sinful, therefore imperfect. The more varied and complex the methods used increases the probability of error. (https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hermeneutics/), “always keeping in mind that these procedures, like all epistemological procedures, are bound to remain fallible.” How refreshingly true.

The Bible is not science but the very breath of the living, invisible, immortal Creator. (2 Timothy 3:13), “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” When the Bible speaks about that which is scientific or any other subject then it is correct but it is not a book of science. The Bible is a book of faith.

Scientific methods that are works of human wisdom should not be used for interpretation as if God’s word is a frog to be dissected or a theory to be proven. Scientific methods and tests exemplify a walk by sight not by faith. Agnostics and atheists thrive on scientific methods. Turnips are not apples and science is not faith. Scientific methods and tests are for science not for faith. God’s word does not have to be proven rather it should be believed and obeyed. Think of faithful Abraham.

(2 Corinthians 5:7), “7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.”

The just walk by faith and not by what can be seen and proven. Abraham believed God, obeyed God and walked in faith to search for an unseen city.

(Hebrews 11:6), “without faith it is impossible to please him”. His grace alone permits faith and understanding. Faith alone apart from works (human wisdom, scientific tests, etc.) is how God brings us into a saving relationship with himself.

Faith is God’s gift and our passport to enter eternal life that is possible only through the death and resurrection of our savior Jesus Christ. Because faith is God’s gift it is good and complete and lacking in anything human. The shining beauty of faith is above diamonds and rubies and its beauty cannot be enhanced by human wisdom. It value is far above gold and silver and gives us victory over the world. The filth and depravity of human wisdom is without beauty or value and we should never use such to soil the precious gift of faith.

(Ephesians 2:8)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,”

(I John 5:4)
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

The Lord’s return is not a mystery. The work of eternal redemption through Christ was hidden in ages past. (Colossians 1:26), “the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints”. Christ’s redemptive work is now fully revealed including his return to complete our redemption by gathering his elect to himself.

A favorite subject for science fiction writers and TV shows is the cloak of invisibility. Theologians often use high sounding words like apocalyptic and mystic methods of human wisdom as a cloak. Hence some are discouraged from studying the Lord’s return or Bible study in general. They are intimidated by someone they perceive as more intelligent than themselves. The Greek word ‘apokalýptikos’ from which apocalyptic is derived means to reveal. Don’t be intimidated, study the Lord’s return for yourself.

Medical professionals sometime describe a condition with strange words to disguise an understanding of something simple. Cirrhosis simply means scaring such as in liver disease. The use of high sounding words and methods dressed in human wisdom masquerades as a clock of invisibility to hide what is no longer hidden.

The word ‘literal’ is vexing to some. Literal is a good and proper word that means “without interpretation or embellishment” or “limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text”. The use of it is relevant to the Bible because almost all the Bible is literal although symbolic language is also used at times but the symbols always portray literal people and events. The context reveals what is symbolic and what is not and hence it is easily understood without human wisdom. The word literal should not be avoided and those who use the word should not be denigrated.

Assorted forms of interpretation are used. Most are somewhat related to the three I will discuss. Dualism and parallelism are maneuvers, not methods, to cover for not believing God's word as written. You can learn of these different methods on the internet if you wish. I will give an explanation and offer comments on normal, genre and allegorical. Also I will discuss true interpretation of scripture.

Normal or Regular Interpretation

Normal method of interpretation is uncomplicated. It involves reading and respecting the context, not adding to nor subtracting words from the text, what do words mean, do not change the meaning of words, observe the parts of speech used, observe the verb tenses used, note any symbolic language or metaphor, who is speaking and to whom, related passages, comparing scripture with scripture and plain reading of scripture.

Knowledge of the historical setting of a portion of scripture may help give perspective but it does not change the true meaning of what God has said. Historical setting is not a method of interpretation. Perspective means, "the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance".

Seeking to understand scripture with this method is normal interpretation.

Those of us who use the normal method recognize some passages of scripture as symbolic. An example of symbolic language is, (Psalms 23:2) “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” Using normal interpretation shows simply and plainly the writer meant that God, his shepherd (remember context), would supply his needs as does a shepherd who leads his flock to good pasture and safe water. Nothing hidden, no allegory, nothing deep, no genre needed, easily understood.

Prophetic passages sometimes use symbols such as “sun, moon and stars” but the symbols always represent real people involved in real events. An example, Joseph’s dreams in Genesis 37:5 – 10. The “sheaves” symbolized his brothers. The “sun, moon, and eleven stars” symbolized his mother, father and eleven brothers. The sun, moon and stars were symbols but the persons and events were real and were literally fulfilled as recorded in Genesis chapters 41 through 45. The context clearly shows his father, mother and brothers easily and plainly understood the symbols in Joseph's dreams referred to them and they were offended. Nothing hidden, no allegory, nothing deep, no genre needed, easily understood.

The use of symbolic language and symbols does not negate or obviate a real event or person. It is a portrayal, a word picture, to help understand the truth presented. It is a mistake to dismiss this type of passage as allegorical and think that it does not portray real people and real events. Nothing hidden, no allegory, nothing deep, no genre needed, easily understood.

A metaphor is used at times such as in 1 Corinthians chapter one where Paul uses the phrases, “foolishness of God” and “weakness of God”. This is the use of a metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity. Even a third grade student knows that there is no foolishness or weakness of God. A metaphor is not to be taken literally. Nothing hidden, no allegory, nothing deep, no genre needed, easily understood.

Jesus sometimes used parables, a type of analogy. An analogy is “drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect”. Below is an example. Read the context in Matthew 13 and you will easily understand the nature and purpose of a parable.

(Matthew 13:3 – 8)
“3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: "“A sower went out to sow."
4 "And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them."
5 "Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil,"
6 "but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away."
7 "Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them."
8 "Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

Allegorical Interpretation

What is an allegory?
1. a short moral story (often with animal characters)
2. a visible symbol representing an abstract idea
3. an expressive style that uses fictional characters and events to describe some subject by suggestive resemblances

“There has been a highly developed practice of interpretation in Greek antiquity, aiming at diverse interpretanda [to be interpreted] like oracles, dreams, myths, philosophical and poetical works, but also laws and contracts. The beginning of ancient hermeneutics as a more systematic activity goes back to the exegesis of the Homeric epics. The most remarkable characteristic of ancient exegesis was allegorisis (allegoría, from alla agoreuein, i.e., saying something different). This was a method of nonliteral interpretation of the authoritative texts which contained claims and statements that seemed theologically and morally inappropriate or false (Tate 1934). Such exegetical attempts were aiming at a deeper sense, hidden under the surface—hypónoia, i.e., underlying meaning. Allegorisis was practiced widely from the sixth century BCE to the Stoic and Neoplatonistic schools and even later (Scholz 2016: 18ff).” https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hermeneutics/

Allegorical interpretation is looking for a deeper, hidden or underlying meaning instead of the obvious. It was the practice of pagan Greeks who created the allegorical method. It is the preferred method of those who do not want to believe the word of God as written. This method is used by some when reading unfulfilled prophetic passages to find an allegorical, spiritual or deeper meaning rather than the obvious. Hence a thousand becomes something other than a thousand in Revelation chapter 20 and the Son of Man coming becomes the coming of the church in Matthew chapter 24. These are actual examples of allegorical interpretation.

(Colossians 2:8 New International Version 1984)
“See to it that no-one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”

If the root is evil so is the tree that grows and the fruit produced. (Matthew 12:33), “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit.” Nothing good or scripturaly worthwhile will come through the use of a method created by pagan Greeks.

What is alluring about the tools of pagan Greeks to interpret scripture? It appeals to human wisdom and massages the human ego. I am reminded of (Hebrews 12:1 – 2), “1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Cast off the weight of pagan wisdom and rely upon the Holy Spirit.

To interpret fulfilled prophecies using the normal method but then use an allegorical method to interpret unfulfilled prophecies is inconsistent. Again, the allegorical method was invented and practiced by pagan Greeks hundreds of years before Christ’s first advent. Augustine extensively used allegorical interpretation. Apostate Roman Catholic theologians past and present prefer this method.

Assuming unfulfilled prophecies to be allegorical in nature is a mistake and is in fact assuming facts not in evidence. Those who make such a presumption make the scripture subjective to their view. Subjective means, “taking place within the mind and modified by individual bias”. Any method used should be subjective to the scripture not the other way around. Allegorical interpretation subjects the scripture to the human mind.

I have tried to cover the background and use of allegorical interpretation more fully because it is the basis of the amillennial view of Christ’s return which is a majority view of reformed theologians and the official position of the Roman Catholic church. There is no need to buy a book if you desire to further study this method or check the verity of my comments, just use internet resources.

The unrestrained and subjective application of allegorical understanding leads into a realm of mystic imagination where the express precise language of the Spirit’s one meaning can easily become confused and lost. The human mind will always seek the downward path of human wisdom unless the Holy Spirit opens the mind to his precise truth apart from any ability or capacity within us.

(Luke 24:32), “They said to each other, Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”

(Romans 1:19 – 20)
“19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.
20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”

In these verses we are taught that God’s revelation is plainly revealed, not hidden in a deeper level. What God has plainly shown to those already condemned should also be obvious to believers. Why would God clearly show himself and his works to those who perish and hide the truth of Christ’s return from his elect? Why look for the hidden among the obvious?

Heretics of the past became bored with the plain teaching of God’s word and left it to find a hidden meaning. The imaginations of their depraved mind became their guide instead of the Holy Spirit who guides into all truth. Like the condemned in Romans chapter one they exchanged the words of the immortal Creator for an understanding they preferred so they could define God their own way and fashion their doctrine and worship to match their own sinful desires.

Korah exchanged God’s clear word for his own understanding, rebelled against the authority of Moses and brought death to himself plus his family and those who stood with him and shared his view of God’s word. Read it in Numbers chapter 26.

The Bible is not just another book such as poetry, historical narrative, biography etc. Rather it is the breath of the only living God who spoke into existence everything that exists both seen and unseen. His words are eternal and shall never pass away. We are sinful flesh and will pass away like the green grass of summer. Eternal consequences will attend all who mishandle God’s word therefore anyone applying any method especially allegorical understanding to God’s word should exercise extreme caution.

Language is the means by which mankind communicates. God used known languages to communicate his word to mankind. Any language in which the clear definition of words is abandoned cannot remain a coherent means of understandable communication. Those who change definitions change the language. Any method of interpretation which abandons the clear definition of words is misleading and false. Those who use a false method because they assume it to be necessary will arrive at false conclusions. Allegorical interpretation is a false method of interpretation especially when applied to God's word.

Genre Interpretation

Definition of genre
1. a kind of literary or artistic work
2. a style of expressing yourself in writing
3. an expressive style of music
4. a class of art (or artistic endeavor) having a characteristic form or technique

Another purported (purported means, have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming) aid in interpretation classifies scripture by genre. This is a high sounding word that simply means to classify by class or style. The presumed need for it mistakenly assumes different genres require different methods of interpretation. Presume means “to accept without verification or proof”. Assume means “take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof”. Who decides which classification is appropriate to a particular book or portion of scripture? Who decides which method applies to different genes. Should this method be used for scripture? Is it needed? Where are the scriptures that teach a need for its use.

Everything associated with genre is completely subjective. Subjective means “taking place within the mind and modified by individual bias”. Isaiah chapters 9 and 53 prophesy of Christ and were written in poetic verse. The genre would be poetry. Being written in poetic form does not change the meaning or aid in understanding these prophecies which were literally fulfilled in the new covenant as detailed in the section titled History of his 1st Advent.

Some use genre to classify the Pentateuch and other portions and books of scripture. The first five books of Old Covenant are often classified as law rather than history. Parts of it are then classified using a sub-genre to distinguish law from history. Are the Psalms music or poetry or both? It should be readily understood why this method is subjective and unnecessary. Classifications are decided by the classifier based upon their opinion.

Genre is used as a precursor to allegorical. It is the horse before the cart so to speak. The reader assigns a classification to a book or portion of scripture and then claims the use of a different method of interpretation is needed, usually allegorical. What a ridiculous and dangerous approach to the word of the only living God.

Genre or classification is subjective. Subjective means an “act taking place within the mind and modified by individual bias or a mental act performed entirely within the mind”. The bias in the mind influences the classification. After classifying something as prophetic or apocalyptic one then proceeds to use the allegorical method. From here the journey into mystic imagination begins. One is now unrestrained to insert his or her views and meaning into the context. This lack of restraint is simply a license to commit or believe error. Intellectualism and heresy go hand in hand.

Genre is useful when arranging folders in your filing cabinet or the file manager on your computer. However It is without value in understanding or interpretation of scripture. Use it where it is useful but not for interpretation of scripture.

C. I. Schofield used genre to classify portions of scripture in his study Bible. He assigned the genre of “kingdom” to the four gospels and proclaimed the teaching therein was not intended for the church. In doing so he denied the words of the Lord in (Matthew 28:19 – 20), 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus’ command was for his followers to teach all nations what he had taught them. The gospels record the teachings of Jesus. Schofield was wrong in telling his readers that Jesus’ teachings were not intended for the church but for a future restored kingdom of Israel composed of the physical descendants of Abraham.

Assigning genre is arbitrary and a convenient avenue to insert or reinforce one’s own opinion. Human wisdom presumes the need for it but this presumption does not demonstrate the need for it nor proof of validity to use with scripture. Genre is arbitrary and therefore subjective; the classification becomes the prerogative of the reader.

Schofield’s use of classifying (genre) books of scripture made it easy and convenient for him to classify scripture to fit his new dispensational interpretation. In this he has Augustine for company. However, Schofield, unlike Augustine, did understand how to be saved. Unfortunately those teachings have been widely received so beware of an elaborate method of classifications.

Baptists usually recognize two classifications of the Bible; Old Covenant and the New Covenant and these are sufficient. Knowing whether a text is poetry, law or history does not materially aid in understanding. When you read in the old covenant of Moses giving the law to the Israelites do you need to know whether it is history or law or both? When you read of God creating the heavens and the earth does it matter whether you call it history or something else. All scripture is the breath of God and is true but not everything related in scripture is to be emulated. Do not worship idols like Israel. Classify it all as truth and believe it and you cannot go wrong.

When music is classed by genre whether country, classical or other, nothing is added to the hearer’s appreciation of the music nor does it change the music as penned by the author. So it is with scripture. Assigning arbitrary classifications to books or portions of scripture adds nothing of value to the reader’s understanding or interpretation of the scripture. Scripture has only one meaning, what God meant, therefore it should never be subject to the discretion of human wisdom’s inventions.

Using human wisdom to interpret scripture appeals to human vanity. Using genre to classify scripture is an exercise of human wisdom. (1 Corinthians 1:21), “the world did not know God through wisdom”. If the world did not and cannot know God through wisdom then how can we understand his word through wisdom? God did not choose the use of human wisdom so why would any believer choose human wisdom? Look to God’s wisdom not to human wisdom.

Human intellectualism (human wisdom) is depraved and defies God and is destructive of sound doctrine. My definition of intellectualism is placing emphasis on the inventions of the human intellect in pursuit of understanding God’s written word. Human wisdom has been in rebellion against God since Adam rebelled, denied the verity of God’s word and violated God’s command by eating the fruit forbidden by God. His sinful rebellion brought both physical and spiritual death to all his descendants. Intellectualism is a source of conceit in those who are captivated and entrapped by it. (Jeremiah 17:9), “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”

Use genre to classify the music collection on your computer or to classify anything you wish but it is worthless as a Bible study tool. There does not exist a cogent explanation why it is needed in Bible study. There is no way to prove the need for use with scripture. There is not a word or verse in scripture that justifies its use.

It is presumptuous to assume genre is needed. Assumptions determine conclusions. Example; one assumes genre is needed therefore one concludes it is needed. How utterly ridiculous is such a conclusion. A false assumption always leads to a false conclusion. Assuming something to be a fact when evidence shows otherwise is the basic lie underneath the teaching of evolution and of liberals who deny the authority of God’s word.

Using genre is using depraved human wisdom. Using genre is without merit in connection to the Bible. Using genre is a means of subjecting the Bible to the bias of the depraved human mind. Using genre is a license to inject human opinion into the Bible. Using genre is totally apart from the guiding of the Holy Spirit. Using genre lays the foundation to use allegorical interpretation. Using genre leads to mystic imagination. Using genre is not appropriate for the Bible. Using genre is human wisdom so avoid it when studying the Bible.

Try the spirits and also try the methods and the doctrines which proceed from them.

Relevant words from Solomon. (Ecclesiastes 1:16 – 18)
“16 I said in my heart, I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
17 And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.
18 For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.”

Relevant words from Paul. (1 Corinthians 1:19 - 31, KJV)
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

True interpretation

Only the Spirit of the living immortal invisible God can permit and enable us by his grace to understand his word. Remember the words of Martin Luther’s wonderful hymn, “The Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth.” This promise of our loving Lord was recorded in the gospel according to John.

(John 16:13) “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” Jesus meant exactly what he said.

Paul also wrote about the work of the Holy Spirit.

(1 Timothy 4:1)
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,”

Expressly means, "with specific intentions; for the express purpose". The Spirit speaks expressly, explicitly, precisely. The Holy Spirit guides into all the truth; he speaks with authority; he declares the things to come and he speaks expressly or precisely.

Understanding God’s word is wholly, completely, totally, absolutely the purview of the Holy Spirit who works without and apart from human wisdom.

(John 3:8)
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

God’s spirit is evident but how he works is mysterious and untraceable.

The Spirit reveals God through creation and the written word. He is inscrutable and he works mysteriously within a realm hidden from our senses and knowledge.

(Romans 11:33 – 36)
“33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?
35 Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”

The Holy Spirit was active in leading and guiding God’s people in the old covenant. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. The Holy Spirit was active in the book of Acts as he led and guided the early church.

(Romans 8:26 – 28)
“26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Today the Holy Spirit is actively leading and guiding the body of Christ. We may not hear or see but the Spirit is here doing God’s will for the believer. Those who believe otherwise do not believe God's word.

We should not neglect the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.

(I Thessalonians 5:19)
“Do not quench the Spirit.”

(Ephesians 5:18)
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,”

(Ephesians 4:30)
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

It is unfortunate that misunderstanding and misuse by some has caused others to avoid speaking of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. He is with us and in us doing his work mysteriously beyond our understanding. Cold formalist orthodoxy divorced from the Holy Spirit is as dead as affectionate vibrant liberalism divorced from sound doctrine.

The words of the Apostle Paul should be our mindset as we seek to understand scripture.
(2 Corinthians 4:1 – 6)
“1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.
2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

History of the First Advent of Christ

Old Testament Reformation

When seeking to understand the return of our Lord in power and great glory it is appropriate and consistent to look at prophecies of his first advent. Were those prophecies literally fulfilled or fulfilled in a hidden or allegorical manner? No honest disciple can disagree with the following.

Genesis 49:20 Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah. Recorded as literally fulfilled in Luke 3:23 – 33.

Deuteronomy 18:15 Messiah would be a prophet like Moses from within Israel. Recorded as literally fulfilled in Acts 7:37.

Psalm 41:9 Messiah would be betrayed by a friend. Recorded as literally fulfilled in Mark 14:10.

Isaiah 7:14 Messiah’s mother would be a virgin. Recorded as literally fulfilled in Luke 1:26 – 33.

Isaiah 9:6 Messiah would be God. Recorded as literally fulfilled in Matthew 1:23.

Isaiah 9:7 Messiah would be David’s descendant. Recorded as literally fulfilled in Matthew 1:1.

Isaiah 53:3 Messiah would be despised and rejected. Recorded as literally fulfilled in John 1:11 and throughout the New Testament.

Daniel 9:26 Messiah would die. Recorded as literally fulfilled in I Peter 2:24 and throughout the New Testament.

Micah 5:2 Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Recorded as literally fulfilled in Matthew 2:1.

Hosea 11:1 Messiah would come from Egypt. Recorded as literally fulfilled in Matthew 2:14.

Zechariah 9:9 Messiah would come riding a foal of a donkey. Recorded as literally fulfilled in John 12:13 – 16.

These and other prophecies of Christ’s first advent were literally fulfilled. Why ascribe allegorical understanding to the prophecies of his second coming? Why use an allegorical method to interpret prophesies of his second coming when it was inappropriate and not used with his first advent? Consistency is always best. Take the word of God plainly.

Old Testament

Creation
Some teach that the record of creation is not to be taken literally rather it is an allegory and should be taken only in a spiritual sense if at all.

Adam and Eve
Some teach that the record of God creating Adam and Eve should not be taken literally rather it is an allegory and should be taken only in a spiritual sense if at all.

Noah and the flood
Some teach that the record of the world wide flood is not to be taken literally rather it is an allegory and should be taken only in a spiritual sense if at all.

Parting of the Red Sea
Some teach the parting of the Red Sea is not to be taken literally rather it is an allegory and should be taken only in a spiritual sense if at all.

Battle of Jericho
Some teach that the details of the battle of Jericho should not be taken literally rather it is an allegory and should be taken only in a spiritual sense if at all.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Some teach that the record of these Hebrew children should not be taken literally rather it is an allegory and should be taken only in a spiritual sense if at all.

The list could go on and on. Everything recorded in the Bible which defies a rational explanation can be subject to the same false teaching including unfulfilled prophesy. Rational means “consistent with or based on or using reason” That is human reason or in the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 1 the, “wisdom of the world”. Those who do not understand or do not want to believe the Bible change it to mean something other than what is recorded. Changing the word of the eternal living God is the most dangerous act performed by a human.

John Spong was a bishop of the Episcopal Church. He wrote a book to destroy the faith of those who believe that the Bible records literal events. John Shelby Spong, Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism: A Bishop Rethinks the Meaning of Scripture (San Francisco: Harper, 1991) He was not the first to hold pagan views disguised as Christian. Church history if filled with false teachers as Christ warned his disciples in Matthew chapter 24.

The use of symbolic language does not mean that the events recorded are allegorical therefore not literal events and people. In the word picture of symbolic language you will find actual historical people, actual historical events and actual truths. Do not look for the “hidden” or “deeper” meaning. Look for what is presented for the Spirit of God speaks expressly or explicitly.

The Reformation

Believing what others believe can be good or bad depending upon whether the belief or tradition is founded on scripture. Example; I am a Baptist because my mother and father were Baptists as were my grandparents and their parents before them, therefore I am a Baptist. Such reasoning is not valid as a basis for sound doctrine or practice. Some hold a particular view because it was the view of the reformers of the 16th century and continues as part of the reformed community today.

Did the reformers go far enough?

Like the ancient kings of Judah they did not correct everything that was wrong. Salvation by faith apart from works was their primary focus plus they upheld the scripture as the only source of doctrine, removed the idols from their church buildings and changed church governance for the better. With hindsight we view their reforms with sincere gratitude, without finding fault for their shortcomings. Thanks be to God they reclaimed the gospel of Christ thereby exposing an apostate idol worshiping Roman Catholic church.

Should traditions the reformers continued to practice be considered doctrine?

The great reformers were flesh and blood and like us all subject to error. Their views are not the word of God therefore their traditions should not to be accepted as doctrine.

Martin Luther was brave, godly and well educated but continued to practice the tradition wherein the elements of the Lord’s Supper were purportedly transformed into the actual real blood and body of Christ. A plain reading of Hebrews reveals this tradition to be false.

(Hebrews 9:25 – 26)
“25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own,
26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”

Martin Luther’s life’s work in service to the Lord was remarkable and changed western civilization but he was imperfect and made mistakes. Baptists respect and admire Martin Luther but do not accept transubstantiation as sound doctrine.

Transubstantiation remains the practice of the apostate Roman Catholic church. The 1689 London Baptist Confession states, “In this ordinance Christ is not offered up to his Father, nor any real sacrifice made at all for remission of sin of the quick or dead, but only a memorial of that one offering up of himself by himself upon the cross, once for all; and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same. So that the popish sacrifice of the mass, as they call it, is most abominable, injurious to Christ's own sacrifice the alone propitiation for all the sins of the elect. (Hebrews 9:25, 26, 28; 1 Corinthians 11:24; Matthew 26:26, 27)”.

Zwingli the Swiss reformer believed the church to be political which was the traditional view of the Roman Catholic church since Roman times. He advocated and practiced the use of military force to make others comply with the reformation. Calvin also held this belief and so did Augustine the heretic before the reformation.

Zwingli believed Christ’s reign on earth was during this present age. He believed his political and military efforts were in behalf of Christ’s kingdom. He was killed in battle on October 11, 1531 while involved in the application of military force for that purpose.

Was Zwingli right? Consider God's word as written.

(John 18:36)
“Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

Had Zwingli simply accepted what is plainly taught in scripture he would not have engaged in warfare to enforce his view of the reformation. Again we see the reformers were flesh and blood subject to error and sometimes acted in error.

Luther and other reformers also continued the tradition of paedobaptism (infant baptism) which also remains the tradition of the apostate Roman Catholic church and the majority of reformed churches.

On baptism in the 1689 London Baptist Confession.
“Those who do actually profess repentance towards God, faith in, and obedience to, our Lord Jesus Christ, are the only proper subjects of this ordinance.”

Not a single instance of infant baptism is recorded in the Bible. All Christian baptisms in the New Testament were believers baptisms. Again we see the reformers were flesh and blood and subject to error and sometimes acted in error.

Respect and admiration for the reformers did not prevent our Baptist forefathers from continuing to reform church doctrine. Christians should not be content to stop where the reformers stopped. Today we need to continue to reform our doctrine and practice because Christ has not yet returned and we must continue to conform ourselves to his image and our corporate worship to God's word.

The return of our Lord

One day the trumpet of God will sound, the voice of the archangel will be heard, the heavens will burst forth with the glory of God and his angels will gather his elect when the resurrected Christ, our living head, returns in the clouds with power and great glory to complete the redemption of his people whom he has purchased with his own blood. (Philippians 2:7 – 8), Jesus “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” He has saved us from our sins, sealed us with his Spirit and when he returns in the clouds the elect will be resurrected and be given new glorified bodies like his.

This same Jesus whose name is above every name will appear a second time not with humility as a lamb to be slaughtered but with power and great glory to gather his elect and reign as king. He will destroy the Antichrist at his coming and reign with his glorified saints upon the earth. Every knee in heaven on earth and under the earth will bow before him and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9 – 11)

In a study of the Lord’s return it is appropriate to begin with the words of Jesus himself on the subject. Consequently Matthew chapter 24 beginning with verse 3 will be used as the main text. From verse 3 through the remainder of the chapter Jesus gives details of his second coming. Verses 1 and 2 of that chapter acquaint us with the setting for this discourse.

Arrangement

The entire chapter will not be quoted at one time. Subject headings in bold print will be followed by a verse or verses immediately below the heading. Quoted verses will be followed by relevant exposition including quotes and explanation from other related scriptures. This will be the pattern through the entire chapter beginning in verse 3 through the end of the chapter.

Keep your Bible open to the main text and available to read other scripture references given but not quoted. In this manner you can maintain a coherent orientation as the study progresses and be able to check my comments for accuracy.

As a believer you can comprehend the scripture as well as any other believer because you have the Holy Spirit to guide you. Before beginning this study please pray for guidance and understanding as you study. Some might be more apt to teach but all believers can understand.

The Question

“3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

The disciples asked in plain understandable language when and what will be the sign of his coming and the end of the age. Some believe the “end of the age” means the end of all things on earth but that is not what is said. It is wrong to insert meaning not supplied in the context. The end of the age and the return of Christ are the same. One does not need a method to understand this.

Warning about impostors

“4 And Jesus answered them, See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray."

He began his answer with a warning. The command to his disciples was to not let anyone lead them astray but warned them that many would come calling themselves the Christ and many would follow them.

Many in the past 2 millennia have claimed to be Christ, the Messiah, and many false teachers have claimed to represent him. Why will they follow a fake?

(2 Timothy 4:3 – 4)
“3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,
4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”

Some use the name of Jesus but deny his word and his works. Their message is God wants everyone to always be happy, healthy and wealthy; God is eagerly waiting to give them whatever they imagine. Their motive is money to fund their lavish lifestyle. Their modus operandi is to speak soothing but false words to their hearers. They omit the message of true faith in Christ; repentance from sin is necessary and persecution comes to all whose faith is genuine.

(Luke 13:3)
“No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

(2 Timothy 3:12)
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”

(2 Peter 2:18 – 19)
“18 For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error.
19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.”

Their end is foreordained and certain

(2 Peter 2:1)
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.” Their destruction will arrive swiftly and they will join others in the lake of fire.

(Revelation 20:15)
“And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

All who follow false christs will be overcome by Satan

(John 10:12)
“He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.”

(Revelation 13:5 – 8)
“5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months.
6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.
7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation,
8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.”
It is not necessary to know who or what is the identify of the “beast” in order to understand that he will hate Christians and kill many of them.

False indicators

6 "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains."

As pains precede birth so will these events precede Christ’s return. History is replete with the constancy of war among nations. Killing of others began with Cain and continues to this day. Countless millions have died in battle and yet there is no peace on earth only more wars and rumors of war.

Some believe this present age is the reign of Christ on earth and will be characterized by increasing peace and righteousness. Evasive and deceptive theological tactics cannot dismiss or alter the plain language Jesus used. No peace.

Some appear to savor the news of war or rumors of such between nations thinking this heralds the imminent return of our Lord but the Lord said, “but the end is not yet.” Jesus warned his disciples that wars, rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes do not presage his immediate return.

Some are captivated by such rumors as they pertain to the present day nation of Israel. They view political Israel as distinct and different from the church and wrongly apply scriptural passages clearly meant for all who belong to Christ. Wars and rumors of war in the middle east are not indications of the Lord’s immediate return rather these and other events are only the beginning of events prior to his return.

Persecution of believers

9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake."

For over 2000 years believers throughout the world have been persecuted and killed for their faith in Christ. In my lifetime (1943) there has been a pronounced increase in the hatred of Christians in the USA where previously we were well tolerated. Religious radicals in many places are enslaving and killing Christians today. The description the Lord gives is a solemn warning for believers living on earth and it certainly is at odds with those who believe the present era is Christ reigning on earth. Neither does it fit with the idea that the world will become more righteous before the Lord’s return.

(2 Timothy 3:12 – 13)
“12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”

The world is not getting better during these last days? The hatred of Christ and his church is growing. Evil is increasing and deceived impostors abound in deceiving many.

Betrayal of believers

10 "And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.”

Many fall away because the gospel message falls on those whose eyes are blinded by Satan so they cannot believe. Some cannot develop root because they have only an emotional experience of the flesh but have not received the gift of faith. Some hear with joy but are not willing to take up the cross and follow Jesus through persecution and death thus they fall away.

Those who belong to Christ have a good root in the vine which is Christ the Lord. We will live forever in the glorious presence of the Lord. Physical death to the believer is only a joyfully entrance into Christ’s presence.

Jesus used symbolic language to teach the truth that not all who hear the gospel will be saved.

(Matthew 13:18 – 23),
“18 Hear then the parable of the sower:
19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path.
20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy,
21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.
22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

(John 15:5)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

The use of a parable does not mean that the truth taught was not genuine truth. Jesus used a simile or analogy so those who hear would understand clearly the truth presented.

Today entire denominations are betraying Christ, other believers and the faith once for all delivered to the saints. This includes evangelical and reformed. They deny and reject scriptural teaching that homosexuality is an abomination to God and under divine condemnation. Some homosexuals claim to be Christians and those church organizations who receive them give succor to those whom God has condemned.

(Romans 1:32),
“Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.”

These denominations have perverted the gospel and Bible truth in general. They continue their decline into apostasy by welcoming and comforting those whom God calls an abomination and who live under his condemnation. They will continue to fall all the way into the fire of eternal damnation.

God will judge both, the homosexuals and those who give them a covering of religious and cultural respectability.

(Romans 2:8)
“but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.”

True believers should turn away from such people and institutions as commanded by Paul.

(2 Timothy 3:5)
“having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”

These evil individuals and institutions actually hate Christ and all who remain steadfast in their faith and in defense of sound doctrine. Their god is fashioned from within their own sin filled mind after their own likeness. The god they worship is not the God of Abraham. The redeemed of the Lord are hated and rejected when they speak the truth of the living God.

False prophets

11 "And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray."

(1 John 4:1)
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Some today say they have a revelation from God, a word of faith. They make statements such as “you have the same DNA as Jesus”. As Satan’s servants they speak and do his will.

(Genesis 3:4),
“But the serpent said to the woman, You will not surely die.”

God said to Adam, you will die if you eat fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Satan added “not” to what God had said and completely changed the meaning God intended. The account of Adam’s sin serves as a stark warning to all who purport to represent Christ but change the plain meaning of God’s word and make it seem to mean something else; who claim to know the mind of God while they are awash in the devil’s work. It also serves as a solemn reminder to those who actually do teach God’s word. Changing the meaning of God’s word to agree with a particular theological position is to mimic Satan and endanger one’s soul.

(2 Timothy 2:15)
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

False teachers are leading and accompanying the spiritually dead to eternal death. They claim to be ministers of God but live in obscene luxury when Jesus declared that he, the son of man, had nowhere to lay his head. They falsely use the name of Jesus Christ to enrich themselves with worldly goods and enjoyment rather than seek the righteousness of God in Christ. Jesus said they have their reward.

Christ has been given all power thus he will sit in judgment while they occupy the defendant’s dock. Mercy will only come to those whose names are written in the book of life.

(Matthew 6:31 – 33)
“31 "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’"
32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”
33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Not included among “all these things”, are large lavish homes filled with luxurious furnishing and fine art or garages filled with luxury autos or a private airport with personal jets.

(Psalms 37:1 – 2)
“1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!
2 For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.”

We should not be anxious regarding them for their judgment is certain and their false teachings and claims that they do God’s work will not save them.

(Matthew 7:22 – 23)
“22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?
23 And then will I declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”

Wickedness increases

12 "And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
13 “But the one who endures to the end will be saved."

The world is now lawless and will become more lawless instead of better. To say that Christ is now reigning on earth is to deny the very words of Jesus. Satan is now the god of this world. Demas was an example of those who love the world more than Christ.

(2 Timothy 4:10)
“For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.”

(1John 2:15 – 17)
“15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

We are living in the “last days” according to Acts 2:16 – 20. The last days are characterized by Paul.

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." (2 Timothy 3:1, KJV)

The word translated “perilous” implies fierce or furious times in the last days. The word is used twice in the New Testament. In Matthew 8 it is translated "fierce". These are fierce times in the last days. These days are not filled with righteousness and peace. The scripture as written in our English language is clear.

(Matthew 8:28)
“And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way.”

The love of some will conform to the coldness of the world and draw away from the warm embrace of the savior’s love. Those who continue and abide in Christ, by God’s grace, are those whom God has chosen and called to be his. God’s elect will endure.

(John 6:37)
“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”

(Hebrews 5:9, KJV)
“And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”.

(Hebrews 12:2, KJV)
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus is both the beginning and the end of our eternal salvation. God supplied salvation for believers and he will complete it. Romans 8:31 – 36 teaches us that we cannot be separated from the love of God.

End of the age

14 "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

Compare the words spoken by Jesus to those written by John.

(Revelation 14:6)
“Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.”

Jesus said the gospel of the kingdom must be proclaimed in the whole world then will come the end of the age. John wrote in Revelation that an angel will proclaim the eternal gospel to every nation, tribe and language.

Is this “eternal gospel” the same as the gospel we know? The words of Paul.

(Galatians 1:8, KJV), “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”

The gospel which Paul preached, the gospel of the kingdom which Jesus preached and the eternal gospel proclaimed by the angel in Revelation 14 are references to the one and only gospel. Dispensation theology wrongly claims the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of God are not the same. When the gospel is proclaimed throughout the whole world then the age will end.

Certain visible, real and notable events will occur before Christ returns. Thus his coming is not immediate.

The “end” in verse 14 is contextually related to the question of when is “the end of the age” in verse 3. It does not say the end or culmination of earth but “the age”. Some believe this means the present earth and heavens will be destroyed by fire at the time of Christ’s return. The Bible does teach that the heavens and earth that now exist will be destroyed by fire. This passage does not say this destruction will happen at the time of Christ’s return in the clouds. To add meaning not supplied in the context or change the meaning of words and violate context is wrong. Even worse it is fraught with eternal danger for those who practice it.

Abomination of Desolation

15 "So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),
16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
17 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house,
18 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak.
19 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!
20 Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath."

(Daniel 11:31)
“Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.”

Some believe the Roman general Titus was the fulfillment of the prophesy in Daniel and Titus’ destruction constituted the “great tribulation”. Titus’ legions did in fact lay waste to the temple and Jerusalem in 70 AD. The view that Titus’s destruction was the great tribulation is based primarily on the writings of Josephus, a Jewish historian who recorded the destruction of Jerusalem. The writings of Josephus are not God breathed scripture (2 Timothy 3:16) and should never be used as the foundation of doctrine.

Titus’ destruction was definitely not the “great tribulation” as we will see later in verse 29 where Christ’s return is "Immediately after the tribulation of those days”. Since Jesus’ return is after “the tribulation of those days” and Jesus did not return after Titus’ destruction of Jerusalem then “the tribulation of those days” did not occur in 70 AD and was not the “great tribulation”.

Avoid any method of interpretation that confuses these clear plain words regarding the correlation between the great tribulation and the return of the Lord. There is no allegory here.

Paul wrote to warn of those who lie about the coming of the Lord.

(2 Thessalonians 2:1 – 12)
“1 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers,
2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?
6 And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.
8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.
9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders,
10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false,
12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

Paul writes to comfort and clarify “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him” and dispel the lie that the Lord Jesus had already come. “the coming of our Lord” in verse 1 is contextually the same as “that day” in verse 3. Paul clearly says “that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.” The day of the Lord’s return will not happen until the rebellion and the son of destruction are revealed. Clearly Paul expected his hearers to witness these events. If these events have not occurred then Jesus hasn’t returned. The man of lawlessness, the son of destruction is opposed to Christ and will declare himself as god.

Some insert a third individual, the Holy Spirit, into this text. The Holy Spirit is never mentioned by name in the context. To hold this view the context must be altered to name “he” as the Holy Spirit. Adding to the context is tantamount to adding to God’s word as written. Adopting this view assumes (take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof) that “he” is the Holy Spirit thereby adding to the context. To assume thus would be based upon conjecture (a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing; usually with little hard evidence). Assuming and conjecturing are definitely not the basis of sound doctrine. This view is not founded on proper exegesis. The Lord Jesus Christ and the son of destruction are the only two individuals mentioned in the context. Not myself nor anyone else knows for certain who "he" is in the context of 2 Thessalonians chapter 2.

The church is not taken up before the tribulation and the son of perdition is present during the tribulation. Therefore the reasoning that “he” who restrains is the Holy Spirit is based only upon an assumption using a dispensational view overlaid on scripture. I do not know who “he” is but I do know the church will endure the great tribulation. I fail to see a strong case to make this person the Holy Spirit. The case for the Holy Spirit is based entirely the assumption that the church being taken out before the tribulation and that is the exact opposite of what Jesus said plainly in Matthew 24.

The son of perdition is definitely restrained from coming on the scene by someone. When the constraint is removed he will be revealed and after the great tribulation Christ will return for his church and destroy the man of lawlessness and rule on the earth for 1000 years with power and great glory.

(John 14:26)
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

In his second letter to the Thessalonians Paul addressed the lie proclaimed by some that Christ had already returned. Paul reminded the Thessalonians that the day of Christ’s return wasn’t past and not immediate because certain events must precede his return. There will be recognizable events preceding his return and believers will see these and know his coming is near.

Tribulation unequaled in all history

21 "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be."

“For” (because) “then” (at that time) is contextually directly connected to verses 15 through 20 which begins with “When you see” in verse 15. The appearance of the abomination of desolation precedes the great tribulation. Titus can be characterized as an abomination for the utter destruction he brought to Jerusalem but his 70 AD destruction does not fit the time line given here therefore someone other than Titus is meant. Someone far worse than Titus is coming. This time line agrees well with the “man of lawlessness” “the son of destruction” of 2 Thessalonians 2.

The severity of this tribulation has never been known before nor will it ever be known again. The local destruction by Titus was extremely severe but it cannot be compared in scope or severity to the great tribulation. When attempting to support the idea that Titus’ destruction constituted the great tribulation some forget that the communists under Mao Zedong killed a minimum of 40 to 80 million people including more Christians than the total number killed by Titus’ legions. Imagine killings on a scale larger than Mao Zedong and you can grasp the severity of the great tribulation. This tribulation will be worldwide.

The great tribulation will be a time of danger and death for Christians. A great multitude will die for their faith in Christ but physical death is not their end for God shall receive them.

(Revelation 7:13 – 14)
“13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?
14 I said to him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

(Revelation 20:4 – 5)
“4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection.”

Tribulation will be cut short

22 "And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short."

The great tribulation will be cut short otherwise no human would survive but for the sake of God’s elect those days will be shortened. This plainly demonstrates this to be worldwide tribulation not just Judah and Jerusalem. It is also plain and evident that the elect are still on the earth since it is cut short for their sake. The elect have not been secretly “raptured” as some falsely teach.

Christians will go through the great tribulation and many will be killed during that time.

(Revelation 6:10 – 11)
“10 They cried out with a loud voice, O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?
11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.”

Notice their body had been killed but they remained alive in heaven. The body dies but the spirits of those who believe in Christ will never die. This is not an allegory as assumed by some and no method of classification or interpretation is needed to understand this other than plain reading and acceptance of scripture.

Warning about false reports of Christ's return

23 "Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it."
24 "For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect."

“Then” connects this verse with the verses before which teach us of the great tribulation. False messiahs and prophets will be present during this time and will perform great sighs and wonders that will lead astray those who are not elect. The elect cannot be led astray because God preserves them. The elect will recognize these false wonder workers. There are many following such people today and without the grace of God they will perish along with the false teachers.

(Revelation 13:11 – 17)
“11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon.
12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed.
13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people,
14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain.
16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead,
17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.”

Fire from heaven also occurred in the book of Job. I include this so you won’t think Revelation is an isolated event and hard to believe. Satan destroyed all Job had including his family. Fire came from the sky and burned up his sheep and the servants who attended them.

(Job 1:16)
“While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

The account in Job was a literal event as are the verses quoted above from Revelation. Satan works wonders and so will his false prophets. The purpose is to lead the unbelieving world astray. I do not subscribe to mystic imagination in understanding scripture.

Warning about a secret return of Christ

“25 See, I have told you beforehand.
26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.

Everyone will see Jesus return so there will not be a need to tell others that he has come or point to his location. Some teach a secret return of Jesus for his saints. Jesus said when he comes he will not be found in the inner rooms which indicates a private or secret place.

Not a single word, verse or passage of scripture teaches a secret coming of Christ. He came visibly and openly in his first advent and so it shall be with his return. Jesus said, “do not believe it” pertaining to him coming in secret. Remember Jesus' answer to the high priest. "Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing." (John 18:20, KJV) The suggestion that Jesus will come secretly is not in keeping with his first advent nor the clear words of scripture. The writer in Hebrews expressly declares that Christ “will appear a second time” to save those who eagerly await his coming. He will appear the second time for all to see. Christians will rejoice and the world will mourn.

(Hebrews 9:28)
“so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”

The secret rapture belief results from being shackled to a system of interpretation. The same is true of those who say the thousand years of Revelation 20 really does not mean thousand and refuse to accept the first resurrection of the just and the resurrection of the wicked dead are different events. Both are chained to a system of interpretation that causes them to reject what is plain and obvious. Both think themselves to be correct. Both insert mystic imagination into their view of Christ's return. Both base doctrine upon their assumptions. Their wrong assumptions lead them to wrong conclusions.

Amillennialism is nothing less than saying God did not mean what he said to John; that when John wrote "the revelation of Jesus Chris" he did not mean what he said. Dispensational millennialism is a misunderstanding of the nature of the new covenant that has replaced the old covenant. Also they misunderstand who are the true descendants of Abraham who inherit the promises made to him. I can relate to misunderstanding but simply cannot relate to nor accept denying God's word. I do not know everything about events which occur from the time when Jesus returns in the clouds to gather his elect and when the new Jerusalem descends from heaven. However I do know that those who deny God's plain words are liars who cover their lies by saying they use "a different method of interpretation". Satan used a "different method of interpretation" when he changed the meaning of God's words and lied to Adam and Even and he is still using it today. Dispensational millennialism is a misunderstanding. Amillennialism is a lie.

(Proverbs 21:2)
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”

(Acts 1:9 – 11)
9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,
11 and said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Why would anyone believe in a secret return given the weight of scripture which plainly declares otherwise? Complete submission and obedience to a system of theology or method of interpretation causes blindness. Avoid the blindness by simply believing the plain truth of God’s word.

Jesus was visibly and bodily taken up into the clouds of heaven. He will return a “second time” with power and great glory visibly and bodily in the clouds of heaven.

Christ’s coming will be visible to human eyes

27 "For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."
28 "Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather."

The coming of Christ will be as visible as the lightning which lights the heavens. It will be as noticeable as a group of vultures who gather to feed upon a corpse. It will not and cannot be hidden or secret.

Christ will return after the Tribulation

29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

Some interpret verse 30 allegorically. They change the son of man coming into the coming of the church. This is adding and taking away from the text on a grand scale. This view ignores the plain meaning of the words Jesus himself, “immediately after the tribulation of those days __________they will see the Son of Man coming”. Nothing in the language or context warrants an allegorical interpretation of these words. It is plainly stated that “they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” How much clearer and plain can it be? To believe otherwise is to deny the words of Christ. Blind adherence to a system of theology or method of interpretation can cause blindness and is fraught with eternal danger.

“the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” The sun moon and stars are sometimes used to symbolize real people and real events. Remember Joseph's dreams.

Luke 21:25 – 28)
“25 And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,
26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
27 "And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

When Christ died, rose and ascended the following literal events occurred

(Matthew 27:45)
“Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.”

(Matthew 27:50 – 53)
“50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.
51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.
52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised,
53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.”

(Mark 15:33 – 37)
“33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? which means, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, Behold, he is calling Elijah.
36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.
37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last.”

(Luke 23:44 – 46)
“44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour,
45 while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, Father, into your hands I commit my spirit! And having said this he breathed his last.”

(Luke 24:1 – 7)
“1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb,
3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee,
7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”

(Acts 1:3)
“He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”

(Acts 1:9), “And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.”

Strange, visible recognizable events occurred when Jesus died, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven.

When he died there was darkness over the whole land for several hours; the earth shook and rocks were split in half; the curtain that covered the entrance to the most holy place in the temple was torn in half from top to bottom, some saints were resurrected and appeared in the holy city. These events symbolize religious changes but they were actual literal events.

When Jesus rose from the dead unusual and visible events were experienced by some.

When Jesus ascended into heaven in Acts 1 visible events were seen by many.

When Jesus returns unusual events are foretold described as “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken”.

These words could symbolize the death of the son of destruction, the end of his rule and with him will go his minions and Satan’s powers will be shaken and he will be bound and placed in the bottomless pit but not yet cast into the lake of fire (sun, moon and stars). Unusual events will take place such as the events at his death, resurrection and ascension.

But more than just symbolic events are indicated in Luke 21:25 – 26.
“25 And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,
26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Unusual events in the heavens will cause anguish and hearts failing on earth because of the roaring of the sea and the waves. This indicates literal disturbances causing fear among people about what is coming on the world.

If you look to me or anyone to give you an absolute and complete understanding of all these things then you will be disappointed because I am unable and neither can anyone else. We know the antichrist will be revealed before Christ comes and Christ will destroy him and his government and the devil will be bound. From Revelation we see much distress among the inhabitants of the earth and the earth itself. When Jesus comes we will know completely.

The gathering of the elect

31 "And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

In Matthew 24:29 – 31 Jesus describes contemporaneous events; changes in our solar system; mourning among people on earth; our Lord coming in the clouds and the gathering of his elect by angels. Some change the timing of these events to make them fit into their view of the Lord’s return. They tamper with God’s word by altering the context. No one has authority to change the words of Jesus. Anyone who would change his words by altering the context to change the timing of these events place themselves is grave danger. God’s word is not subject to the discretion of the human intellect.

When he comes “immediately after the tribulation of those days” his elect will be gathered to him. Paul’s account is remarkably similar to the Lord’s description.

(1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18)
"13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.
14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
18 Therefore encourage one another with these words."

There is a sequence of events detailed in this context. “will not precede” and “Then” indicates a chronological sequence of events. First those dead in Christ will be raised from the grave. Christ come with his saints who have died and then comes at the same time for his saints still living on earth. “Then” those alive in Christ will be gathered. One event is after the other event. If one disbelieves the first and second resurrection as detailed in Revelation 20 and instead believes in a single or general resurrection then the wicked dead are raised to life before living believers are gathered at Jesus’ coming. The Bible refers to those who are blessed in the “first resurrection” but “the rest of the dead” are resurrected after the one thousand years so there will be two separate resurrections.

(1 Corinthians 15:23 – 24)
“23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.”

In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul discusses the resurrection of the dead. You can read the entire context. In verse 23 Paul explicitly (remember the Spirit speaks expressly or precisely) declares there is an order or succession of events in the resurrection. First Christ was raised, then those who belong to him at his coming. The rest of the dead will be resurrected after the one thousand years of Revelation 20 and then comes the end.

The resurrection of the wicked dead is not mentioned in Matthew 24, 1 Corinthians 15 or 1 Thessalonians 4. The dead in Christ will be resurrected first as recorded in 1 Thessalonians 4:16. The first resurrection of Revelation 20 is of those who are his at his coming. Remarkable agreement between these different contexts.

Also note that Christ will bring with him those who have fallen asleep (died) in him before his coming. The dead in Christ will rise first and their spirits which are with the Lord will be joined to their glorified body. Jesus said those who believe in him will never die because their spirit will live with him even though their body has died. Therefore it is stated “God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:14).

When the elect are gathered to their Lord our salvation with all the promised blessings bestowed will be complete and our eternal home will be with him. We shall never want nor suffer again throughout eternity.

(John 5:28 – 29)
“28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice
29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.”

Jesus taught all dead humans will come from the grave. However he drew a distinction between the “the resurrection of life” and “the resurrection of judgment” “The” and “and” plainly indicate a distinction or difference between the two. We see in Revelation a separation of the resurrection of life and the resurrection of the rest of the dead and that appears to be what Jesus indicated here in John 5. Remember Paul’s explicit statement in 1 Corinthians 15 that there is an order or succession of events in the resurrection.

I believe these texts are related and there will not be a general resurrection of all the dead at one time but two distinct and separate resurrections. According to Revelation 20 there will be one thousand years between the two resurrections. This was the view of the early church and was taught by early church fathers and recorded by John. Assuming that there will be a general or only one resurrection does not prove the assumption to be true. False assumptions produce false conclusions.

(Luke 14:14), “and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

In this passage Jesus was a dinner guest instructing his host about who should be invited to a feast. Jesus refers to “the resurrection of the just.” as distinct. This agrees with the plain reading of “the dead in Christ will rise first.” in verse 16 of 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 and (Revelation 20:5), “The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection.” Assuming that “the thousand years” means something other that “the thousand years” does not prove the assumption to be true.

It is wrong to add words or remove words from the text. Changing the definition of words to give them a completely different meaning is equal to adding or removing words. It is a very dangerous practice and those who practice it live in danger. It is always wrong to assume facts not in evidence. False assumptions produce false conclusions.

(Revelation 22:18 – 19)
“18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,
19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”

Below is a description of the first resurrection by one who holds the amillennial view.

(https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/838/what-is-the-first-resurrection) “The "first resurrection" refers to a spiritual resurrection in which the martyred saints come to life in heaven to reign with Christ during the present age.” This statement is nonsensical. The writer refers to “saints” so evidently he is speaking of Christians who have been killed.

To “come to life in heaven” is a contradiction of the words of Jesus. The person quoted assumes Revelation 20 is allegorical. He then assumes upon his previous assumption that a spiritual resurrection occurs during this age. Assuming on an assumption is really really bad theology but it does fit his view of the end times which is a system of theology to which he is chained and imprisoned.

(John 11:25 – 26)
“25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

You must believe the words of the Lord Jesus or those of a person who changes the word of God to fit his preconceived views of Christ’s return. Believe Christ.

Those who believe in Christ never die so how could they “come to life in heaven”? Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians chapter 5 that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. The body dies but the spirit remains alive and goes to be with the Lord. So how can a living spirit “come to life” or have a “spiritual resurrection”? A spiritual resurrection (passing from death to life) is necessary before a person can enter heaven.

(I John 3:14)
“We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.”

How can a person who has already experienced a “spiritual resurrection” die physically and their spirit goes to heaven and there experience a second “spiritual resurrection” and in what universe could this be called the “first resurrection”?

This interpretation results from using a method invented by the pagan Greeks who created and used the allegorical method to find hidden meanings instead of the actual meaning plainly given in the text. This method of interpretation was used to arrive at this bizarre conclusion and should be avoided because it nullifies plain reading and invents absurd meanings other than normal meaning. This pagan method of interpretation is wrong and should never be used.

How twisted and confused an interpretation can become if one invents a hidden allegorical meaning to construct dissimilar parts to fit into the jig saw puzzle that constitutes one’s own complex theological view. Mixing different methods of interpretation brings nonsensical results. Using the normal method of interpretation on all scripture will yield a consistent, understandable and accurate result.

(Revelation 1:5 -7)
5 To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood
6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.

The lesson of the fig tree

32 "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.
33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.
35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."

Jesus said to learn. He used an analogy of the fig tree to teach that his coming is near. The fig tree becomes tender and puts out leaves then you know that summer is near. The nearness of his coming can be known from events that will occur prior to his return as you know summer is near when the fig tree puts on leaves. If these events have not happened then his coming is not yet. When the events described by Jesus happen then his coming is imminent or “at the gates”. This is an analogy not an allegory.

Christ says “this generation” will not pass until “all these things take place”. Some teach the generation spoken of by Jesus was the generation in which Jesus lived while on earth therefore all these things have already happened. This interpretation avoids the obvious plain reading of the text by ignoring the context especially the words immediately preceding. The words “this generation” is that generation “when he is near, at the very gates”. The generation living when his coming draws near will see the fulfillment of all these events. Any other interpretation is misleading at best. The events Jesus described to his disciples will occur within one generation; that generation living as his return draws near.

The day and hour of Christ’s return is unknown

36 "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.
37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,
39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."

These verses follow the lesson of the fig tree which teaches that events portend the time of his appearing is near. Verse 36 begins with “but concerning that day” to distinguish “near” from “that day and hour”. The nearness of his return can be known; “he is near, at the very gates” but only the father knows “that day and hour”.

Benjamin Creme predicted that Jesus would return on Monday, 21 June 1982. It didn’t happen. Harold Camping predicted Jesus would return May 27, 2012 but when Jesus didn’t appear he set May 18, 2013 as the new date. It didn’t happen. Avoid anyone who says he is coming on a certain date for these people are false teachers and liars. Also avoid those who claim his coming can be expected at any moment because they ignore the very teaching of Jesus about events leading up to him coming.

Jesus said that society at the time of his coming will be like that in Noah’s time. “For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark” The cultural activities of the world continued without interruption until the day entered the ark. Sin will be pervasive.

Noah preached righteousness (2 Peter 2:5) for at least 100 years yet no one except his family believed his words. Society ignored the continued warnings of Noah and remained “unaware” until Noah went into the ark, the rains began and everyone, except those in the ark, were destroyed by the flood.

Such will be the circumstances of the world at the day and hour of the Lord’s return. It will be life as usual for the world. The elect will know Jesus “is near, at the very gates” but not the day and hour of his coming. The world will be caught “unaware” as if by a thief in the night because they haven’t believed the truth of God’s word. It will be a complete shock to a world that hates Christ and his church and has ignored those who preach righteousness.

Some taken others left

40 "Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left.
41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left."

God’s elect will be resurrected and taken up to be with the Lord. Nothing in this context mentions the resurrection of the wicked dead. It will be a glorious time for the elect but devastating to those left behind on earth.

His coming should engender believers to be alert and faithful

42 "Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming."
43 "But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into."
44 "Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
45 "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?"
46 "Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes."
47 "Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions."
48 "But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’"
49 "and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards,"
50 "the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know"
51 "and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Our Lord will return as he promised. Christ commands that we “stay awake” for we “must be ready” as faithful servants when he returns. He will reward the faithful. Are we faithful servants who will be found awake and ready when he returns?

(2 Peter 1:10 – 11)
“10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

(Revelation 22;7 – 14)
“7 And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.
8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me,
9 but he said to me, ‘You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.’
10 And he said to me, ‘Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.
11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.’
12 Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.”

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Charles Wesley 1739

The Last Trumpet

At the last trump is a phrase often ignored.

“Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
(Acts 1:11, KJV)

“so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” (Hebrews 9:28 NKJV)

The book of Revelation is one subject; the revealing of Jesus Christ. His words to the churches and his return to earth and events which follow are given in chronological succession.   When does Christ return to gather the elect? Some suggest Revelation 4:1 is when this happens. This text clearly states John is called up to heaven, not the entire body of the elect. The scripture never designates John as a type of the church. Some view the book of Revelation as an allegory and deny a chronological succession. An examination in light of scripture alone is necessary and helpful to provide clarity.

Many new testament references to Christ’s return mention a trumpet sounding and a shout or voice speaking. The Bible is not a book of accidental coincidence and the Holy Spirit speaks exactly therefore attention must be given to the phrase “at the last trump”. This phrase is an essential component of the narrative of the Lord’s return. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV) This presentation explores how this phrase fits into the scriptural timing of the end times. This is not a study of every event or verse that pertains to our Lord’s return. No one can know the exact day or hour of his return. It is offered for consideration and contemplation.

The disciples asked Jesus when he would return. Many are still asking today. The question and Jesus’ answer is recorded in Matthew chapter 24 where Jesus gave details of events concerning his return and how his followers can discern the times when this will happen. “the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age? "And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you.” (Matthew 24:3-4 NKJV)

Jesus began his answer with a warning. The history of the visible church since the Lord ascended to heaven shows how needed it remains. The doctrine of the Lord’s second coming to earth has become obscured by theories invented by theologians over the millennia. Some theories such as amillennialism are clearly and profoundly false because it denies God’s plainly written word. A system of theology which divides the body of Christ into two parts uses elements of the original view (known today as historic pre-millennialism) within their new interpretation. The early church believed the words of Christ and his disciples. Further study on the different views is found an earlier chapter at http://thegospelworks.org/views.html.

The words of Jesus are essential to any conversation about his second coming. “Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV2011)   Jesus is pure truth. God’s word is pure, absolute unchanging truth. There is no truth apart from God. Genesis records how Satan added one word to God’s word thereby altering the meaning. Satan added “not” to God's warning. God told Adam if he ate of the tree he would surely die. Satan added “not” to God’s word and told Adam if he ate of the tree he would “not” surely die. How easy but dangerous to taper with God’s word. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:2, ESV2011). Tamper means to alter or falsify, usually in a secret or dishonest manner. This describes the actions of Satan. It is never right or safe to add to or take away or ignore or change God’s word in any manner, God’s word is pure truth. It must be taken as written and handled with care lest the way of Satan enter into our meditations.

"And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24:31 NKJV)

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 KJV)

The apostle Paul wrote that Christ’s return will be announced “with the trump of God” and the dead in Christ will rise first. Paul wrote there is a successive order to resurrections. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive but each one in his own order: Christ the first fruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-24 NKJV). A general resurrection of all the dead at one time is not taught in scripture. Christ first, his saints at his return and the wicked dead at the end of Christ’s one thousand year reign upon the earth when he delivers the kingdom to the Father. This is plainly revealed in Revelation chapter 20.

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed--in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:52 NKJV).

Paul reveals “a mystery” in his first letter to the Corinthian church; the resurrection of the elect and Christ’s return at “the last trumpet”. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 24 that when he comes again the elect will be resurrected and taken up to be with him. The return of our Lord and the resurrection of those in him are simultaneous. This is also recorded in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4. In his first letter to the Corinthian church Paul said the resurrection of Christians will take place at “the last trumpet”. Since the resurrection of Christians and Christ’s return occur at the same time then the phrase “at the last trumpet” is supremely important to understanding the sequence of events that relate to Christ’s return.

Some believe “the last trumpet” is allegorical, poetic or a generic term not to be taken literally. The sound of a trumpet at the time of our Lord’s return is mentioned many times in the new testament. The Holy Spirit was specific, “the last trumpet”. Why would the Holy Spirit say “last” unless He meant “last”? This statement is not allegorical, poetic or a generic term but a specific reference to “the last trumpet” which will announce Christ’s return and the resurrection of those in Christ. To disregard this phrase is to open wide the door of misunderstanding regarding important facts relevant to the return of Christ to earth. “Last” simply means last, final, finish. The phrase must be taken literally. To do otherwise would be to believe God uses irrelevant words.

Paul writing to the church in Galatia demonstrates a principle of understanding scripture. “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” (Galatians 3:16 KJV). Individual words of scripture are important. Whether the word is singular or plural is essential to correct understanding. This principle is known as verbal plenary inspiration. Verbal means God breathed the words and plenary means every word. Therefore “the last trumpet” is important to a correct understanding of Christ’s return to earth; every word.

Can we afford to ignore “the last trumpet”?   Should we dismiss “last” as lacking importance? The answer is NO to these questions for anyone seeking to understand Jesus' return. Creeds, theologians and scholars should be given little attention but the word of God should be believed as written. A degree from a prestigious seminary or university is worthless if a person does not believe the word of God as written.

The word of God tells us the “last” (meaning final, finish) trumpet heralds Christ’s second coming. To be designated “last” establishes the fact that more than one trumpet is involved in the narrative of our Lord’s return to earth. Where can we learn more about these trumpets? When does “the last trumpet” sound? As always only the written word of God should be used to establish doctrine.

Beginning in Revelation chapter 8 an announcement is made about seven angels with seven trumpets that signal a series of judgments upon the earth.
1 “And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.”
3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.
5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
(Revelation 8:1-6, KJV)

"5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,
6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” (Revelation 10:5 - 7 KJV)

“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15 KJV)

In 1 Corinthians 15:52 Paul revealed the mystery that the resurrection of the elect will happen at the last trumpet. John, writing exactly as he was shown, said that the last of the 7 trumpets would signal the mystery of God would be finished or completed. Paul wrote that it is to be “with the voice of the archangel” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Michael is called the archangel in Jude verse 9. The scripture is the breath of God the creator, therefore it is crucial that the words of scripture not be ignored nor dismissed as irrelevant.

John the apostle clearly states what happens when the last of the seven trumpets sounds; the mystery of God is completed. The disciples asked what would be the sign of Christ’s coming and of the end of the age? In Revelation 11:15 the age will end when the kingdoms of earth “become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Clearly it states “the kingdoms of this world” will become “the kingdoms of our Lord” . Christ will indeed literally rule upon this earth when he returns. Remember when Jesus taught his disciples how to pray? “thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as in heaven”. (Matthew 6:10, KJV)

New testament references to the mystery of God?

“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:” (Ephesians 3:9)

“Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” (Colossians 1:26-27)

“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;” (Colossians 2:2)

“Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” (Colossians 4:3-4)

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16)

“But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” (Revelation 10:7)

“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)

“Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.” (1 Corinthians 15:24-25, NKJV)

The apostle John was given the revelation that the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of Christ at the sound of the seventh or last trumpet. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 “the voice of the archangel” announces the return of Christ and the resurrection of the dead in Christ and believers who remain alive shall be changed. All new testament writers agree on the events of Jesus’ return because their knowledge came from God himself. Each adds details to the narrative giving us a more complete understanding of the whole.

“…….at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:52)

4 “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:4-6, KJV)

Some believe the first resurrection is spiritual and occurs in heaven and events in Revelation 20 describe the only physical resurrection which includes everyone who has died. This view is not founded in scripture. Why does the Holy Spirit assign the designation of first to resurrection of those who are in Christ? Simply because it is the first after that of Jesus himself (“each in his own order”). The scripture is clear that those who are part of the first resurrection are free from the second death therefore it cannot include the resurrection of the wicked dead. The first death is physical and the second death is the lake of fire.

A parenthetical note about methods of interpretation. This was explained earlier in methods. Those who view Revelation in general and chapter 20 especially as spiritual or allegorical assert that it requires a “different” method of interpretation. What authority declared a different method is necessary; and who decides what passages require it? There is no precedent in the canon of scripture to warrant a different method. When a person refuses to believe the scripture as written then a technique must be found to annul the plain reading of scripture. A different method becomes necessary to justify an unwillingness to believe God’s word as written. The different method is then used to deny that God meant what he said in order to fit a passage into a preconceived doctrinal view. Believing God's word distinguishes the disciple from the pharisee. The depraved human heart using human intellect is skilled at inventing schemes (definition: a statement that evades the question by cleverness or trickery) to avoid believing the words of God as he spoke them.

Every person will be raised from the dead but not at the same time. Only those in Christ will receive a new body when resurrected. The dead who are not resurrected at his return will not receive a new body. “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28) These will will be raised after the 1000 year reign of Christ on earth and have their body and soul cast into hell.

Jesus said, "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." (Matthew 24:31)

Luke said, "So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand."   (Luke 21:31)

Paul said, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

Paul also said, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.   Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NKJV)

The writer of Hebrews said, “For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (Hebrews 10:37-38, KJV)

John said, “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” (Revelation 10:7, KJV)

“Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” (Colossians 1:26-27, KJV)

Christ in us is a spiritual relationship at present. When the Lord returns we will receive our new body. At that time our redemption will be complete and the mystery of God will be complete. “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30, KJV)   When the “day of redemption” occurs our relationship will become incarnate or corporal and we will be present with the Lord for eternity.

“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (I Thessalonians 4:17, KJV)

Several New Testament writers make known to us the return of Christ. This narrative is a single unified whole. Each writer adds more detail thereby giving us a more complete understanding of the whole. It is not hidden but revealed as John said in the opening of Revelation; “The revelation of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1). No need to look for a hidden meaning when the whole has been revealed. Believing God’s word as written is edifying thus we grow in grace and knowledge.

Changing scripture to accommodate a man devised scheme of theology is destructive of sound doctrine and eternally dangerous to those who do so.   “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV2011)   “Do your best to present yourself to God as an approved worker who has nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of truth with precision.” (2 Timothy 2:15, ISV) The word of God is a sword therefore we must do our best to handle it rightly with precision. “take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (Ephesians 6:17, ESV2011) God’s word is eternal and unchanging and he requires us to believe it to gain his approval.

God has not revealed everything to us but he has revealed all we need to know while living on earth. What a wonderful blessing to simply believe God’s word as it is written. It is unnecessary, confusing and dangerous to invent persons, events or words not in the context. We should imitate the noble Jews of Berea who “received the word with all eagerness, examining the scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11 ESV) They sought confirmation in the scriptures. Abraham believed the words of God. Can the same be said of us?

Confidence should be placed only in God’s word as written. Creeds and systematic theologies put together by men are worthy of little confidence because these can be misleading. Only God establishes doctrine through his written word. “One Lord, one faith, one baptism,”   (Ephesians 4:5) Seek to understand God’s word by means of the Holy Spirit who guides us to all truth. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17, KJV)

Views of our Lord's return Methods of Interpretation History of Christ's 1st Advent Jesus Returns Matthew 24 The Last Trumpet

Views of our Lord's Return

Dispensational Pre-millennialism Amillennialism Post-millennialism Historic Pre-millennialism

Methods of Interpretation

Normal Allegorical Genre True

History of the First Advent of Christ

Old Testament Reformation

The return of our Lord

The Last Trumpet